BRADLEY SMOKER | "Taste the Great Outdoors"

Smoking Techniques => Curing => Topic started by: acords on September 01, 2007, 06:37:18 AM

Title: Bacon
Post by: acords on September 01, 2007, 06:37:18 AM
I've got a loin in curing.  TQ and maple sugar crystal since Monday.  I added some maple syrup a couple of days ago.  In the past I've smoked until completely cooked.  I wanted to just smoke it for 4 hours and then slice it and fry to finish the cooking process this time.  I'm not really attempting a cold smoke, but rather a warm smoke.  My goal was to take the loins to about 130.  Does anybody see any potential hazards.
Title: Re: Bacon
Post by: Gizmo on September 01, 2007, 11:34:24 AM
One of the books I have on bacon recommended an IT of 138 deg which is what I take mine to when hot smoking.  Hot smoking being any temperature over 100 deg (under 100 deg is cold smoking).  I always fry to finish as well so I don't think the 130 deg would be a problem especially since cold smoking and frying aftwards is good stuff. 
Title: Re: Bacon
Post by: Smudge on September 01, 2007, 02:11:18 PM
This is an underutilized method IMO of the smoking process where one partially cooks the product, freezes, then fully cooks it prior to eating.

But when are you planning the smoke acords? Curing a thick loin fully with TQ will take more time than 5 days, won't it?
Title: Re: Bacon
Post by: Habanero Smoker on September 01, 2007, 02:22:48 PM
When I cure hams, I partially smoke/cook to 128°F-130°F, before storing either in the refrigerator or freezer. Then finish them in the oven at a later date. I've never had a problem.
Title: Re: Bacon
Post by: 3rensho on September 01, 2007, 10:33:45 PM
I too take my bacon slabs to an IT of 128-130 as HS said.  Then overnight in the refer, slice, fry and enjoy.  Len Poli recommends 130 and I have some bacon cure that says 125-130. 

Tom
Title: Re: Bacon
Post by: Habanero Smoker on September 02, 2007, 01:31:48 AM
Tom;

You are right. I also take my slab bacon to 127°F-130°F.
Title: Re: Bacon
Post by: acords on September 02, 2007, 06:38:21 AM
Thanks  to all for the input, I'll post some photos.
Title: Re: Bacon
Post by: acords on September 02, 2007, 11:08:14 AM
Smoked 4 hours no oven heat.  Took to 120 degrees.  Sitting in the sun, the smoke generator brought to cabinet temp to 145.

(http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g260/acords/Maplebacon003.jpg)

(http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g260/acords/Maplebacon002.jpg)

(http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g260/acords/Maplebacon001.jpg)
Title: Re: Bacon
Post by: Wildcat on September 02, 2007, 03:45:25 PM
Looking good.  Where are the eggs and grits?
Title: Re: Bacon
Post by: iceman on September 04, 2007, 09:32:56 AM
Now that's breakfast if I ever saw one! Wow acords. Nice looking bacon guy.
Title: Re: Bacon
Post by: Carter on September 04, 2007, 09:38:22 AM
That's some nice presentation Acords.

I'll have to add that to my every growing list of Bradley "to dos".

Carter
Title: Re: Bacon
Post by: acords on September 04, 2007, 09:39:37 AM
I may have forgotten to mention the adult beverages consumed during the smoke process.  It is a crucial element to success.  Do not leave this step out ;)
Title: Re: Bacon
Post by: begolf25 on September 04, 2007, 11:20:42 AM
Looks great!  This has been on my list of things to do for a long time. What wood did you use?  Bet that would also be good on some pizza with a little pineapple!
Title: Re: Bacon
Post by: acords on September 04, 2007, 11:29:25 AM
Maple, everything about this bacon is MAPLE.  I used maple sugar crystals and pure maple syrup.  It actually came out somewhat sweet. 
Title: Re: Bacon
Post by: begolf25 on September 06, 2007, 05:42:52 AM
Quote from: acords on September 04, 2007, 11:29:25 AM
Maple, everything about this bacon is MAPLE.  I used maple sugar crystals and pure maple syrup.  It actually came out somewhat sweet. 

I guess I probably should have figured that out on my own  ;D
Title: Re: Bacon
Post by: NePaSmoKer on September 07, 2007, 07:07:18 AM
acords

those look great. Nice job


nepas
Title: Re: Bacon
Post by: Stickbowcrafter on October 23, 2007, 04:13:44 AM
Nice looking finished product.

-Brian
Title: Re: Bacon
Post by: MallardWacker on October 26, 2007, 11:14:31 AM
Gosh I want some BACON....