Hello from Alberta Canada!

[Dogtiredwoof]

Good morning! In about an hour I will be zipping off to the store to pick up my very first smoker! Ok well it is supposed to be an anniversary gift for my husband but that might just be the excuse I needed to buy one!
I am not sure what to make first! I kind of want to make a brisket, but I can't seem to find that cut of beef in any store around here! After I pick up my smoker.....I mean my husbands gift, I plan on visiting all the butchers in town to see if I need to specially order one or what! Ribs and turkey are on the list to smoke right away too! Oh and the kids are demanding ground beef jerky! Is this something I can do 100% in the smoker? I have read a lot of mention about dehydrators so I am confused!
Anyways I didn't sleep a wink last night thinking about the smoker and when I did I just dreamt about brisket! LOL I know I need a life!

Anyways any advice would be appreciated!

DTW ;D

[devo]

Welcome to the forum Dogtiredwoof

For my first smoke I did ribs. They are easy to prepare and don't take long in the smoker. Cold smoked cheese was another thing I did right away. Just dive in and if you have a question one of the forum members will help you out.

[beefmann]

welcome to the forum Dog tired.

Id do ribs, or tri tip just to get a feel for the smoker after you  wash the interior and racks then season it,  Also it takes a lot longer to smoke / cook in a unit like this, because of the temperature  we coon at 225 F' typically and not much higher, keep the top vent wide open, and  when the meat starts getting done it turns almost solid black due to the smoking process.

i would buy a variety pack to help you  choose what flavor briquettes you  like and start   off with two hours and add or subtract time of smoke from there

[ghost9mm]

Welcome to the forum, there are lots of really great tips and hints on how to prepare different things, if you read just half of the information that is available to you on this forum you will turn out some killer meals with (YOUR) husbands smoker... :D


             Gary

[3rensho]

Welcome DTWoof.  Jump in with both feet and don't be shy about asking questions.  My first smoke was a butt.  Don't know what they might call it in Canada.  Took me quite some time to come to grips with meat cuts in French and German here in Switzerland.

[SoCalBuilder]

Welcome Woof - I'm sure you'll have a blast with your husband's new toy. You can definitely do jerky in the Bradley from start to finish. After the smoke, I take out the water bowl as there is no sense in introducing moisture when you are trying to remove it ???

Ribs are a good start, or maybe some chicken. These can be done in a shorter period of time. Your first overnight smoke can be a bit taxing. Just keep reading here and asking questions. Most of all, have fun and enjoy the smoke.

[grnhs]

I did a pork shoulder for my first smoke, after a pulled pork sandwich from that there was no turning back. ;D

[RossP]

Welcome to the forum, now since you live in Cattle country you should be able to go down to the butcher and ask for a brisket. I know that in Alberta you can get brisket, my brother has got it from the co-op in Calgary. What part of Alberta you in. I was in Cold Lake for a few years back in the 70's and have family in Calgary and Edmonton which makes for some great debates about hockey and football ::) Let me know if you want to be included on the Bradley Member Map.

Ross

[RAF128]

Most of the grocery stores don't have brisket, at least I've never seen it at Safeway, Sobeys of Extra foods here.    Every butcher shop has it and if not in stock they'll get it for you quick.   

[ArnieM]

Hi DTW and welcome to the forum.  You really should let your husband use his present occasionally.  :D

[Dogtiredwoof]

Thanks for the welcome everyone!
I was able to find a brisket at the local Sobey's, just had to ask for it. I'm a little worried that a brisket might be too ambitious for the first time, but since I have it I might as well commit to it!
I tried to get that sucker in my garage so I can clean it and season it, but I can't seem to manage. I am only five foot nothing and I can't even get it out of the back of the truck! Oh well since it IS a gift I guess I SHOULD give it un-opened and un-used!

Oh and as for our location, we are just west of Edmonton. And you are right about the rivelry between Edmonton and Calgary. Seeing how the Oilers are last yet again let's not talk hockey! LOL

I will let you know how the brisket works out! I hope to be able to navigate this forum butter and post the update in the right place!

DTW

[SiFumar]

Welcome!  I too got the smoker for the hubby....for his retirement.  But he says he's not ready to retire so the smoker is mine now.  Best gift I ever got him! ;D  This site is the best!  Read, read, read!  You'll be amazed at what is smoked and will get you thinking ahead on what you're smoking next.  And many times you'll drool at the pics....I think we all have!  Welcome again and enjoy "your" smoker.  Happy Anniversary!