Christmas eve day smoked cheese

[murrhunts]

Nothing else to do today so I figure I would smoke some cheese for a New Years Eve party I am going to.

Well it is 30 degrees outside and my smoker is reaching 120 degrees with just the smoke generator on.  Last time I did cheese with this temp outside it didn't go above 60 degrees in the smoker.  Well now the cheese started to melt and came through the racks, I caught it in time and got the temp down and re-position the cheese.

Any ideas, should I have opened the top vent more to let heat out.  I am afraid of loosing too much smoke then.

Just went out to check again hit 99, this batch of cheese looks like crap!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I had cooper sharp, pepper jack, roasted garlic, longhorn, and mozzarella.   The pepper jack was the only one that didn't melt.

[Sam3]

I leave my vent wide open. I also add a bowl filled with ice above the "V" tray to keep temps down too.

[NePaSmoKer]

Sorry to hear that.

Top vent full open (i removed my vent adjustment and run full open all the time)

Worst thing to do is keep the vent closed.

[murrhunts]

I put ice in it in the fall to keep temps down, but didn't think I would have to do it now.

Oh well smoke and learn right?

It will still taste the same, but I am big on the looks too.  Especially since I was going to cut it up for a party, guess I will work around it.

[Jim O]

Unfortunately,your cheese will not taste good at all to-day. I cold smoke and let it sit vac sealed for at least 3-4 weeks in the frig before I try it.

This allows the "ash-tray" taste to disapear.

Jim O

[murrhunts]

I usually let it sit for a week and its OK, nothing has lasted longer than that ha ha!!!!

[SiFumar]

Don't throw the melted cheese away!  Wrap it up like you usually do.  Then grate it to top casseroles, use in ABT's, omelets, cheese dip.  The list is endless.  Just cause it's not pretty doesn't mean it won't taste good!

[OU812]

Don't throw the melted cheese away!  Wrap it up like you usually do.  Then grate it to top casseroles, use in ABT's, omelets, cheese dip.  The list is endless.  Just cause it's not pretty doesn't mean it won't taste good!

What she said!

[murrhunts]

OH I didn't throw it, I will cut some up for a cheese tray I have to make.  I will just work around the melted part, and use the rest for what ever.  Thanks for the input.

Anyone have any idea on why the pepper jack didn't melt like the rest of them?