Learning Process

Drahtharr · May 16, 2008, 10:50:40 AM

I just started smoking with my Bradley Smoker and thought I would post some of my pics for feedback. I noticed my Canadian bacon came out darker than some of the other posts I've seen, tomorrow will be tasting day. The ribs and pork butt I did came out delicious and our guest love them. However, since I got the smoker it seems like I'm feeding the neighborhood ??? Please provide feedback because I'm always willing to learn more secrets of smoking.

Smoking Duck · May 16, 2008, 11:00:23 AM

Drahtharr,

First off, welcome to the site! You will learn as much as you are willing to learn here. There is a wealth of knowledge to be had and an abundance of knowledgeable people who are more than willing to share their secrets, experiences, etc.

As far as your meat, it looks great to me. However, the true test is in how it tastes. If the neighbors are already stealing your food, I say you're well on your way. Don't be afraid to ask questions....there are no dumb ones.

SD

Habanero Smoker · May 16, 2008, 01:54:33 PM

Hi Drahtharr;
Welcome to the forum.

What internal temperature did you take the Canadian Bacon? I only take mine to 140-145°F. How long was it in the smoker? Mine is generally finished in 4 hours. How much smoke did you apply? I generally will apply 1:40 - 2 hours of smoke. What type flavor of bisquette(s) did you use? I prefer pecan, and also use maple and apple. All of these will have a factor on the color.

Wildcat · May 16, 2008, 02:00:32 PM

Habs is your man for the perfect food prep. I would recommend that you enter into a verbal contract with the guests and neighbors for them to provide at least the other covered dishes, adult beverages, and anything else you need. ;D

Gizmo · May 16, 2008, 02:03:32 PM

Drahtharr,
Welcome to the forum.
Judging from the pics and the neighbors feedback, the only advice to give you right now is to make sure you buy extra meat so there is enough for yourself after the vultures, I mean neighbors, are done circulating. Actually here is a great tip - it is time to break out the tip ($$) jar.

Drahtharr · May 16, 2008, 03:57:11 PM

Habenero Smoker,
I pulled it when it hit 150 and it was in there give or take 4 hours. I did two hours of smoke and used the maple pucks. I couldn't wait until tomorrow so I had some tonight. It had a nice smoke ring that was about 1/16 in the edge and had a nice pink color to it. It was very good and the neighbor liked it as well ;) My next task is chicken; do you have any suggestions on how I should do it? I was planning on soaking it in brine and then smoke it. I would like to thank everybody for their feedback and welcoming me to the site.

westexasmoker · May 16, 2008, 04:27:15 PM

Welcome Drahtharr

Lots of excellent help on this forum, not sure how much will come from me ;D Meat looks good to me, and as ready stated if the neighbors liked it I believe you hit a homer!

C

FLBentRider · May 16, 2008, 04:48:05 PM

W E L C O M E to the forum Drahtharr

Did you rub anything on the meat that had sugar in it ?

Drahtharr · May 16, 2008, 06:20:00 PM

I had brown sugar in the curing blend for the bacon...

FLBentRider · May 16, 2008, 07:00:15 PM

Some will put maple syrup on a the bacon after the drying process. Sometimes that will make the surface of the finished product darker. It does not sound like that is the case.

KyNola · May 16, 2008, 07:21:05 PM

Welcome aboard!! Can't add about the Canadian bacon because Habs is the expert on all things smoked. For the chickens, open your vent all the way as poultry holds a lot of moisture, especially if you brine it first, which I really recommend.

Let us know how it comes out.
KyNola

westexasmoker · May 16, 2008, 07:33:30 PM

HABS Canadian bacon...is the bomb....I can't make enough(everybody has a taste and I give it away, they love it!!) Once again thanks Habs... You'll never go for something else!!

C

westexasmoker · May 16, 2008, 07:43:36 PM

That kinda came out wrong....Habs is the bomb(I'm new) but the CB receipe is incredible....what do I know I'm a newbie!! ;D

C

tturaider · May 16, 2008, 08:02:12 PM

Welcome to the forum!! You can learn a lot from the pros on this site. By the way the pics look great.

Arcs_n_Sparks · May 16, 2008, 09:11:08 PM

Drahtharr,

Welcome to the forum. Awesome smoke you have posted. Did anyone mention the tithe due to the board for such outstanding work? I will send you my address shortly...... :D Great stuff 8)

Arcs_n_Sparks