Hello from Oklahoma!

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fanci

Fire Starter
Original poster
Nov 10, 2015
34
13
OKC,OK
Hello fellow smokers I am new to the 'Q' world, so I hope when I mess up it will be a learning experience.  I have been a lurker on this forum for a while, because I really enjoy all the tips and photos.  I notice everyone here is most polite and do their best to help one another.  I have grown to love this forum!   I live a simple life in a rural small town east of OklahomaCity,OK with my 3 dogs and 2 Arabian horses.   I enjoy going to BBQ cook offs and watching them on TV.  I just retired from the state after 30 years.  I started when I was a teen, so I hope that I have alot of BBQ smoking years left.  Also I have read some posts on here where people grow vegetables. I hope to be able to try that next year.  I have cooked ribs, pulled pork, and one brisket.....still learning though.  I don't know how to make burnt ends yet.  My ribs were a disaster - too dry.  I will try again.   I own an old Masterbuilt, a Cookshack smokett, and a Big Steel Keg.  I am still learning how to use them, ha!  It may sound weird but the old Masterbuilt is my favorite.   It is one of the first that came out.  It is ancient!  Still going strong though.  My Christmas wish is to own a newer model.   I look forward to learning more about techniques, temperatures, meat safety and much more.  Gosh, I hope this isn't too much information, but I am not sure what is required for the forum as a newbie..  Thanks!
 
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Hey Fanci,  Welcome to the site.  Congratulations on your retirement.  I envy you your extra time to pursue your interests.

Don't worry too much about messing up your ribs.  Smoking is a learning experience and many of us have wound up with relatively expensive dog food a time or two.

Don't hesitate to ask questions about any smoke project you decide to pursue.  Plenty of helpful folks round here.
 
One eyed Jack:  Thank you so much for making me feel welcomed!  Yes, the ribs were dog food, ha!   I tried them again and were much better, yay! 
 
Welcome to SMF!
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The good thing about the smoking hobby is you get to eat your mistakes (most of the time) and have a reason to get right back at 'er.

After all, this would be a pretty boring place if we all just pumped out pics of perfect briskets and ribs..
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Happy smokin'
 
You'll fit right in. You already smell like smoke.

This is a very friendly BBQ board. We don't hassle anyone unless they fail to post PICS.
 
I like my smoking hobby and want to get good at it.  Thanks!
 
BlueWhisper, I not only smelled like smoke but also have this black junk under my nails after cleaning my smoker. I'm messy so had it all over.  Washed my hands but it's hard to get it out from under the nails.  Had to go to the store and I'm sure the checker thought I was a dirty girl and had not washed my hands for days, ha!   There was a line, so not time to explain myself to her.  oh well.  Need to find out do I clean smoker inside out, the walls or just the grates.   Hay, I will post the photos of my second attempt at ribs as soon as I can figure out how to do it.  I think I have to go to the pork section but not sure.    
 
 
BlueWhisper, I not only smelled like smoke but also have this black junk under my nails after cleaning my smoker. I'm messy so had it all over.  Washed my hands but it's hard to get it out from under the nails.  Had to go to the store and I'm sure the checker thought I was a dirty girl and had not washed my hands for days, ha!   There was a line, so not time to explain myself to her.  oh well.  Need to find out do I clean smoker inside out, the walls or just the grates.   Hay, I will post the photos of my second attempt at ribs as soon as I can figure out how to do it.  I think I have to go to the pork section but not sure.    
Hey Fanci;  Here's a tip from an old mechanic.  Coat your hands with this stuff and work it up under your nails.  It will make cleaning your hands and nails a good bit easier.


I generally only clean the grates and the lid,  (Whatever is above the food, and anything that fat drips on),  of the cooker.  Over time the inside of the cooker develops a pretty good load of "stuff" but I don't see it as a problem unless it starts flaking off onto your chow.  I've got an air compressor that does a pretty good job of blowing off anything loose enough to cause a problem, but a stiff brush,  (That your not too attached to), would work also.  The sides of the smoker could be a problem if you put something in there large enough to contact the sides.
 
One eyed Jack:  Thank you for that information on the hand cleaner.  I will check it out.   OK on the cleaning of the smoker, that is good idea.  Now I know for sure, thanks!
 
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