Hello from the Centeral Coastr of California

  • Some of the links on this forum allow SMF, at no cost to you, to earn a small commission when you click through and make a purchase. Let me know if you have any questions about this.
SMF is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

kmj

Newbie
Original poster
Jun 19, 2007
6
10
Hi, everyone,

Iâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]ve been lurking on the board for quite some time and really enjoying the forum. It seems like a nice friendly group of folks who are willing to share their knowledge and expertise. I wanted to take a moment to introduce myself and explain how I became interested in BBQ.


My wife and I were visiting some places in Texas a few years ago and we happened to go into a BBQ place and ordered some Ribs, Man O Man what a difference they were from the Ribs weâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]d had in California!! They were the melt in your mouth, fall off the bone, wet type that simply flabbergasted both myself and my wife. Neither she nor I had ever tasted any thing like them before. We returned home, reminisced about our trip from time to time and remembered those ribs. Later that year I happened to stop at a garage sale and noticed a barbeque book they were selling . Something called Smoke & Spice . We haggled over the price a little bit and finally came to a compromise. Two bucks lighter but with that book in my hands I set out to do some reading and maybe learn how to do some ribs the right way.

Then it happened. I was in Home Depot one day just browsing the Grills, when away over in the corner I happened to spot something called a New Braunfels Silver smoker !! Suddenly the smell of Mesquite was drifting through the air , my wife and I were sitting at a red and black checkered table clothed table on a balmy summer night beside a canal in Texas enjoying a cool one with those Deeeelicious Ribs again. Something suddenly snapped in my head , an uncontrollable urge took over me, I felt compelled, all control of my actions were given up to some unseen power exhibiting itself over me---------------I had to buy that Silver Smoker right now! I whipped out my Credit Card and immediately bought that puppy. I brought it home, read the instructions , assembled it , seasoned it and then began to slowly take control of my senses again. Reality set in after a number of not too successful attempts at using this beast . First of all my ribs had a smoke ring alright but instead of being that nice red coloration, mine were black and bitter---- as in creosote! My smoke stack belched white smoke instead of thin blue , fire control was impossible and I began to see that I had a lot to learn plus I was now the dubious owner of a not to airtight leaky smoker in dire need of some serious modifications. Not to shirk from the task however , I did some research and did a few things that will hopefully help the situation. I extended the stack down to the grate level , I installed a baffle, took the firebox off and applied sealant to reduce some of the leakiness. Because I had to add so much charcoal and wood chunks so often, I made a coal basket that now allows for about a six hour cook at a steady 240-250 degrees.

Well, thatâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s my story. My BBQâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]g expertise has improved a little bit over time, at least my dog will eat it, and I am hoping to gain some knowledge from you folks if you can put up with some of my questions.

Thanks---------Ken


 
welcome to smf. sounds like ya know the routine a bit but even for us old pros ( i use that term loosely) try the free 5 day ecourse it'll teach you new things & maybe make ya remember things ya forgot. smoking meat is a science but not an exact 1 to make it less fun... it's always an adventure.
 
Welcome aboard. Youe story has some themes that appear in the path of many of the members. Like an out of body experience as the credit card appeared in the clerks hand, and the large box was placed in your vehicle. Then your wife shaking her head and saying "if you must". It's a story we here all too often. But you came to the right place. We understand and celebrate your choice. Come on in, relax and smoke em cause you can.
 
Welcome Ken -

You'll be smoking great ribs in no time. I'd be surprised if it doesn't hapen right off. Just remember two phases and learn how to achive them:

Low and Slow and Thin Blue Smoke

Sign up for Jeff's 5 day ecourse and checkout his Smoking PDF also. If all else fails check out my website:

http://www.deejayssmokepit.net/

There's a ton more recipes ans step by step instructions to help.

Enjoy!
 
Welcome Ken,

my wife and I had a similar experience and strong desire to start after a trip down to New Orleans several years back...
 
Welcome to the SMF, with all the great feedback from members, you'll feel right at home smokin' away.
 
SmokingMeatForums.com is reader supported and as an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases.

Latest posts

Hot Threads

Clicky