hey guys

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jayskibum

Fire Starter
Original poster
Nov 12, 2013
41
10
Vermont
My name is Matt.  I am from Vermont.  Right up on the Canadian border.  I am new to the smoking world.  Just purchased my MES 30" electric smoker with window last night.  Got it from tractor supply, figured for $150 i couldn't go wrong.

I seasoned it last night and have been reading as much as i can on here.  I have decided my first attempt is going to be 3-2-1 spare ribs or 2-2-1 baby back ribs depending on whats available at the store when i go shopping.

I have settled on a Chef Jimmy rub and foiling juice that i found on this site (so many options finally just broke down and picked one.  he seems to get good reviews).  Going to prep them tonight and apply the rub and hopefully smoke them tomorrow if i can get out of work early enough (shouldn't be a problem all about priorities lol).

So here comes my question i have settled on a combination of apple and mesquite chips.  I know the mesquite can be strong so i am leaning toward 75% apple and 25% mesquite.  I do like mesquite flavor just a little scared to make it to strong.  Is this a good mixture for ribs or should it be tweaked a touch either up or down?  I understand everyones taste buds are a little different.  Just looking for everybodies 2 cents.
 
I personally tend to lean toward a 50/50 mixture (or equivalent) when using multiple woods. I use them simultaneously.

One thing also to consider is how you want to use your woods. Simultaneously gives a more balanced flavor but you can highlight your flavors by the order in which you use them separately because the final flavor will " rest on top" of your other flavors. 
 
hey rc,

thanks for the input.  yea i intend to mix the chips and use them together.  i was also originally leaning towards a 50/50 blend.  But based on what i read on here lead me to reevalute my plan.  Hence the question.  So maybe i will go with the 50/50 blend after all
 
hmmm but know you got me thinking maybe due the apple chips for the first three hrs, then switch to the mesquite for the final hr.  decisions decisions.  it will take me years to try everything i want to do
 
 
hey rc,

thanks for the input.  yea i intend to mix the chips and use them together.  i was also originally leaning towards a 50/50 blend.  But based on what i read on here lead me to reevalute my plan.  Hence the question.  So maybe i will go with the 50/50 blend after all
When I was first learning to smoke, my dad was known for using apple soaked in tequila first then finishing with mesquite. This usually produced a presentation that started with a strong mesquite flavor followed by a finish of hard apple spice.
 
yea i will have to try both ways.  im trying to not overcomplicate it for the first try.  thats why i picked a recipe i found on here.  as far as the tequilla goes i think i could find a better use for that lol but def have to try it in the future
 
yea i plan on either purchasing or buying a cold smoker attatchment for my MES so i can do some fish and cheese.  Havn't decided what will work best for me yet.  Super excited to smoke some cabot cheddar.  But first i need to take a deep breath and go one step at a time lol.
 
[h1]
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Hello and welcome from East Texas. This is a great site, lots of information and great people that are willing to throw in their two cents worth on about anything   ......... 
[/h1][h1]  [/h1][h1]Gary[/h1]
 
Welcome aboard, Matt!  Sounds like you've got a plan for your first rib smoke...good luck!  Be sure to let us all know how they turn out...

Red
 
thanks seenred,

I do indeed have a plan.  Ribs are wrapped and in the fridge waiting as we speak.  I am slowly counting down the hrs until i can go home and begin smoking them.  1 hr and 45 min left.  And ill let you know how they turn out.  got a few picks so far plan on taking a few more as they cook then i will post the whole show.
 
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