Are you sure it will be ready at 5:30 AM? Just sayin'...it's done when it's done, and every smoke shakes out a bit different.
For starters, don't mop, spray, etc, as this tends to keep the meat's surface wet and loose, and can cause additional moisture evaporation from the meat during cooking. Use a dry smoke chamber (no water in a pan)...this tightens the meat fibers on the surface and seals in the natural moisture. When they reach finished temps, wrap in foil (2 layers), then wrap in towels and toss in a warm, empty cooler. They can rest for several hours and still be plenty hot enough to remain at safe temps for holding.
Please, drop by the "Roll Call" forum and introduce yourself so we can give you a proper welcome to the SMF family.
Enjoy the forums!
Eric
I have done this many times with great success - and don't forget the roll call partAre you sure it will be ready at 5:30 AM? Just sayin'...it's done when it's done, and every smoke shakes out a bit different.
For starters, don't mop, spray, etc, as this tends to keep the meat's surface wet and loose, and can cause additional moisture evaporation from the meat during cooking. Use a dry smoke chamber (no water in a pan)...this tightens the meat fibers on the surface and seals in the natural moisture. When they reach finished temps, wrap in foil (2 layers), then wrap in towels and toss in a warm, empty cooler. They can rest for several hours and still be plenty hot enough to remain at safe temps for holding.
Please, drop by the "Roll Call" forum and introduce yourself so we can give you a proper welcome to the SMF family.
Enjoy the forums!
Eric