I was set on the pork butt, but hubby wanted to do ribs. As it was getting late in the morning, we decided on ribs for the first cook, but he bought both chunks of meat. Did the ribs (set 1/2 of the slab in a brine of water, salt, brown sugar and garlic, didn't brine the other 1/2 just to compare) Used a rub that was 1/2 McCormick Maple something-or-other and 1/2 onion flakes. Cooked for 3-4 hours. Not really sure of the temp as we were up and down and down and up learning how to regulate temps. When I went to remove them from the rib rack, they were stuck. As I pryed them off, I was surprised to get squirted with some rib juice! Also threw on some corn on the cob for about 2 hours. Everything was great. Husband loved the ribs, even picky 4 YO daughter complimented on them. Sons and dog were equally happy.
That was last night. After dinner, I started the pork butt in the fridge with some rub/paste. Followed the Nakes Whiz's Mojo Smoked Pulled Pork recipe pretty much to the T. Started the butt around midnight, checked it at 5am and it was still at 230. When I got back up around 8, the fire was out and temps at 100. Had to run out to get more lump, took me FOREVER to get the dang fire started again. All the while the pork was sitting on the patio cooling and the dog was sitting at the door drooling. Was a little concerned that the cool-down period this morning was going to ruin it, but then I got it back in the cooker at 230-250 for another 5 hours or so. Had to grab a meat thermometer and the meat was at about 200 when I pulled it off.
Again, it was stuck to the grill. I thought I could stick a fork in either side, pick it up and move it 20" to the platter I had waiting. Agh, no! So juicy and tender that it was falling apart as soon as I touched it. Pulled it, threw on some Mojo Sauce, put it on a roll with cole slaw and it was great! Again, daughter loved it.
Very exciting. Hmmm. What to cook tomorrow....