tony b

@Tyrus - lots of good intell on the web about SV cooks (Moderist Cuisine, Serious Eats). MacKenzie and I have experimented on several cooks - see posts in the Sous Vide section of the Forum. Only thing that I've struggled with was mashed potatoes - I found that it takes longer and a bit higher temperature than the standard literature says. MacKenzie experimented with some malted enzyme. It made the potatoes very creamy, but I didn't like the flavor it imparted to the spuds. We also tried to optimize a "hot & fast" method for poaching eggs, as the preferred "low & slow" method takes 45+ minutes. MacKenzie got it down, but I bailed because it was taking 3 steps to get the whites set without setting the yolks - sous vide, then ice bath, followed by boiling water bath. I just plan ahead now for the longer cooking time.

Can't wait to hear what ya'll do with them, once you get them? @Tyrus - I think that they'd rock a Bloody Mary. Would add that "je ne sais quoi," similar to using black cardamom.

Yeah, make sure that you're using food grade paper and not just regular "kraft paper." Here's the Amazon link for what I get: https://smile.amazon.com/Butcher-Durable-Approved-ORIGINAL-smoking/dp/B0757WVCJK

I wouldn't pay $250/lb for it - that's more than Kobe beef for crying out loud. That said, I have had a lot of fun trying it and doing different things with it, like putting it in my beer. Try an ounce or two at their price and see if it's something that trips your trigger, then decide if it's worth it to pay the big $$ for quantity. Remember, harvest in Australia is in March, so the next crop isn't that far off, if you try it and like it, then order directly from them at 25% of the imported cost.

Yes, Robert, it's the same thing, but the price is 4x as high - $250 for a single pound. A little goes a long way. I'd start with a dime bag (4 oz) - LOL!

You should just call in sick tomorrow, as you won't be able to think about anything else but the delivery.

Most of us here are big fans of Meathead (Wilbur excluded - you didn't think that I would remember, huh?) and quote his "myth busters" often. I'm a believer in Franklin's pink butcher paper technique for briskets. I don't wrap butts or ribs.

Excellent, Dave!

Nice bird! The dark color comes from the smoke more than anything else. It kinda freaks you into thinking you've overcooked it, but it's OK.

Goddamn the Pusher man! (old Steppenwolf song!) I gave it the name as it does stain most things purple and it's highly addictive! I keep a grinder by my stove and have a shaker mixed up with flaked salt. It goes on just about everything, including eggs!

Like others have commented, you just hit "the stall." It's where the collagen and fats start to break down. Just part of the process. You can "plow through it," as you did by cranking the temp, or you can wrap it in foil or pink butcher paper, or you can just ride it out (next time account for the time in the stall - typically 2 - 3 hours.) I'm not a fan of wrapping butts, so I just wait it out. If I'm in a hurry to cook one, I'll go "hot & fast" - 325F and be done in about 1/2 the time. Good results - most folks can't taste the difference. And, I'm a huge fan of the cast iron smoker pot. Get one!!

No, she's just the KK Goddess is all!

Nice looking Bacon, Aussie, but where's the Purple Crack?

Can't argue with that! Can't wait to see the bacon when it's done!

While I'm perfectly happy with my Digi-Q II (Guru), the Flame Boss variable speed fan does sound like an upgrade in technology.

Yes, it does, Bruce. They are more like szechuan peppercorns, they have a clove like quality. If you crunch one in your mouth, it will numb your tongue. And then fun part is that they color foods purple.

Glad to hear from you, Wilbur. Been way too long, man! I've never tried to make one, only bought them. I agree with Robert, the Chachere ones, the only ones that my local market carries, are nothing special. But the shipping costs for me to get a good one are very high, so I haven't done one in a long time.

The pea "garnish" cracked me up.

You're welcome. I believe that MEATER is shipping single probes on order now. Blocks are probably several months away. No other product like it out there, to my knowledge.

If you don't have the double lined KK drip pan, mimic it with 2 aluminum pans. Put a little water in the 1st one, then put the 2nd pan inside the 1st one. Then seal the rims together with foil. This will keep the drippings from burning without steaming the turkey. Hopefully!

Not sure what to suggest next?

Once he sees the KK, he's not going to want the BEG either - LOL!

Wow! Nice KK with a view!

Nice ribs, Robert - and pictures, too? I'm visiting friends in Chicago and we went to Green Street Meats yesterday - amazing burnt ends and beef ribs.