Yesterday I acquired a large slab of uncured and soon to be bacon. I went to the store and got a box of kosher salt, some seasonings, and a small bottle of maple syrup. I already had a bag of brown sugar.
All essential ingredients for curing the meat and turning it into bacon. I checked on the meat this morning and it is nearly thawed but not totally yet. After it is completely thawed I'll cut it into two or three even sized pieces and start the curing process.
Mix equal parts of kosher salt and brown sugar, add in the syrup until it is still a dry mix but not a syrupy mess (the syrup just makes the salt and sugar sticky but it does add some flavor) and then you add in your seasoning of your choice. You rub the mix all over each piece of meat and place into ziploc bags.
You then place the soon to be curing meat into the fridge. After the first day you will notice a lot of juice has appeared in the bag. Leave it, it'll act as a brine. You flip the meat over once a day so the top and bottom are in the brine.
That's about as easy as it gets! No hard, tricky steps. Nothing to monitor closely. Nothing at all to do except turn the meat over once a day!
I'll begin today with the dry rub and get the meat into the plastic bags today!
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Operation: Making Bacon
I've been reading about curing bacon this past week. It's a simple process that takes about a week to complete. Very easy though. Since you aren't using sodium nitrate it is also healthier....well as far as bacon is healthy anyway.
You use kosher salt, brown sugar, and the seasonings you want like maple syrup or peppercorns or BBQ spices or whatever. Commercial bacon is usually wet cured, homemade bacon is dry cured and then smoked until the internal temperature of the meat reaches one hundred fifty degrees. Not enough to cook the meat, just enough to smoke it good and impart the flavor you want.
You can also cold smoke bacon which is something I'd rather do since it is still Winter out. You take a soldering iron, a tin can, and wood chips. The way you MacGyver this all together is by poking holes in the can's side and partially cut the end of the can with a can opener. You put the wood chips into the end of the can until it is full, place the soldering iron in with the chips, place the whole thing into your smoker, and plug it in. In a couple of hours you have smoked food!
This works best with cheeses and soft foods that will melt if you used heat.
So now my task lies ahead, I'm on a quest for a pork belly!
You use kosher salt, brown sugar, and the seasonings you want like maple syrup or peppercorns or BBQ spices or whatever. Commercial bacon is usually wet cured, homemade bacon is dry cured and then smoked until the internal temperature of the meat reaches one hundred fifty degrees. Not enough to cook the meat, just enough to smoke it good and impart the flavor you want.
You can also cold smoke bacon which is something I'd rather do since it is still Winter out. You take a soldering iron, a tin can, and wood chips. The way you MacGyver this all together is by poking holes in the can's side and partially cut the end of the can with a can opener. You put the wood chips into the end of the can until it is full, place the soldering iron in with the chips, place the whole thing into your smoker, and plug it in. In a couple of hours you have smoked food!
This works best with cheeses and soft foods that will melt if you used heat.
So now my task lies ahead, I'm on a quest for a pork belly!
Friday, February 26, 2010
Happy Friday!
Today is payday Friday, that makes me happy:) After the unexpected death of our present from Witchy, Scrat, was killed by the neighbor's dog we adopted another pretty little kitten last night. Scotch was getting very lonely and the dog was running from him in his attempts to play so he needed a companion:)
They are about the same age and she is very shy right now. She's feeling out the house and environment to see what is here. Scotch has hissed and growled at her a couple of times but nothing major.
I think she'll fit right in before long:) She is just really scared of things right now but hasn't even been in the house for twenty four hours yet.
I talked to the owner of the dog. He is a twelve year old rottweiler and past his expiration date. The owner said he was on his last legs right now and wouldn't last much longer. He apologized a lot and felt really bad.
So we have a new kitten now:)
They are about the same age and she is very shy right now. She's feeling out the house and environment to see what is here. Scotch has hissed and growled at her a couple of times but nothing major.
I think she'll fit right in before long:) She is just really scared of things right now but hasn't even been in the house for twenty four hours yet.
I talked to the owner of the dog. He is a twelve year old rottweiler and past his expiration date. The owner said he was on his last legs right now and wouldn't last much longer. He apologized a lot and felt really bad.
So we have a new kitten now:)
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Half Done
The electrical system is now brand new! From where it attaches to the house to where it enters the house. The outlet wiring is the same but it was replaced before I moved in.
Brand new breaker box with lots of room to expand.
Brand new outdoor outlet.
Brand new mast.
Brand new meter holder.
Brand new ground.
He showed me the old ones and they were about to burn up. It was ugly for sure. Even the new breaker I had put in during the Summer was burning already.
The house is now officially ready for the new central heat/air unit to be installed:) Hopefully today they'll call me and start on installing it!
Brand new breaker box with lots of room to expand.
Brand new outdoor outlet.
Brand new mast.
Brand new meter holder.
Brand new ground.
He showed me the old ones and they were about to burn up. It was ugly for sure. Even the new breaker I had put in during the Summer was burning already.
The house is now officially ready for the new central heat/air unit to be installed:) Hopefully today they'll call me and start on installing it!
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
It Starts Today
Before the new central heat/air unit can be installed we ran into some problems at the breaker box. That'll be replaced today. Then that should open the door for everything electrical that needs to be done to put in the brand spanking new heat/air unit!
I can't wait! Efficient heat, soothing cool air, yes! Hot in the Winter, cold in the Summer! Cheaper bills and faster heating/cooling times:)
I was really going to expand on the pickled sausage post from yesterday but I'm sure pretty much everyone agrees with me so there is no need;) No, I know that pickled sausages are a niche snack and not for everyone. I'd definitely make it my goal though in the Zombie Apocalypse of Doom to grab as many pickled sausages as I could for survival.
We were watching Man vs. Food last night and Adam went to Munchies 4:20 in Florida for a mystery challenge. They wouldn't tell him what it was until he actually got there and ordered it. Turns out it was hot wings.
Now I can handle me some spicy food, I have carried a bottle of The Source with me to cast parties to find out who can handle hot stuff, and I've got a bottle of much cooler sauce at home that clocks in at two million on the Scoville scale. The Source though is a spicy seven point two million and should not be tried by everyone, just the daring.
A jalapeno is roughly two thousand on the Scoville scale if that gives you an indication on temperature.
These wings look like they were encrusted with The Source. Adam can usually make it through a lot of these challenges but he made it through about a wing and a half last night. He had to eat ten wings in twenty minutes with no water or milk.
He has done hot challenges before but this one just dominated him. With hot stuff he can get through most of it before he gives up but this time it was very early on, like Tyson vs. Spinks.
I'd like to see him take on the challenges he failed at and see what he can do a second time around.
I can't wait! Efficient heat, soothing cool air, yes! Hot in the Winter, cold in the Summer! Cheaper bills and faster heating/cooling times:)
I was really going to expand on the pickled sausage post from yesterday but I'm sure pretty much everyone agrees with me so there is no need;) No, I know that pickled sausages are a niche snack and not for everyone. I'd definitely make it my goal though in the Zombie Apocalypse of Doom to grab as many pickled sausages as I could for survival.
We were watching Man vs. Food last night and Adam went to Munchies 4:20 in Florida for a mystery challenge. They wouldn't tell him what it was until he actually got there and ordered it. Turns out it was hot wings.
Now I can handle me some spicy food, I have carried a bottle of The Source with me to cast parties to find out who can handle hot stuff, and I've got a bottle of much cooler sauce at home that clocks in at two million on the Scoville scale. The Source though is a spicy seven point two million and should not be tried by everyone, just the daring.
A jalapeno is roughly two thousand on the Scoville scale if that gives you an indication on temperature.
These wings look like they were encrusted with The Source. Adam can usually make it through a lot of these challenges but he made it through about a wing and a half last night. He had to eat ten wings in twenty minutes with no water or milk.
He has done hot challenges before but this one just dominated him. With hot stuff he can get through most of it before he gives up but this time it was very early on, like Tyson vs. Spinks.
I'd like to see him take on the challenges he failed at and see what he can do a second time around.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Pickled Sausages: Nature's Perfect Food?
Now those of you who are long time readers will recall my blog, Funyuns: The Perfect Food? (I'm paraphrasing myself, I can't remember the exact title) A long time ago, like thirty years or more, I saw a Penrose Pickled Sausage in a quick shop. It said hot and since I'm a fan of hot foods I tried it.
It was really more vinegar than hot but the flavor endured with me. I pick one up every once in a while because they are darn tasty, so tasty they might be a desert island food for me. You know if you can have X and X and X on a desert island?
Anyway I've come to realize that pickled sausages might very well be the perfect food. They are packed with protein. No vitamins or minerals to speak of. High in sodium. Have a really good flavor. Easily affordable. And last but not least, they are widely available!
So are pickled sausages the perfect food? If not they are a good contender!
It was really more vinegar than hot but the flavor endured with me. I pick one up every once in a while because they are darn tasty, so tasty they might be a desert island food for me. You know if you can have X and X and X on a desert island?
Anyway I've come to realize that pickled sausages might very well be the perfect food. They are packed with protein. No vitamins or minerals to speak of. High in sodium. Have a really good flavor. Easily affordable. And last but not least, they are widely available!
So are pickled sausages the perfect food? If not they are a good contender!
Monday, February 22, 2010
Nothing Much
The start of a new week is here. New possibilities, new goals, new opportunities! Yeah, I'm not doing much right now. Trying to wake up from a restful night's sleep. My sinuses are bothering me like they were late last week, not as bad though.
The pulled pork is nearly gone now. That's good:) Coffee is on, I'm showered and uniformed up to head to work. Friday is payday, glad about that:) Wednesday our new central heat and air unit will be here, hopefully installed by the weekend!
We all are excited about that happening! There aren't many other random tidbits I can throw at you right now. It was a slow weekend.
The pulled pork is nearly gone now. That's good:) Coffee is on, I'm showered and uniformed up to head to work. Friday is payday, glad about that:) Wednesday our new central heat and air unit will be here, hopefully installed by the weekend!
We all are excited about that happening! There aren't many other random tidbits I can throw at you right now. It was a slow weekend.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Yummy!!!!
I decided to put the pork roast on earlier than I was going to. Since I wrapped it when the roast passed the one hundred eighty degree mark I knew it wouldn't overcook and would be moist.
I don't like the idea of putting water in a smoker to cook with, to me it is better with dry heat and let the meat itself take care of the moisture. There are massive threads on BBQ forums about water vs. dry. I do believe inject-ables (which I didn't use on this roast) will add flavor and keep a bigger piece of meat moist.
While it was wrapped and about an hour from serving I made the vinegar sauce and it got pretty much bad reviews other than me. The Date and Thing 2 didn't quite like the vinegar taste.
Agreed that it's an acquired taste but I thought it added a flavor to the pork that was far different from the normal sweet KC taste we are used to. It was more of a sweet/sour taste similar to the generic sauce you'd find on a Chinese buffet but with the vinegar twang.
After I wrapped the pork and put it back onto the BGE, I shut down the vents so that it would retain heat but not cook any further. The tissue would continue to break down which leads to the falling apart factor that we all love. I brought the roast in and let it rest for about a half hour before I started to pull it. I did literally pull it apart with a fork and it didn't take much effort at all.
Taste was good, tons of moisture (as the BGE message boards said would happen) fork tender, and lots of leftovers for many sandwiches this week:) It's a success and definitely something I'll make on the BGE many more times:)
I don't like the idea of putting water in a smoker to cook with, to me it is better with dry heat and let the meat itself take care of the moisture. There are massive threads on BBQ forums about water vs. dry. I do believe inject-ables (which I didn't use on this roast) will add flavor and keep a bigger piece of meat moist.
While it was wrapped and about an hour from serving I made the vinegar sauce and it got pretty much bad reviews other than me. The Date and Thing 2 didn't quite like the vinegar taste.
Agreed that it's an acquired taste but I thought it added a flavor to the pork that was far different from the normal sweet KC taste we are used to. It was more of a sweet/sour taste similar to the generic sauce you'd find on a Chinese buffet but with the vinegar twang.
After I wrapped the pork and put it back onto the BGE, I shut down the vents so that it would retain heat but not cook any further. The tissue would continue to break down which leads to the falling apart factor that we all love. I brought the roast in and let it rest for about a half hour before I started to pull it. I did literally pull it apart with a fork and it didn't take much effort at all.
Taste was good, tons of moisture (as the BGE message boards said would happen) fork tender, and lots of leftovers for many sandwiches this week:) It's a success and definitely something I'll make on the BGE many more times:)
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Pulled Pork
Yep I'm making a big helping of pulled pork today out of a seven pound pork shoulder!
I'll bring the BGE up to temperature, let it stabalize around three fifty, not as low and slow as some competition cookers but I want a nice crust and not all of the fat to melt away while still getting done. I'm going to use indirect heat as you always should while smoking something over a long period of time. It should have a nice crust to it and get done in about six hours this way.
Then I'll prep the roast around ten, trimming some of the fat off but not too much. Season it, and then put it on the BGE around eleven. When the internal temperature of the roast reaches one ninety five I'll wrap it in foil and let it rest for about a half hour.
Then the fun really begins! You start pulling it apart for sandwiches!!!!
I'm making a Carolina BBQ sauce for it, Carolina is known for using apple cider vinegar in its sauce. Memphis for its dry rub, and KC for its wet sauce which is the most common. Anyway for this smoked pulled pork it'll be the Carolina sauce.
I can't wait until its done! It'll be a fun day!
I'll bring the BGE up to temperature, let it stabalize around three fifty, not as low and slow as some competition cookers but I want a nice crust and not all of the fat to melt away while still getting done. I'm going to use indirect heat as you always should while smoking something over a long period of time. It should have a nice crust to it and get done in about six hours this way.
Then I'll prep the roast around ten, trimming some of the fat off but not too much. Season it, and then put it on the BGE around eleven. When the internal temperature of the roast reaches one ninety five I'll wrap it in foil and let it rest for about a half hour.
Then the fun really begins! You start pulling it apart for sandwiches!!!!
I'm making a Carolina BBQ sauce for it, Carolina is known for using apple cider vinegar in its sauce. Memphis for its dry rub, and KC for its wet sauce which is the most common. Anyway for this smoked pulled pork it'll be the Carolina sauce.
I can't wait until its done! It'll be a fun day!
Friday, February 19, 2010
Good Day!
Other than I came home with a bad sinus headache yesterday was a rocking good day!
Last week I had called for an estimate on a new heating and air system, desperately needed in my house. Mine was on its last legs about five years ago.
Yesterday I got the estimate and it was less than I expected. The other estimate I received was for between seven and eight thousand. Totally outrageous and I couldn't afford that.
I got the all yesterday and it was a more affordable price and I hired him right there! The equipment should be in by next Wednesday! I'm so happy about this as my system is around thirty years old, very inefficient, noisy, and just worn out.
So yay!!! I'm excited that something I've been needing to do for years is finally going to happen!
Last week I had called for an estimate on a new heating and air system, desperately needed in my house. Mine was on its last legs about five years ago.
Yesterday I got the estimate and it was less than I expected. The other estimate I received was for between seven and eight thousand. Totally outrageous and I couldn't afford that.
I got the all yesterday and it was a more affordable price and I hired him right there! The equipment should be in by next Wednesday! I'm so happy about this as my system is around thirty years old, very inefficient, noisy, and just worn out.
So yay!!! I'm excited that something I've been needing to do for years is finally going to happen!
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Curling Losses
I DVR'd the men's team the previous night and watched the end of USA versus Switzerland last night. The announcers mentioned the game previous to both of those against Germany I believe, in all three games our captain had a chance to win on the last rock slidey thing.
All three of those he missed and we lost leaving us 0-3 in the round robin tournament. The stiffer competition is coming up according to the announcers as well which paints a grim picture for US gold in curling.
Fortunately we are better at other sports as we lead the medal count with fourteen total medals. Germany is second with ten total medals but we have five golds and they have three!
Curling just must not be a sport we do any good at in the Olympics. That's ok, we rule snowboarding and other various sports. Maybe our women's team is doing better, I'll have to find them now on TV since our men apparently can't get it done.
All three of those he missed and we lost leaving us 0-3 in the round robin tournament. The stiffer competition is coming up according to the announcers as well which paints a grim picture for US gold in curling.
Fortunately we are better at other sports as we lead the medal count with fourteen total medals. Germany is second with ten total medals but we have five golds and they have three!
Curling just must not be a sport we do any good at in the Olympics. That's ok, we rule snowboarding and other various sports. Maybe our women's team is doing better, I'll have to find them now on TV since our men apparently can't get it done.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
The Curling Paradox
I was watching the Olympics last night and curling was on. I realized I didn't want to change the channel but at the same time it takes more athletic effort for me to choose a cigar and pour myself a cocktail than is exhibited in curling.
There is no way this should be considered a sport let alone an Olympic sport. It is such a bizarre game with brooms and one person who pushes this giant, sliding rock on ice.
Perhaps there just aren't enough winter sports to fill up an Olympic team so they had to add something as nonathletic as curling. If curling is a sport they might as well make winter golf a sport or choose your summer game sport and just add winter to the title. A winter decathlon on ice, now that might be compelling. I'd love to see a high jump on ice. Winter swimming, lets see how Phelps would do then!
Curling has some strange appeal though as I actually looked at the schedule and found when the USA was playing next on TV and DVR'd it. Maybe it is appealing that basically anyone from any walk of life can do this event. If you are like four hundred pounds, you can curl. If you are an air head super model...you can curl. Can't get a steady job anywhere? Yep, you can curl. With some practice you might even be good at it.
So yes like my friend Mr. Feeny, I find myself watching curling and even though I don't understand it I find it compelling.
There is no way this should be considered a sport let alone an Olympic sport. It is such a bizarre game with brooms and one person who pushes this giant, sliding rock on ice.
Perhaps there just aren't enough winter sports to fill up an Olympic team so they had to add something as nonathletic as curling. If curling is a sport they might as well make winter golf a sport or choose your summer game sport and just add winter to the title. A winter decathlon on ice, now that might be compelling. I'd love to see a high jump on ice. Winter swimming, lets see how Phelps would do then!
Curling has some strange appeal though as I actually looked at the schedule and found when the USA was playing next on TV and DVR'd it. Maybe it is appealing that basically anyone from any walk of life can do this event. If you are like four hundred pounds, you can curl. If you are an air head super model...you can curl. Can't get a steady job anywhere? Yep, you can curl. With some practice you might even be good at it.
So yes like my friend Mr. Feeny, I find myself watching curling and even though I don't understand it I find it compelling.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
It Was A Good Day!
The meetings went well in the morning! Beersnob and I were very encouraged by the progression and outcome of the business meeting! We then went to a coffee shop and talked over our strategy and what we feel we did right and wrong in the meeting.
More right than wrong. We're waiting on them to talk a few things over and call us back for a second meeting later in the week.
I'm excited about this prospect.
More right than wrong. We're waiting on them to talk a few things over and call us back for a second meeting later in the week.
I'm excited about this prospect.
Monday, February 15, 2010
First Business Meeting!
That's right, this morning Beersnob and I are going to our very first business meeting with an actual potential client! Since today is a holiday and I have the day off of work I'll fill that time by working.
8:30 meeting with Beersnob to go over what we are doing and where we are going.
9:30 meeting with potential client!
To say I'm excited about this is an understatement.
Yesterday was really nice! I made The Date a grilled ribeye supper with a smoked baked potato and grilled asparagus on the BGE. We watched the Olympics until around seven and then we headed to meet Skate and The Invader at Bdubs for some celebration and supper.
We waited for nearly twenty minutes and no one came over to take our order, clean up the table, or give us the time of day. We left and told the manager why we were going to Chili's instead. There we had a fine meal before heading back home for some much needed sleep!
It was a great day thanks to my Valentine, The Date:)
8:30 meeting with Beersnob to go over what we are doing and where we are going.
9:30 meeting with potential client!
To say I'm excited about this is an understatement.
Yesterday was really nice! I made The Date a grilled ribeye supper with a smoked baked potato and grilled asparagus on the BGE. We watched the Olympics until around seven and then we headed to meet Skate and The Invader at Bdubs for some celebration and supper.
We waited for nearly twenty minutes and no one came over to take our order, clean up the table, or give us the time of day. We left and told the manager why we were going to Chili's instead. There we had a fine meal before heading back home for some much needed sleep!
It was a great day thanks to my Valentine, The Date:)
Sunday, February 14, 2010
The Engagement Of Skate
Last night I got a text that was expected at some point. It was imminent, there was no doubt. Skate and The Invader are going to be married! Over the time I've known Skate, meeting him at dinner theatre two years ago, I've really come to love him. He is a stand up guy.
Over time our friendship has developed and the big lug, albeit clumsy at times, grows on you. He is known for breaking breakables and isn't allowed to touch a lot of things.
The Invader is also a lovely person and will make a great match for him in life. I always enjoy their planned get togethers and I'm sorry I missed bingo night. The Invader also grows on you, she is a lot of fun to hang out with and while she rarely has a good day, I know she has to have them sometimes and I suspect yesterday was one of her best days!
The Date, The Things, and I are looking forward to their impending nuptials and wish Skate and The Invader nothing but the best! I love them both and look forward to many years of them in our lives!
Over time our friendship has developed and the big lug, albeit clumsy at times, grows on you. He is known for breaking breakables and isn't allowed to touch a lot of things.
The Invader is also a lovely person and will make a great match for him in life. I always enjoy their planned get togethers and I'm sorry I missed bingo night. The Invader also grows on you, she is a lot of fun to hang out with and while she rarely has a good day, I know she has to have them sometimes and I suspect yesterday was one of her best days!
The Date, The Things, and I are looking forward to their impending nuptials and wish Skate and The Invader nothing but the best! I love them both and look forward to many years of them in our lives!
Saturday, February 13, 2010
A Mac Followed Me Home
The Mac version of the grill. It just seemed to have more going for it and was much easier to use than the Weber Kettle grill which in itself is a very easy to use grill. On the Big Green Egg you just stick a couple of lighter sticks into the lump charcoal (which you could easily do on the Weber as well) and within ten minutes it is a blistering temperature.
You adjust the vents to the temperature you want to cook at they are different of course for smoking, grilling, or baking. Put your prepared food into the Egg, flip it over maybe once (depends on if you want grill marks or not) and then pull it off the grill when it is done. It cooked a pork loin last night in about half the time it would have when I've grilled them before.
The Date and I went to the store and bought a big bill of groceries, lots and lots of grilling stuff:) The BGE will get its workout this week for sure:)
On the menu this week will be such things as ribeye, ribs, hamburgers, hot dogs, veggies, roast, and various other things:) I'll work in teaching The Things how to grill before long as well!
You adjust the vents to the temperature you want to cook at they are different of course for smoking, grilling, or baking. Put your prepared food into the Egg, flip it over maybe once (depends on if you want grill marks or not) and then pull it off the grill when it is done. It cooked a pork loin last night in about half the time it would have when I've grilled them before.
The Date and I went to the store and bought a big bill of groceries, lots and lots of grilling stuff:) The BGE will get its workout this week for sure:)
On the menu this week will be such things as ribeye, ribs, hamburgers, hot dogs, veggies, roast, and various other things:) I'll work in teaching The Things how to grill before long as well!
Friday, February 12, 2010
New Grill: Mac Vs. PC
I'm going to purchase a new grill. My dilemma is do I purchase a Mac or a PC? Sure the PC is steady, versatile, and cheaper but the Mac is flashy, has a cult following, a small learning curve, and more expensive.
The choice is between a Steady, proven, and cheaper Weber Performer. One of the most versatile grills in history. It can grill, smoke, or anything in between. It comes with everything you need to do both right out of the box at half the cost.
OOORRRRRrrrrr the Big Green Egg, a flashy, more expensive, and just as versatile cooker at twice the cost. It has accessories to purchase to smoke with or even bake with. Yeah you can bake breads, pies, cakes....well you get the idea.
The advantages are that the Big Green Egg is a ceramic cooker, a heavy ceramic cooker. It reaches temperature in ten minutes or less. That's about half the time the trusted mainstay of patio cooking can reach it's desired cooking temperature. The Weber was the first brand out there that moved the American family to the backyard for cooking. The kettle cooker is iconic if not legendary.
The Big Green Egg is fuel efficient with one bag of charcoal lasting around three months...if you cooked three times per week. That's a twenty pound bag! Take the same bag and use it in a Weber and it won't last half that time.
Both cookers will get used weekly and year around at my house. Both cookers will last for decades and might very well be the last grill I ever buy. Both are high quality cookers that will open up a world of food options I haven't had since my last grill that went bad a couple of years ago. The Things will love my smoked foods, they will love the pulled pork, smoked ribs, brisket, and other more difficult foods to cook that I haven't done in a while due to a lack of a proper cooker.
I know The Date hates to start the fire on a charcoal grill. Both of these make it very easy to start and achieve temperature. In fact both are so easy that even The Things could start either cooker with ease and be able to cook a big three or four dish supper on either!
Why am I leaning towards a cooker that weighs nearly one hundred fifty pounds and costs twice as much? I think it comes down to the fuel usage and it requires less attention during cooking. It is faster, cooking a one and a half inch thick steak to medium rare in less than five minutes at a much higher temperature than the Weber. You can set the vents, never touch the fuel, and get a rock steady temperature for the duration of a long smoke.
That means you can start smoking something before bed and be confident it'll maintain the temperature you want, until you get up the next morning to take the brisket or pork roast off of the smoker.
The Big Green Egg is so simple that a first time smoker could do competition level brisket with very few instructions. My whole adult life I've wanted a top level grill, today I'm going to get that grill and fulfill that dream.
I'm really on the fence as to which to purchase today but I am leaning towards the Mac.
The choice is between a Steady, proven, and cheaper Weber Performer. One of the most versatile grills in history. It can grill, smoke, or anything in between. It comes with everything you need to do both right out of the box at half the cost.
OOORRRRRrrrrr the Big Green Egg, a flashy, more expensive, and just as versatile cooker at twice the cost. It has accessories to purchase to smoke with or even bake with. Yeah you can bake breads, pies, cakes....well you get the idea.
The advantages are that the Big Green Egg is a ceramic cooker, a heavy ceramic cooker. It reaches temperature in ten minutes or less. That's about half the time the trusted mainstay of patio cooking can reach it's desired cooking temperature. The Weber was the first brand out there that moved the American family to the backyard for cooking. The kettle cooker is iconic if not legendary.
The Big Green Egg is fuel efficient with one bag of charcoal lasting around three months...if you cooked three times per week. That's a twenty pound bag! Take the same bag and use it in a Weber and it won't last half that time.
Both cookers will get used weekly and year around at my house. Both cookers will last for decades and might very well be the last grill I ever buy. Both are high quality cookers that will open up a world of food options I haven't had since my last grill that went bad a couple of years ago. The Things will love my smoked foods, they will love the pulled pork, smoked ribs, brisket, and other more difficult foods to cook that I haven't done in a while due to a lack of a proper cooker.
I know The Date hates to start the fire on a charcoal grill. Both of these make it very easy to start and achieve temperature. In fact both are so easy that even The Things could start either cooker with ease and be able to cook a big three or four dish supper on either!
Why am I leaning towards a cooker that weighs nearly one hundred fifty pounds and costs twice as much? I think it comes down to the fuel usage and it requires less attention during cooking. It is faster, cooking a one and a half inch thick steak to medium rare in less than five minutes at a much higher temperature than the Weber. You can set the vents, never touch the fuel, and get a rock steady temperature for the duration of a long smoke.
That means you can start smoking something before bed and be confident it'll maintain the temperature you want, until you get up the next morning to take the brisket or pork roast off of the smoker.
The Big Green Egg is so simple that a first time smoker could do competition level brisket with very few instructions. My whole adult life I've wanted a top level grill, today I'm going to get that grill and fulfill that dream.
I'm really on the fence as to which to purchase today but I am leaning towards the Mac.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Captain Phil
By now you've heard that on February 9th Captain Phil Harris, from the reality TV show The Deadliest Catch has passed on.
Last year before the last season started Discovery ran marathons of the show. My dad watched the show and it quickly turned into his favorite show. I blogged before how dad and I would talk over the newest episode the day after it aired....and the one time I nearly called him after he had passed on but caught myself from doing so.
Captain Harris was one of his favorites. The hard living Captain had a rough side and a lovable side when he wasn't working. A teddy bear...a salt encrusted teddy bear, frozen on the waters North of Dutch Harbor but a teddy bear.
I'm sure that the Cornelia Marie will sail on. His sons will carry the mantle and the show will not be the same without Captain Phil at the helm. I send my prayers for Josh and Jake Harris and the rest of the family.
Last year before the last season started Discovery ran marathons of the show. My dad watched the show and it quickly turned into his favorite show. I blogged before how dad and I would talk over the newest episode the day after it aired....and the one time I nearly called him after he had passed on but caught myself from doing so.
Captain Harris was one of his favorites. The hard living Captain had a rough side and a lovable side when he wasn't working. A teddy bear...a salt encrusted teddy bear, frozen on the waters North of Dutch Harbor but a teddy bear.
I'm sure that the Cornelia Marie will sail on. His sons will carry the mantle and the show will not be the same without Captain Phil at the helm. I send my prayers for Josh and Jake Harris and the rest of the family.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Finally
After seeing the trailer, waiting until it hit theaters and refusing to see it in our theater because the experience there sucks, waiting for the eventual DVD release, buying it on the day of release and then waiting until The Date's schedule and mine allowed for it to happen.....I FINALLY got to see Zombieland!!!!!
Good movie, fun movie, was similar to Shaun of the Dead in terms that it was a parody of zombie movies. It never took itself seriously and the one part where it could have been serious well it veered back into goofy music/flashback territory.
I don't see a franchise here but who knows what the suits would do, they greenlight a ton of junk and throw it at us for consumption. Sometimes we consume it like Pocahon...um..Avatar, sometimes we don't like Pluto Nash.
Is Zombieland a masterpiece like Night of the Living Dead or the superior Dawn of the Dead? By no means. Is it better than lots of the dreck they flood movie theaters with? A little bit but that's because of the subject matter, it's fun and interesting.
I was hoping for a two DVD release though that had a digital copy. I'm really digging that feature when they add them to DVD sets. Transfer it to your PC, load it up on your iPhone and away you go! You have entertainment at work during the boring parts.
Yay technology!!!!
Good movie, fun movie, was similar to Shaun of the Dead in terms that it was a parody of zombie movies. It never took itself seriously and the one part where it could have been serious well it veered back into goofy music/flashback territory.
I don't see a franchise here but who knows what the suits would do, they greenlight a ton of junk and throw it at us for consumption. Sometimes we consume it like Pocahon...um..Avatar, sometimes we don't like Pluto Nash.
Is Zombieland a masterpiece like Night of the Living Dead or the superior Dawn of the Dead? By no means. Is it better than lots of the dreck they flood movie theaters with? A little bit but that's because of the subject matter, it's fun and interesting.
I was hoping for a two DVD release though that had a digital copy. I'm really digging that feature when they add them to DVD sets. Transfer it to your PC, load it up on your iPhone and away you go! You have entertainment at work during the boring parts.
Yay technology!!!!
Tuesday, February 09, 2010
The Big Yellow Vacuum
I came home yesterday after work and found a big yellow brand new vacuum cleaner in the living room. Immediately I was struck by the memory of a past girlfriend who lived with me and the time I made her as mad as I have ever made her.
Her vacuum had burned up and quit working so I had some extra money and went and purchased a new one. I took it home, tried it out, and went to work. I worked the night shift then so I could do things like that during the day.
She got off work well after I was at work. She got home and tried it out. About an hour later she called me at the shop and she was furious. I mean as mad as I've ever heard someone on the phone....directed at me!
Now I didn't know this but they don't put bags in the vacuum cleaners when you buy them. I had swept up half the house without a bag in the vacuum and it had gotten full and was starting to throw dust and debris everywhere when she was using it.
Now I laugh about it but at the time it was bad....
After work yesterday I paid a visit to Ten, a member of our keeper fantasy football league and runner up champion. He was the former general manager of my beloved Storm, R.I.P.
We talked over the old times dealing with the team and how the league folded. He had been keeping up with this blog and wanted to know more about Jim J. Bullock, the kid who didn't have a clue in the teen show.
I told him everything I knew about him and his sour attitude. How out of all of the shows I've done he was the only actor who needed a headset because he refused to learn his lines. He said he wished Mrs. Ten would get involved in the theatre and I told him that she is welcome to come down and help out on any show. They are always in need of either tech, stage, or actors. If I'm involved in the show I'm always willing to help someone new get acquainted with everyone and join the theatre family. There are some good shows coming up this year!
Her vacuum had burned up and quit working so I had some extra money and went and purchased a new one. I took it home, tried it out, and went to work. I worked the night shift then so I could do things like that during the day.
She got off work well after I was at work. She got home and tried it out. About an hour later she called me at the shop and she was furious. I mean as mad as I've ever heard someone on the phone....directed at me!
Now I didn't know this but they don't put bags in the vacuum cleaners when you buy them. I had swept up half the house without a bag in the vacuum and it had gotten full and was starting to throw dust and debris everywhere when she was using it.
Now I laugh about it but at the time it was bad....
After work yesterday I paid a visit to Ten, a member of our keeper fantasy football league and runner up champion. He was the former general manager of my beloved Storm, R.I.P.
We talked over the old times dealing with the team and how the league folded. He had been keeping up with this blog and wanted to know more about Jim J. Bullock, the kid who didn't have a clue in the teen show.
I told him everything I knew about him and his sour attitude. How out of all of the shows I've done he was the only actor who needed a headset because he refused to learn his lines. He said he wished Mrs. Ten would get involved in the theatre and I told him that she is welcome to come down and help out on any show. They are always in need of either tech, stage, or actors. If I'm involved in the show I'm always willing to help someone new get acquainted with everyone and join the theatre family. There are some good shows coming up this year!
Monday, February 08, 2010
Super Nice
Yesterday was really pretty nice! I started it off watching Panic In The Year Zero. A relic of a cold war movie directed and starring Ray Milland. A family starts off on a travel trailer vacation and then America is attacked by nuclear weapons.
Anyone interested in surviving the Zombie Apocalypse of Doom should watch this movie as it seems to be an good depiction of what panicked people will do to survive. A good B movie that didn't quite have the scifi edge to it I was hoping for but it was still a good movie.
Then it was the final teen show. Glad its over. It was a fun experience and T, and Witchy did an amazing job. 99% of the cast did an amazing job. My tech crew did an amazing job. I'll say no more about Jim J. Bullock in this show.
Then Thing 2 and I went directly over to the Super Bowl party at Beersnob's house! A great time was had by all! Too many people attended to list them all but it was a wonderful party to top off a good weekend! Now I'm rested and ready to take on this week's worth of work.
The Date watched the first two episodes of Lost while I was at the Theatre. That's good, I want to wait until the show wraps up to watch them all at once. Thank you DVR and it's commercial skipping ability!
Anyone interested in surviving the Zombie Apocalypse of Doom should watch this movie as it seems to be an good depiction of what panicked people will do to survive. A good B movie that didn't quite have the scifi edge to it I was hoping for but it was still a good movie.
Then it was the final teen show. Glad its over. It was a fun experience and T, and Witchy did an amazing job. 99% of the cast did an amazing job. My tech crew did an amazing job. I'll say no more about Jim J. Bullock in this show.
Then Thing 2 and I went directly over to the Super Bowl party at Beersnob's house! A great time was had by all! Too many people attended to list them all but it was a wonderful party to top off a good weekend! Now I'm rested and ready to take on this week's worth of work.
The Date watched the first two episodes of Lost while I was at the Theatre. That's good, I want to wait until the show wraps up to watch them all at once. Thank you DVR and it's commercial skipping ability!
Sunday, February 07, 2010
Super Bowl Sunday!
And I've got the final teen show at two. That's alright. I'll still have plenty of time after striking the set to get to the Super Bowl party and see the game.
Last night went better except in the second act the lead's headset appeared to go out. He wasn't listening to any instruction and was going wherever he wanted to go in the script including skipping three pages at one point.
The actors covered for him and I sent a tech guy to the back stage area to fit him with another headset. He got back and it worked fine, turns out he just wasn't listening to his lines anymore and ignoring the director.
All I can say is AAAHHHHHHH!!!!! A director used to working with adults would have killed him by now if there were anything left over after the cast finished with him. He thought he was good though and the show didn't crash and burn as it very well could have and probably should have.
Anyway today is the last show, we close it down and strike the set. Take things back to storage and sweep up for the next show.
Hopefully it won't take more than a couple of hours to get all of that done.
Last night went better except in the second act the lead's headset appeared to go out. He wasn't listening to any instruction and was going wherever he wanted to go in the script including skipping three pages at one point.
The actors covered for him and I sent a tech guy to the back stage area to fit him with another headset. He got back and it worked fine, turns out he just wasn't listening to his lines anymore and ignoring the director.
All I can say is AAAHHHHHHH!!!!! A director used to working with adults would have killed him by now if there were anything left over after the cast finished with him. He thought he was good though and the show didn't crash and burn as it very well could have and probably should have.
Anyway today is the last show, we close it down and strike the set. Take things back to storage and sweep up for the next show.
Hopefully it won't take more than a couple of hours to get all of that done.
Saturday, February 06, 2010
Valentines For The Things
Yesterday was slow at work so I after finishing what I needed to get done I took off around two o'clock. I had come to the conclusion that Things 1 and 2 needed phones so it would be easier to contact them when needed. Thing 1 always has The Date's iPhone when they are both home so I decided to change that.
First I headed over to the regular AT&T store, told them what I wanted but no dice. They didn't have any of the second generation eight gig iPhones in stock. Then I headed downtown to find the other AT&T store. No luck there either but they suggested Wal-Mart.
So my odyssey took me out to Wal-Mart in search of the elusive iPhone. I inquired as to what I wanted, they said they have twelve in stock. I said I need two and they proceeded to hand my purchase over to one of the women there who had never sold or activated my phone purchase. Let's just say technology was beyond her.
So roughly a little over an hour later (with a call to tech support) I left the store with a bag full of two iPhones that were going to make two girls very happy.
I stopped off and purchased supper as now I was up against the clock to make my film meeting at six. So I stopped off to see The Date at work, gave her supper and showed her Valentines for The Things.
I said I was planning on giving them on Valentines day, she said it would be better to do it now. Alright, so that's what I'll do! I bring home supper, place the Wal-Mart bag on the counter opposite of the food. Call The Things and they come into the kitchen to grab supper.
Then I get my phone and call one of the other phones, they look for the noise thinking it was The Guest's phone that he had left here for some reason. Thing 1 tracks the noise down to the bag eventually. Opens the bag and explodes across the room to put me in a strangle hold. Thing 2 goes and looks in the bag and does the same to me, well more around my shoulders actually. Supper was ate and I made my meeting on time but just barely.
Then it was off to Opening Night of the teen show. It went much smoother last night. The lead actor still didn't know his lines and even when being fed his lines still made them up. I've got no patience for him anymore. I don't want to be around him. He didn't care enough to put any time into this while the rest of the cast did and as far as I'm concerned he let everyone of them down.
T, the director, has done an outstanding job in a no win situation with a difficult play and a cast that are all brand new to main stage acting. The rest of the cast did a fabulous job and hit most of their marks despite not knowing if the right cue line was coming or not and most of the time it did not come.
Two shows left.
First I headed over to the regular AT&T store, told them what I wanted but no dice. They didn't have any of the second generation eight gig iPhones in stock. Then I headed downtown to find the other AT&T store. No luck there either but they suggested Wal-Mart.
So my odyssey took me out to Wal-Mart in search of the elusive iPhone. I inquired as to what I wanted, they said they have twelve in stock. I said I need two and they proceeded to hand my purchase over to one of the women there who had never sold or activated my phone purchase. Let's just say technology was beyond her.
So roughly a little over an hour later (with a call to tech support) I left the store with a bag full of two iPhones that were going to make two girls very happy.
I stopped off and purchased supper as now I was up against the clock to make my film meeting at six. So I stopped off to see The Date at work, gave her supper and showed her Valentines for The Things.
I said I was planning on giving them on Valentines day, she said it would be better to do it now. Alright, so that's what I'll do! I bring home supper, place the Wal-Mart bag on the counter opposite of the food. Call The Things and they come into the kitchen to grab supper.
Then I get my phone and call one of the other phones, they look for the noise thinking it was The Guest's phone that he had left here for some reason. Thing 1 tracks the noise down to the bag eventually. Opens the bag and explodes across the room to put me in a strangle hold. Thing 2 goes and looks in the bag and does the same to me, well more around my shoulders actually. Supper was ate and I made my meeting on time but just barely.
Then it was off to Opening Night of the teen show. It went much smoother last night. The lead actor still didn't know his lines and even when being fed his lines still made them up. I've got no patience for him anymore. I don't want to be around him. He didn't care enough to put any time into this while the rest of the cast did and as far as I'm concerned he let everyone of them down.
T, the director, has done an outstanding job in a no win situation with a difficult play and a cast that are all brand new to main stage acting. The rest of the cast did a fabulous job and hit most of their marks despite not knowing if the right cue line was coming or not and most of the time it did not come.
Two shows left.
Friday, February 05, 2010
A Nice Friday
Today isn't a payday Friday but it is a Friday nonetheless. Tonight I have a meeting with the film festival committee, I've come to love these meetings!
It is rare when you have something you have a passion for just falls into your lap. This festival is going to be really nice. We aren't going to overdo this thing the first year, we need to have proof it can support itself.
We also have a drop dead date that if we can't find the funding for a certain percentage of the festival this year then it'll be postponed until next year. This isn't anything anyone wants to happen but it is a necessary thing to have in place as none involved can finance the festival out of our pockets.
Tonight is also opening night for the teen show. The final dress went better than expected. They kept it flowing even though they were all over the script and one actor had a case of stage nerves and got sick off stage.
The show might surprise a lot of people!
It is rare when you have something you have a passion for just falls into your lap. This festival is going to be really nice. We aren't going to overdo this thing the first year, we need to have proof it can support itself.
We also have a drop dead date that if we can't find the funding for a certain percentage of the festival this year then it'll be postponed until next year. This isn't anything anyone wants to happen but it is a necessary thing to have in place as none involved can finance the festival out of our pockets.
Tonight is also opening night for the teen show. The final dress went better than expected. They kept it flowing even though they were all over the script and one actor had a case of stage nerves and got sick off stage.
The show might surprise a lot of people!
Thursday, February 04, 2010
Another Snowy Day
Well at least a bit this morning. It's warm out though and it isn't much. It's built up on my vehicle windows and slushy.
Rehearsal was rehearsal last night. T was in the booth with us. The teens tended to have a habit of trying to find her in the audience to see if they got their lines right.
Tonight is final dress. That means they are working without a net in front of live people who haven't seen the show. Tomorrow is opening night and it'll be sink or swim for them. Most of them will swim and do fine. A couple will tread water. One will sink like he had the mafia dump him in the river even though he has arm floaties on.
T has done an incredible job with them all but one of them has demanded so much attention that he has deprived the rest of the actors of attention that would have made this a spectacular show. Again this show is difficult and the person responsible for choosing it should be held responsible. It isn't a show for teens to do and it is a difficult show for adults to do as there are so many timing gags involved.
Witchy's set is tight though. It is incredible! Tech is top notch and will be solid.
Rehearsal was rehearsal last night. T was in the booth with us. The teens tended to have a habit of trying to find her in the audience to see if they got their lines right.
Tonight is final dress. That means they are working without a net in front of live people who haven't seen the show. Tomorrow is opening night and it'll be sink or swim for them. Most of them will swim and do fine. A couple will tread water. One will sink like he had the mafia dump him in the river even though he has arm floaties on.
T has done an incredible job with them all but one of them has demanded so much attention that he has deprived the rest of the actors of attention that would have made this a spectacular show. Again this show is difficult and the person responsible for choosing it should be held responsible. It isn't a show for teens to do and it is a difficult show for adults to do as there are so many timing gags involved.
Witchy's set is tight though. It is incredible! Tech is top notch and will be solid.
Wednesday, February 03, 2010
Tax Time
I made my yearly pilgrimage to Turbo Tax to pay my dues to the most complicated tax system in the history of the Earth last night. Yeah before the teen show rehearsal which will not be a subject today of this blog.
The IRS, well what can you say now that hasn't been said for decades before? I'm a rank amateur when it comes to criticizing this giant behemoth with all of its intricate tendrils. I'm so for a simpler tax code. This progressive tax system is a genuine monster that brings misery to the multitudes and benefits no one.
Yes I do enjoy the federal interstate system, yes I do enjoy the protection and security of our military, no I'd rather be in charge of my own retirement instead of social security, no I don't care about the various government departments that are just layers upon layers of bureaucracy. Yes I'd vote for anyone who made it their priority to gut the tax code and make it fair for everyone.
The tax code now has become so ingrained into our culture that it would be difficult if not impossible to sever the many limbs of discontent it has grown. The roots go for generations, the branches will stretch for many future generations.
Last year I had extra taken out for federal and state. I hate paying at the end of the year. Yes I know the wise CPA will tell you that if you break even at the end of the year is the best result however I paid extra in. I look at it a little differently, it's kind of a savings account you can't touch for an entire year.
Maybe it's not right but that's how I do it. Well off to work I go!
The IRS, well what can you say now that hasn't been said for decades before? I'm a rank amateur when it comes to criticizing this giant behemoth with all of its intricate tendrils. I'm so for a simpler tax code. This progressive tax system is a genuine monster that brings misery to the multitudes and benefits no one.
Yes I do enjoy the federal interstate system, yes I do enjoy the protection and security of our military, no I'd rather be in charge of my own retirement instead of social security, no I don't care about the various government departments that are just layers upon layers of bureaucracy. Yes I'd vote for anyone who made it their priority to gut the tax code and make it fair for everyone.
The tax code now has become so ingrained into our culture that it would be difficult if not impossible to sever the many limbs of discontent it has grown. The roots go for generations, the branches will stretch for many future generations.
Last year I had extra taken out for federal and state. I hate paying at the end of the year. Yes I know the wise CPA will tell you that if you break even at the end of the year is the best result however I paid extra in. I look at it a little differently, it's kind of a savings account you can't touch for an entire year.
Maybe it's not right but that's how I do it. Well off to work I go!
Tuesday, February 02, 2010
First Tech Rehearsal!
From our end it went very well! The lights were on, the phone cues were off as the actors skipped or completely missed lines leading up to the cues. Thing 2 was on script in the booth and she couldn't really keep up with what was going on on stage.
They have a few days left to get it straight. T is taking it far better than I would be. She has an incredible amount of patience as I would have lost my mind with them last night. I can't believe how strong she has been through all of this! I might have burned the scripts in front of them or something similar to that action to demonstrate that they couldn't use them anymore.
T has been a trooper. This directing experience will prepare her well for any theatre experience to come! She is becoming a far stronger person and a far more seasoned director because of this experience.
You have to admire the sheer amount of hard work that she has put into this show. It's been vast and dedicated! She has my respect as I would have wound up with a train wreck of a show and she has them on the path for a good opening night!
They have a few days left to get it straight. T is taking it far better than I would be. She has an incredible amount of patience as I would have lost my mind with them last night. I can't believe how strong she has been through all of this! I might have burned the scripts in front of them or something similar to that action to demonstrate that they couldn't use them anymore.
T has been a trooper. This directing experience will prepare her well for any theatre experience to come! She is becoming a far stronger person and a far more seasoned director because of this experience.
You have to admire the sheer amount of hard work that she has put into this show. It's been vast and dedicated! She has my respect as I would have wound up with a train wreck of a show and she has them on the path for a good opening night!
Monday, February 01, 2010
Freezing Fog
It really looks very cool outside with only the street lights to illuminate a foggy and chilly morning. It looks amazing actually. It's not as foggy as it was in previous days in the evening but still there is a quiet to it that just makes you want to stay outside in it.
Tonight is the first night of tech week for the teen show. I'll be in the booth with the teens until Thursday, from Friday on it's their show and they'll work without a net. It is really easy though, eight cues total. The Director is using curtain in the show so I put in the blue wash lights as it is extremely dark backstage when the curtain is closed.
The only other lights we'll need to adjust is for the skyline backdrop. It isn't illuminated yet but after tonight it will be.
Have most of our taxes done! Waiting on one more W2 and they'll be finished and filed!
Tonight is the first night of tech week for the teen show. I'll be in the booth with the teens until Thursday, from Friday on it's their show and they'll work without a net. It is really easy though, eight cues total. The Director is using curtain in the show so I put in the blue wash lights as it is extremely dark backstage when the curtain is closed.
The only other lights we'll need to adjust is for the skyline backdrop. It isn't illuminated yet but after tonight it will be.
Have most of our taxes done! Waiting on one more W2 and they'll be finished and filed!
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