Raging River Racks of Pork - a bit OT

Took it over to my folks' place this morning along with Hasty Bake lump, which is re-badged Ozark Oak, and some cherry chunks for smoke.

We had my brother and sister and their families there as well for an early Christmas celebration. We are doing it early this year because my brother and his family will be traveling during the actual holiday.

Rubbed with Dizzy Pig Raging River when I got there.

And then fired the HB and got it set for indirect cooking.

My big guy came along to keep me and my dad company.

And once it got stable around 350*-ish I put it on. You will notice I also ran 2 grid temp probes to get a feel for hot spots, etc. The temp gauge built in the hood is little more than a hood ornament. Completely useless, you need to have digital grid probe. When I was at 350* grid, the hood temp gauge was reading aprox 225*-250*. The short stem it has along with its placement leaves it about as useful as nipples on a bull.

I had to add charcoal several times, no huge deal, but this is not a set it and lock in the temp cooker. Now, that is not necessarily a bad thing. Tending a cooker can be a relaxing activity. I pulled them off just shy of 140* and let rest for a bit while everyone sat down.

Overall, the Hasty Bake worked fine as a smoke roasting machine. No complaints, just need to pay attention to it. I'm sure I will get better at how best to build and tend the fire in it, but it produced edible results today. Actually, not just edible, very good results. Those racks of pork are too easy, all I did was sprinkle with rub and roast until done. Nice and juicy, no brining involved.

If anyone hasn't purchased these Racks of Pork from Costco, go do yourself a favor and pick a few up. Lots of possibilities with them, and hurry before the holidays are gone and the racks of pork with them.

Cheers,