Keeping the Stoker out of the elements

Since I use the computer to control my Stoker, I decided to keep it in a container that would also hopefully keep it and the Airport Express out of the elements. Thanks(!) to RU Eggsperienced, I crafted a crude imitation of his Stoker-holder. It's a tupperware container that I used a door-lock cutting drill bit to cut a hole in, and caulked a plumbing elbow joint piece of pvc in the hole. I blame my caulking skills on my severe left-handedness (although I know that if Molly the Cooknbiker reads this, she will call me on that one). In any case, an extension cord emerges from the elbow joint, as does the Stoker's fan control, pit probe, and food probe. This setup should offer excellent protection from the rain/snow, although I still need a weather solution for fan itself:



As I'd hoped, the setup is great for cooking while running around. I fired up the Egg at 4:50, connected the Stoker set to 300 degrees, went inside and got the chicken. I cooked a dozen drums on the vertical drum holder, after marinating the drumsticks in lemon rind, olive oil, and some fresh herbs. Put the chicken on at 5:10, and we went for our evening family walk. The Stoker Twittered me every 5 minutes to let me know how things were going. This is a sample of what Stoker Tweets look like:



Hilariously, I have 3 'followers' on Twitter (which, I think, are people who 'subscribe' to my, or at least my Stoker's Tweets).

It was easy to time our walk to get home just as the drumsticks were reaching 195. I put a bit of sauce on them, and cranked the Egg to 325 for 10 minutes to finish them. The StokerLog chastised for this action by telling me that my cooker's stability was 'poor'. Opening the Egg causes a big temp spike, even though I turn off the the Stoker when I open the lid and turn it back on when I close the lid.



I originally had no interest in StokerLog, but once you start logging your cooks, and seeing the handy features in StokerLog, it becomes very enticing. I'm not great at keeping notes on my cooks, but I think now with the StokerLog and taking photos, notes are becoming both easy to take and information-packed.

At 6:40 the drums were perfect, the broccoli was cooked, and the rice was ready. Dinner was awesome, and about as easy as ordering out.

Mark