2003: The Year I Entered the "Egg Comfort Zone"

Fairalbion · December 2003

As 2003 closes, I think I have now approached the point where I am somewhat competent with my large BGE. I bought it in late 2002 and it took about 6 months before I truly got comfortable and stopped fretting and obsessing over the temperature gauge, the state of the fire, cooking times etc. Things I have learned:[p][li]I get much better-burning fires by occasionally giving the egg a thorough clean out including the removal of ash and charcoal chips from the space outside the firebox.
[li]I get better-burning fires by putting the larger pieces of lump at the bottom of the heap, à la Elder Ward
[li]Fires tend to burn from the center outwards
[li]MAPP gas is great way of getting the fire started; but beware of the sparks
[li]The fire will quench quicker if you stick a piece of gasket felt (cut in half lengthways) around the inside of the rain cap
[li]Your firebox will crack and, most likely, the crack will follow a natural fault line around the vent holes. The thing works fine as it is (for months I have had a new replacement sitting in its unopened box)
[li]If I could choose only one accessory, it would be a high speed Thermapen digital food thermometer
[li]I sleep undisturbed though my overnight low ‘n’ slow cooks using the BBQ Guru thingie. It was hard to figure out at first but all became clear after they sent me a comprehensive manual
[li]Cooking on the Egg is very therapeutic: I find it very relaxing after a stressful day
[li]Don’t want to get too heavy here but I believe cooking with fire appeals at a visceral level. Are we touching something that goes back to our beginnings?)
[li]Egging spreads by example and food sample. I was, I believe, the second in my neighborhood to get one. Now my neighbor has one, and so it goes on
[li]Go to Eggtoberfest if you can. I went to the one in Atlanta for the first time this year and had a great time (I cooked chicken strips in an Indian-style garlic marinade) and met some wonderful people
[li]I have learned most of my techniques from this forum. It is indispensable and… thank you[p]Happy New Year,
~~ Andrew

captaincraigb · December 2003

Fairalbion,
What is the BBQ Guru thingie? can you send anyone the manual?

Toe 49 · December 2003

Fairalbion,
You forgot "Throw out the BGE Cook Book and Manual"....

Unknown · December 2003

captaincraigb,[p]It's a blower the keeps your fire in check...great for those who cook over night and value sleep. I got one for Xmas and sleep soundly when cooking overnight. Sure it takes some of the fun out of all night cooks, but after many beers, sleep is a wonderful thing. http://www.thebbqguru.com. Worth every penny.[p]

2003: The Year I Entered the "Egg Comfort Zone"

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