Tri Tip the Thermoworks Way

I will soon be calling my butcher and ordering a Tri Tip very soon and will cook it as per this Thermoworks Blog Post.

I wont worry about the 2 zone heating I will smoke it at 215 or so until its ready to sear. I will pull it off crank up the temp then open the Flame broiler for a proper reverse sear.

They also explain how to carve the tri tip against the grain. Note the grain goes in 2 different directions you cant go wrong if you read the entire blog post.

Cooking Temps Thermoworks blog

The Thermoworks blog has great articles and cooking tips.  They have a whole set of articles dedicated to cooking tempertures and why not they are the gold standard of thermometer products

Temp chart

Hamburger temps and cooking method

How to temp a steak

Key Temps cooking Frozen Steaks

Pork Chops

Seafood

Direct from thermoworks if they dont understand cook temps who does.  Notice the statement under the 1st chart "
These temperatures are ideal peak temperatures. Meats should be removed from heat 5 to 10°F (2 to 5°C; more for larger cuts) lower and allowed to rise during resting."

https://blog.thermoworks.com/2010/10/chef-recommended-tw-approved/

BBQ Bologna

I have made BBQ Bologna 2 Ways and I have enjoyed it each time.  The first time I used the Malcom Reed method from his How To BBQ Right Web Site

The very first time I used my Pro 24 I made 3 things Pork Chops, Rib Eye Steak and BBQ Bologna.
This time I used the method from the BBQ Pit Boys Bologna Burgers.  I had my butcher cut 4 half pound chunks

Everyone Knows or Should know that Oklahoma is the BBQ Bologna Capital of the world (aks Oklhoma Prime Rib)so here is a great looking recipe from a Blog in OK

One more take on OK Bologna

Pellet Grills Size Does Matter.

BBQ Ribs On My Traeger JR Pellet Gtill

Does size really matter when it comes to pellet grills?  I have often heard it said go big or go home.

Obviously the bigger your Grill the more you can fit on it.  But is bigger really better.  The Bigger your grill the more pellets you burn. Its simple physics the more surface area you have the more fuel you will burn to heat it up.

Sure no matter how big your grill is you may find a here or there where it isnt quite big enough for all you want to do.  A simple solution is to do multiple cooks.  You can also add Grill Real estate by adding a 2nd story. 

I think the best size is the right size for you. If you mainly cook for 2 and dont like leftovers then 300 or 400 sq feet is perfect.  If you have a large family then perhaps 1000 sq feet is your best bet.

So consider what you want to cook and try and buy something that is big enough for 80% or more of your cooks.

Bbq Pellets

Just like anything some people are passionate about the pellets they use brand and or flavors.  For a while I would buy pellets based on a combination of price and convinence. 

In my garage I currently have 5 different brands of pellets.

Lumberjack - char hickory, apple, pecan
B and B - apple
Pacific - hickory
Pit boss - hickory
Traeger - alder

Its hard to beat mail order for convience and at about 50 cents per lb the price is ok.
Here is a Blog post I did about mail order pellets.  I did order the pacific brand and really like them alot.  I never did order the green moutain. I prefer 20 lb bags because of my bad back. 

You can also find pellets on amazon.

I have also purchased pellets at Walmart, Menards, Costco, The St Louis Bbq store and perhaps a few others.

I did notice yesterday that Rural King has Lumberjack pellets for 8.99 for 20 lbs.

My local Walmart has pitboss for 8.88 for 20 lbs and about 15 for 40lbs.

I do prefer lumberjack and since I pass Rural king weekly when I visit my grand kids thats where I will be buying my pellets on a regular basis.

Pulled Pork

If it worked on the Traeger it will work here.  Click here

The Great Smoke Ring Myth

Another myth debunked. Smoke ring not needed for great bar b que

Smoke Ring Science