First Smoke... Chicken Bacon Bites... Q-View

  • Some of the links on this forum allow SMF, at no cost to you, to earn a small commission when you click through and make a purchase. Let me know if you have any questions about this.
SMF is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

pittman

Smoke Blower
Original poster
May 10, 2011
80
10
Holmdel, New Jersey
So, this weekend I had my first smoke.  I have the MES 40 and an AMS.  I had issues with flavor (Rub) and not enough smoke.  My AMS wasnt lighting correctly (mainly because I didnt have a butane lighter.)  Also, I was putting it on the bottom left of the smoker, is that a good spot? So I used a rub (made it on the fly) Salt, Pepper, Granulated Garlic, Onion Powder, Brown Sugar, Crushed Red Pepper Flake, Paprika, Cayanne, Chili Powder, and Cumin.  I just mixed without any rhyme or reason in measuring.  The taste was a little "off".  No real smoke flaver due to the AMS issue.  275 for 45 min, then mopped with sweet baby rays BBQ sauce. 30 min longer, then I put them on a hot grill for a few min.  

I had such a great time smoking, I just wish the final product was better.  I think I have to get the AMS smoking good, and find a rub I like.  Ah well, I had a blast, and I'm learning! I forget where on the forum I got the recipe, but thanks to whoever it was! Beer can chicken was also going, Q-view on that coming up soon.

80bdb742_Bites1.jpg


Rubbed, wrapped, and ready to smoke.

7ed8ceca_Bites2.jpg


275 and starting to smoke

2cc6f5fb_Bites4.jpg


Sorry a little blurry. Just about done.

6acb4f22_Bites3.jpg


Finished product. 

Very fun time!

Any tips?
 
So, this weekend I had my first smoke.  I have the MES 40 and an AMS.  I had issues with flavor (Rub) and not enough smoke.  My AMS wasnt lighting correctly (mainly because I didnt have a butane lighter.)  Also, I was putting it on the bottom left of the smoker, is that a good spot?  So I used a rub (made it on the fly) Salt, Pepper, Granulated Garlic, Onion Powder, Brown Sugar, Crushed Red Pepper Flake, Paprika, Cayanne, Chili Powder, and Cumin.  I just mixed without any rhyme or reason in measuring.  The taste was a little "off".  No real smoke flaver due to the AMS issue.  275 for 45 min, then mopped with sweet baby rays BBQ sauce. 30 min longer, then I put them on a hot grill for a few min.  

I had such a great time smoking, I just wish the final product was better.  I think I have to get the AMS smoking good, and find a rub I like.  Ah well, I had a blast, and I'm learning! I forget where on the forum I got the recipe, but thanks to whoever it was! Beer can chicken was also going, Q-view on that coming up soon.
What I do is I get it burning while I am getting other things ready and once it is going good I place it on the rods to the left of the heating element...

Food looks great.
32f6f422_smilies-300.png
 
looks good from here. Your right you probably just need a rub you like ( jeff makes a great one ). Then you can get that MES real good & dirty!!
 
You're right cdot! 

Just ordered Jeff's, thanks all!  With the AMS, if I am smoking for like 2 hours, lets say a beer can chicken, should I fill the bottom of the AMS with about a 1/4 to 1/2 in, and light both ends really good?  It should be smouldering, not lit with a flame right? 

AMS tips would be a big help! 
 
When I light mine I blow it good until you see a good cherry coal glowing. If you are going for 2 hours of smoke, I would definitely light up both ends and let her go!! Make sure you fill up the rows and tamp it down on something solid to compact it good.  Also I put the dust I am getting ready to use into a bowl and microwave for 1 minute, mix it up and in for another minute to dry out any moisture before filling the maze.

Jeff
 
The chicken bites look delicious! You just gotta get the inside of that smoker dirtied up a little!   
icon_mrgreen.gif
 
When I light mine I blow it good until you see a good cherry coal glowing. If you are going for 2 hours of smoke, I would definitely light up both ends and let her go!! Make sure you fill up the rows and tamp it down on something solid to compact it good.  Also I put the dust I am getting ready to use into a bowl and microwave for 1 minute, mix it up and in for another minute to dry out any moisture before filling the maze.

Jeff


What he said----Plus:

Fill them all but the top 1/8" or so. Don't try to guess how much length of rows you'll need. When you've had enough smoke, just take a spoon or screwdriver, or whatever & scrape the smoldering dust away from the unburned dust. It will stop & then you can save the rest for next time.

Bear
 
SmokingMeatForums.com is reader supported and as an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases.

Latest posts

Hot Threads

Clicky