First Smoker

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smoker13

Newbie
Original poster
Oct 3, 2011
21
10
Buffalo, MN
My husband left for deer hunting opener today so I decided to go shopping.  First stop, Cabelas.  Stopped into the bargain cave and found a 30" MES for $135.00.  Decided that I must bring it home.  I now have my first smoker!  I had to set it up right away and start seasoning it so I can put it to use.  I decided to season with hickory.    

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I also picked up a package of Cabelas Teriyaki snack stick mix.  Decided that before I try the recipes I have been collecting on here, I should start with a simple package.  I've already ground the venison (last years supply) and pork butt and have it in the refrigerator to cure overnight. 

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I plan to stuff it into casing tomorrow evening and then start the smoke on Sunday.  I also have a chicken that I am going to brine tomorrow and put in for dinner on Sunday night after the snack sticks come out. 

I have so many plans for my new smoker.  My brother has a friend who is a meat wholesalers so he is working on getting me some pork bellies to make bacon.  I also want to make ribs, turkey, chicken, pulled pork, sausage, cheese, ABT's, Fatties, wow the list is endless.  I've found such great inspiration on this site this thing is sure to get lots of use!   I'll post more picks of the snack sticks as I go, including a BearView.  It sure has been an exciting evening!
 
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Congrats on the new smoker. Now go get smoking
 
All I can say is, "You Are An Awesome Wife!"

Any problems with that New MES, don't get upset---Just let us know----We can fix it right up.

Bear
 
Here are the final snack sticks.

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I definitely learned a lot in this first smoke.  The MES 30 is running about 5-7 degrees warmer than the programmed temp.  I want to hang the snack sticks instead of putting them on the grates.  Finally, I had to stop 1/2 way though to prick the casings to drain the fat.  Overall I think the hunters will be happy when they return. 

I do have to say my AMNPS truly was amazing.  Had a constant smoke and never had to add any wood chips.  This thing is going to get a ton of use both for cold and hot smoking.  It seems to be way easier than constantly adding chips. 

If you seen anything I can do different I would love to hear it. 
 
Last edited:
Looks Great !!!

Keep on Truckin'--------ah---And Smokin' !!!!

Thanks for the Qview too,

Bear
 
I had to read this thread twice!

Husband is gone deer hunting, and you go buy a smoker?

That is AWESOME, and then you snatch a GREAT Deal in the Bargain Cave!!

Sticks look GREAT!

There's a bunch of posts in MES Hot Mods, that you may want to look at.

I made a set of wood brackets for dowels, so I can hang snack sticks and sausages

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/88594/mes-sausage-racks

Glad you got the hang of your AMNPS!!

Keep On Smokin'!!!!

Todd
 
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 13, and some good looking snacks there, haven't gotten into Sausages , just getting over the purchase of my Smoker a couple of years ago.
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.

Gotta do some if the Old Lady will let me,(on disability and the $ is low),thanks to our Government.
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 I sit and look at it for long hours wishing I had some meat
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. Oh well, that's life...

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Have fun and.....
 
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