OK, I have the new WSM MIni I made. It is time to fire it up. The problem is, I am not well versed on the use of charcoal.
I started out by putting a layer of lump charcoal in the basket. Then I lit one layer of coals in the chimney. I put the lit coals on the layer in the basket and put the Mini together with the vents open. I hoped to get it up over 300 F but I now know I didn't have enough coals and I didn't light enough coals in the chimney (Thanks, Adam/cfarmer).
While it was heating up, I rubbed the pork loin roast with SPOG (salt, pepper, onion and garlic powders) as I wanted to keep it simple with my first smoke. I also rubbed a couple of potatoes with EVOO (Extra Virgin Olive Oil) and planned on putting them right on the grate to brown up the skins.
The Mini had got to 270 F but seemed to be holding there. I put 3 chunks of plum wood on the coals. Mistake number two. With all three chunks on lit coals at once, you could have used the Mini as a smoke screen generator on a destroyer. However, after seven or eight minutes the smoke died down to a nicer level and I put the pork and potatoes on the mini.
I put the lid on and let it cook at 270 F for 20 minutes. Then I turned the loin and the potatoes.
I put the lid back on and it cooked for about 30 minutes to get to an internal temperature of 155 F
I pulled the pork loin and let it rest for 10 minutes in foil. One potato was done. The other needed 30 seconds in the microwave.
It sliced up great and was nice and moist with my first smoke ring.
She Who Must Be Obeyed made some great Deli Style coleslaw and a feast ensued.
The Verdict: The meal was great. However, there was more smoke flavour than I would have liked but I have received help with putting the wood in so that it lights one at a time and I will try that next. I will also add more lit coals to try and get a higher heat although the roast did cook well.
Disco
I started out by putting a layer of lump charcoal in the basket. Then I lit one layer of coals in the chimney. I put the lit coals on the layer in the basket and put the Mini together with the vents open. I hoped to get it up over 300 F but I now know I didn't have enough coals and I didn't light enough coals in the chimney (Thanks, Adam/cfarmer).
While it was heating up, I rubbed the pork loin roast with SPOG (salt, pepper, onion and garlic powders) as I wanted to keep it simple with my first smoke. I also rubbed a couple of potatoes with EVOO (Extra Virgin Olive Oil) and planned on putting them right on the grate to brown up the skins.
The Mini had got to 270 F but seemed to be holding there. I put 3 chunks of plum wood on the coals. Mistake number two. With all three chunks on lit coals at once, you could have used the Mini as a smoke screen generator on a destroyer. However, after seven or eight minutes the smoke died down to a nicer level and I put the pork and potatoes on the mini.
I put the lid on and let it cook at 270 F for 20 minutes. Then I turned the loin and the potatoes.
I put the lid back on and it cooked for about 30 minutes to get to an internal temperature of 155 F
I pulled the pork loin and let it rest for 10 minutes in foil. One potato was done. The other needed 30 seconds in the microwave.
It sliced up great and was nice and moist with my first smoke ring.
She Who Must Be Obeyed made some great Deli Style coleslaw and a feast ensued.
The Verdict: The meal was great. However, there was more smoke flavour than I would have liked but I have received help with putting the wood in so that it lights one at a time and I will try that next. I will also add more lit coals to try and get a higher heat although the roast did cook well.
Disco
