- Aug 2, 2017
- 3
- 11
Hello all. LaRica from Philadelphia, PA. I became interested in grilled and smoked foods because I work with youth aging out of foster care and I also teach in the county jail. What's happening is those youth I taught when they were children in residential foster care have turned 18 yo and have been signed off from the state and left to their own devices. They operate in criminal activities to make money. Together, we came up with legal hustles they can do that will keep them out of jail. Food is one of them. My job is to get all the licenses, learn how to cook with a smoker and grill and in turn, teach them and set them up with their own locations. PHEW! A tall order. But seeing these kids come into the jail or sleeping on a bench and digging in the trash to eat hurts my heart. I am willing to learn anything as they are to change their situation. So, that's why I am here. So far I've purchased a Char Broil Electric Smoker, second use as we speak and the rain is coming - I see disaster or fire. I've also purchased a Master Built wood smoker and I already owned a normal charcoal grill. I've burned about $350 worth of product but I tell my testers consider it Cajun, lol! It's been edible but not something I would drive out of my for. Any advice would help us to create the best bbq Philly has to offer and set those youth who do not choose the college track up for years to come if this becomes passion. I've found professionals in other fields to teach them their craft as well but the food will be our constant money maker, will cover their housing, expenses and put cash in their pockets. Glad to be here, excited to learn. Any and all advice is appreciated. PS. I'll come up with a cool user name later. I just realized I'm like the only one who used an actual name. I'm old school!