Getting a little cheeky (and ribs!)

[bacon_crazy510]

Good morning All!

Today is my birthday, so I decided I'd like some smoked and confit'd beef cheeks and beef ribs for my celebratory meal. I'm smoking a rack of beef short ribs, and 2 of the most beautiful beef cheeks. (I found a local butcher that has a farm up north, and raises their own stock) After several hours of smoking the cheeks, I'm going to transfer them into a pan of hot beef tallow, and confit them until they are tender.

I seasoned the short ribs with Meat Church "Holy Gospel" rub, and the beef cheeks with "Tennessee Mojo BBQ Magic" rub.

An since my neighbor knew I was going to be smoking, she asked if I could throw a rack of ribs on for her. Why not?? So, the rack of pork ribs at the bottom of the stack is seasoned with Meat Church's "Honey Hog Hot".

I'll update later with more pictures. Have a great Sunday everyone!!!!

 

[chilerelleno]

Happy Birthday!

Sounds wonderful, we love Beef Cheeks too.
I've yet to confit them, after smoking I usually braise in foil with some beef broth and onions... Butter tender!

Looking forward to more pics

 

[jcam222]

I have now seen cheeks mentioned here a few times. I’m going to ask my local Mennonite butcher if he can get me a few to try.

 

[chilerelleno]

I have now seen cheeks mentioned here a few times. I’m going to ask my local Mennonite butcher if he can get me a few to try.

Beef Cheeks and Ox-Tails, they may be from opposite ends but they're two of the most deliciously fatty and flavorful parts of the steer. Do yourself righteously and try both of these.
Then there are the other somewhat under appreciated cuts, e.g. Shanks, Heart, Tongue and more.

 

[jcam222]

Thanks Chili. Hmmm my butcher did have hearts on the board yesterday and cheap from what I remember. Something like $1.59 / lbs.

 

[bacon_crazy510]

Cheeks are better than brisket, imho. Try them jcam222 !!!

 

[kit s]

Cooked a few of those at work. Luau style. Whole head. Pulled cheek meat and made some of the best Tamales ever. It was also good just as it was straight off the head.

 

[crazymoon]

BC510, I'm in, looking good!

 

[jcam222]

You guys are giving me some great ideas to try. They had whole heads for $30.

 

[Bearcarver]

Looks like a Great Start to me!!

Be back for the Pics & Grand Finale!!

Bear

 

[bacon_crazy510]

I might try that next time chilerelleno . It takes some planning to get the beef tallow out of the freezer and thawed, warmed, and ready to go when the cheeks are ready for their fat bath. Would you care to share your recipe/technique ?

Happy Birthday!

Sounds wonderful, we love Beef Cheeks too.
I've yet to confit them, after smoking I usually braise in foil with some beef broth and onions... Butter tender!

Looking forward to more pics

 

[chilerelleno]

Would you care to share your recipe/technique ?

Sure, always willing to share recipes/info.
Here is my last Beef Cheek cook, Smoked/Braised Beef Cheeks, Spoon Tender!

Every cook I've posted is linked in My Recipes Index.

 

[bacon_crazy510]

Update:

Here is the 5 hour mark. I pulled the beef cheeks, and put them in the beef tallow where they will confit for the next few hours.

I'll wrap the beef ribs in pink paper in an hour or so. The pork ribs (per request) are going in foil with butter, brown sugar, and a little juice.

More updates to come....

 

[chilerelleno]

Oh yeah, this definitely looks worth waiting for the finale.

 

[bacon_crazy510]

UPDATE:

9-1/2 hours after I started at 4:30 am; I pulled the cheeks from the fat (one of them separated into 2 TENDER, TENDER pieces. I drained them on a paper towel, transferred them to pink paper, and put them into the cooler for a rest. I'm waiting for the beef ribs to hit 210F, and they'll go into the cooler for a rest.

 

[Bearcarver]

Oh My, That looks Awesome!!
Nice Job, 510!!!
Like!

Bear

 

[chilerelleno]

Beef Cheeks FTW!
Like!

 

[bacon_crazy510]

I officially have the meat sweats. Beef ribs, beef cheeks, and our friend brought potato salad, squash casserole, and a banana cream pie for desert.

Burp.

Have a great evening everyone!