JOURNAL
Does anyone use a journal or notes to track your smokes? What do you have in them? I read about keeping track of how things cook, how your smoker heats/smokes for hours, etc just to figure out what to do next time. I couldn’t find anything I liked and decided to put one together (I can use a fillable PDF but will probably have this printed and put into some ring clips). If you want to see what is in mine and have any suggestions on changes/additions here is a link to download:
https://www.icloud.com/iclouddrive/0v-5coEy22-FraQc8qHFs2D3g#SmokinJournal_Editable
TEMPERATURE
I will most likely be edging the door frame with a gasket seal to retain heat. Currently I have a
Meater+ thermometer for my oven/grill cooking—I like the wireless and Bluetooth concept but it is expensive to add more units, wondering if with multiple meats or just eyeing the internal temperature I could start with a cheaper wired thermometer and still use the
Meater in the meat. Maybe there is a less expensive route for starting out that I could use temporarily and not drop a lot right away.
ACCESSORIES This may be more miscellaneous but what other add-ons would be good to start with: Gloves, Knives, Cutting Boards, Claws, Butcher Paper...
Knives
I have a decent set of knives now and probably can hold off until I start cooking larger meats for slicing…I looked into wooden-handle blades and then just commercial kitchen style with a plastic handle and no tang.
Cutting Boards
currently I use thin/flexible plastic cutting mats for raw and a wooden board for cooked. I used to work in deli’s years ago and like the thicker plastic cutting boards but not sure if I should look at any certain material since I have seen them come in various Polys.
Butcher Paper
so…wrap in butcher paper or simply foil…or avoid any Crutch at all?Probably a preference and something I thought maybe I start with 2 pork butts and one naked and one I wrap part-way through.
My plan was to use chicken to start as it is cheap but then thought a Pork Butt is more forgiving.
Thanks in advance if you answer any of the above.