Here goes nothing...

[scubohuntr]

Okay, I picked up a 9 pound belly at Costco today. Applied a dead-basic dry cure right off the Digging Dog calculator. I'll be putting it in the grill with the AMNPS on New Years Day, or thereabouts. I might put together some summer sausage next weekend to keep it company in the smoker. Hopefully I'll have pics to post in a few weeks.

 

[SmokinAl]

Sounds like a plan!

I'll be watching!

Al

 

[wurkenman]

Good luck. Mine went in the smoker this am.

 

[scubohuntr]

12 days in the cure, flipping daily.

IMG_0103[1].JPG

• scubohuntr
• Jan 3, 2017

A day and a half uncovered in the fridge to form a pellicle, then into the grill with the AMNPS

IMG_0105[1].JPG

• scubohuntr
• Jan 3, 2017

The AMNPS worked flawlessly, once I broke down and used a propane torch to light it as the instructions said. It burned for about 9 hours. Temperatures in the mid to upper 20's. I was hoping for a bit more color than I got.

IMG_0107[1].JPG

• scubohuntr
• Jan 3, 2017

I was worried that I didn't get any smoke on it, until I left it in the refrigerator uncovered for an hour or so before I wrapped it up.

 Yup, it's smoky.

IMG_0106[1].JPG

• scubohuntr
• Jan 3, 2017

Probably should have waited a couple more days to try it; needs a bit more mellowing.

 

[crankybuzzard]

Looks like your first belly was a success!

The longer it sits the more mellow it'll get.  If you want more color, you can cold smoke it longer.

 

[wurkenman]

Awesome. I am hooked on homemade bacon now. My family wants more Jalepeno flavored. I will be building a smokehouse in the back yard this summer.

 

[SmokyMose]

Don't fret about "color". Taste is the test. I've had the same "The refrigerator smells like smoke!!" comment. They get over it :biggrin:

Welcome to homemade bacon!

 

[SmokyMose]

I forgot to say :points: for your first!

 

[rca dog]

LOL I get that "the refrigerator smells like 'insert smoked\fresh meat here' all the time.  I thinks it's getting to the point that when I don't have something in the fridge, she thinks something is wrong, cause it doesn't 'smell right'  Point from me for your first bacon !

 

[bena]

HA! It's a good thing the smoke smell doesn't get into the beer on the top shelf--not that a good Rauchbier isn't good but smoke is not good with all styles.  Welcome to the bacon crazies group!