Friday, December 6, 2013

Football Friday: Smoked Pork Shoulder

 
Part of being a Cool Dad is multi-tasking. Cool Dads are sometimes responsible for laundry, washing dishes and even watching PBS kids along with the little ones. Sometimes it's nice to have a dinner recipe you don't have to babysit, so you can spend time on the things that really matter (ie: more PBS Kids viewing time).
 
Here's a recipe that doesn't take too much effort, but will still make you look like a Rock Star Cool Dad.
 

Smoked Pork Shoulder





Ingredients:
10 lbs. pork shoulder
Dry rub to taste (I used
Strawberry's Grand Champion Shake-On Bar Be Cue Seasoning) However, you can find many recipes to make on your own.
1 - 2 cups apple juice
Apple wood

Directions:
1. Remove meat from refrigerator and sprinkle it with dry rub.
2. Let the meat sit at room temperature for approximately 45 minutes
3. While the meat is warming to room temperature, light the charcoals. I like to use
Weber Chimney Starter with lump charcoal (it seems to burn longer and at a more steady temperature). By using the Chimney Starter instead of the lighter fluid, you don't have the smell of the fluid, or run a chance of it getting flavor into the meat.
4. Set the grill for indirect heat, with a drip pan under the location of the meat.

5. Pour apple juice into the drip pan.
6. Place wood on top of the charcoal.
7. Let the grill sit until you see smoke coming out.
8. Place meat onto the grill, and grill 1 hour for every pound of meat.
9. Once the meat reaches a temperature of 190 degrees in the fattest section; it's done cooking.
10. Let the meat rest for at least 10 minutes before cutting or shredding.
 


Notes:

1. Most people recommend letting your wood soak in water for at least 2 hours before placing on the fire, however I believe that I get a better smoke flavor using dry wood.

2. If you are using a charcoal grill, I recommend using wood chunks.

3. If using a gas grill, you can make your own smoke packet. Youtube has videos to show you how!

 
Ok, we know what you're all thinking: winter is coming and I can't use a grill in snow or ice-but this looks yummy- how do I make it?!
 
 Easy.
 
Go to your local meat market and ask for a 6 lb. pork shoulder, sprinkle your favorite dry rub on it, maybe add a little Chipotle Tabasco on it for a smokey flavor, and place it into a slow cooker for 8 - 9 hours. The meat will come out tender, juicy, and extremely delicious. This should help cure the 'I want barbecue!!!' craving you're experiencing.
 
Finally, we know it may seem easier to go to the local barbecue restaurant and buy the meat already smoked. However, smoking your own meat provides so many benefits:
 
1) the joy of smoking your own meat, and the pride you can take in the finished product
2) the manly cologne smell of yummy smoke coming from your smoker
3) you can experiment to create your own flavor. Each person's tastes are completely different and you can find / create the taste for you.
 
Hungry yet? Good, so are we. Hungry for some football predictions!
 
Indianapolis vs. Cleveland
Dad #1: Colts
Dad #2: Colts
 
Atlanta vs. Green Bay
Dad #1: Falcons
Dad #2: Packers
 
Cleveland vs. New England
Dad #1: Patriots
Dad #2: Patriots
 
Oakland vs. NYJ
Dad #1: Raiders
Dad #2: NYJ
 
Detroit vs. Philly
Dad #1: Eagles
Dad #2: Lions
 
Miami vs. Pittsburgh
Dad #1: Steelers
Dad #2: Steelers
 
Buffalo vs. Tampa Bay
Dad #1: Buccaneers
Dad #2: Buccaneers
 
Kansas City vs. Washington
Dad #1: Chiefs
Dad #2: Chiefs
 
Baltimore vs. Minnesota
Dad #1: Ravens
Dad #2: Ravens
 
Arizona vs. St. Louis
Dad #1: Cardinals
Dad #2: Cardinals

San Diego vs. NYG
Dad #1: Chargers
Dad #2: Giants

Seattle vs. San Francisco
Dad #1: Seahawks
Dad #2:

Tennessee vs. Denver
Dad #1: Broncos
Dad #2: Broncos

Carolina vs. New Orleans
Dad #1: Saints
Dad #2: Panthers

Dallas vs. Chicago
Dad #1: Bears
Dad #2: Cowboys

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend full of food, family and football!

Stay Cool,
The Cool Dads Crew

 
 
 
 
 
 

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