Sarah Duffy

Well it’s in. Maintained temp pretty easily for half hour but the vents are pretty naff. Wondering if a bit of thin stove rope in the grooves may help.

Too much water in pan? Dripping out from lid.

We shall see ? I cannot believe I’ve never used the chimney before! Had one, didn’t get it and didn’t bother to google as was happy with my way to start. Always gone old school which I enjoy but does take a while. Feel like I’ve cheated!

It’s been rubbish here all week. Today has been the first dry day. Managed to get the tent up for a re proof. At least it’s up so if it’s hideous tomorrow I can pop the smoker in the porch

Well, I’ve BBQ (oil drum smoker style) for years and managed in some hidious weather. I’m sure it’ll be fine. Problem now is that I planned to just have a play tomorrow... now we have 5 friends coming apparently. My grill is absolutely done for. I have a mini smoker, the Callow and a rusty drum ? ill make it work somehow! (Argos.. what have you got?)

Infact, the tent is up for a reproof and clean out. If it pees down I could stick the smoker in the porch?

Well I thought I was a seasoned BBQ’er till I bumped into you lot! All set up for first smoking day tomorrow. Beef joint seasoned and resting over night, salmon out defrosting and souvlaki spice mix made and ready for some chicken breasts. Keeping it simple. It’s more to make sure I can regulate the temp really and if all goes well, I’ll chuck on some meat and hope for the best! We’re getting some high winds at the moment. Should be interesting. Planning to pop it in a corner and put a wind break up. Wish me luck !

Yep! Will do a test as Steve suggested but if all goes ok I’ll throw on some marinated chicken breasts or something. Don’t like to waste fuel.

I have no thermometer yet either. That’s due tomorrow so I’ll probably wait till then!

Yes, I was thinking that. Then again, I’ll probably be fine but when it comes to cooking it will piss down and blow a gale, just to throw me off. Today would be perfect but my joints are all frozen and nothing is marinated! May just grab a chicken to slap on or pull out some breasts so as not to waste fuel. First I must work!

It’s here! Door sealed and good to go. I’m supposed to be working today... oooooops

Stay fresh organica is one I’ve used a lot

Ooo shall look! I need to order some more bits so always open to trying new sources

I am funny with oregano. Most stuff you buy dried tastes like grass to me, same with parsley. Can’t stand it! There’s a certain brand of ground herbs and spices I get online in bulk. Really good quality unless you can be bothered to toast and grind yourself (by far the best flavours) ive found one brand of oregano off the shelf that tastes good. I’ll check what it is tomorrow. I’m a snob with spices and herbs. If you don’t get decent ones then you don’t get the right flavour or balance at all and something ends up overpowering. I used to make my own garam masala till I found one online that is great and keeps well

With about 500g Beef (I get chunks of stewing steak from the farm or ox cheek works well. Season meat both sides, I generally prick it a bit so flavours infuse Garlic finely grated (I use 4 large cloves) Tom purée (about 2tbsp) Tsp ground cumin Tsp oregano 1/2 tsp turmeric Fresh coriander finely chopped. I chop a good handful so about 2-3 tbsp probably Couple of bay leaves 1-2 tsp paprika White wine/white wine vingefar or what I use is a white wine stock pot. Think it traditionally has all spice and cloves but I cannot stand clove flavours. That’s most of the ingredients that give flavour. I need to play with it for the smoker. I usually use some to marinade and then throw the rest in the pot.

Ah yes. Hole for wire and turn upside down maybe

Although, I can do it in a foil tray then add the veg and sauce part way through

Will do! It’s more one for a ropa vieja so I usually marinate the meat, dear and then pop in slow cooker with the veg and tomatoes but I’m thinking it might work well just as a shredded beef in smoker and do the veg on the side

Yes saw that! I’d have liked waterproof but looks like a big price jump so zip lock will suffice! I have an old water proof camera case somewhere and phone bags.. need to dig that out!

Thanks. It’s one of those.. I’d rather spend an extra £15 - £20 and it last me years! I see no point in saving a few quid for it to only be reliable for several months or so. much the reason I was looking at good quality smoker but seems the Callow for £70 felt like a good buy. I’d be less worried about carting it around and damaging too. Once the garden is done and I have my BBQ shack (I’ve dreamed of for years) then I’ll upgrade.

And thank you again for the help and advice so far! Super excited to have a play. Whole chicken, pulled pork, Cuban beef and some cabbage rolls will be the first few tries!

Thank you! I ordered a callow for £70 and it has the updated thermometer, from garden gift shop. I ordered a roll of self adhesive flat rope stove tape. It’ll start me off and if I find I’m using regularly then I can upgrade to a medium size for home and use the Callow for travel/additional cooking space if needed. Have been pondering over probes but may just go for the 6 probe inkbird. Seen a few cheaper alternatives but long use reviews aren’t too great. I have some gloves. Plenty of coals knocking about to have an initial play.

So for the list. sarah & byron adults plus 2 kids. 4 in total, probably cabin/caravan to self unless someone wants the living room floor and 5am wake up call from my lovely 2 little ones.

Could potentially rope the mother into it too. She does some stunning marinades and perhaps some German dishes.

We’d probably be up for that! I’ve been trying to persuade Byron to go camping for end of season but he’s not having it. Caravan or cabin sounds fine. (He’s one of those who wear jumpers when it’s 26 out)