2014 Secret Santa Follow Up...(aka...what have you done with your gift(s))?

[mrbill]

Figured what the heck, we've all seen what we got, why not share what we've done with 'em.

I'll start. Thanks to MartyG, I got an awesome rub assortment package.

repost of package



second from the right in the above picture is a steak/burger rub(according to the label) from Astro Pigs called "Meat-eor Shower".  My mom has the munchkin for the week, so I figured I'd do a steak cook for me and the wifey for new years. normally(and by normally, I mean most of the time) when I do steaks, it's ribeyes. however, my local grocery store had a sale on NY Strips, so I picked up two. my plan was to grill them, but mother nature nixed that idea. so I decided to try alton brown's cast iron steak method(with some modifications based on my equipment). 

here's a pic of them resting



Looks great, but....I screwed it up. They were a bit overcooked as there was only hairline of pink visible in the thickest part.(don't have a cut pic)

That being said, they were out of sight good! Despite the lack of pink, they were not dry or tough. The rub flavor was noticeable w/o being too much. My wife ate all of hers w/o asking for sauce(which she usually does even at steak joints) and wanted more.

so, bottom line.....Meat-eor Shower rub from Astro Pigs is great stuff(even if you miss the mark a smidge). MartyG.....wow, thanks man, it's great stuff!

[MartyG]

Great to hear that! I was told that Astro Pigs is run by an active Southwest Airlines pilot who hobbies in BBQ competitions on the ground. He has a couple other rubs I need to try, but the BBQ Equipment Store was out when I stopped in before Christmas. I often find NY Strips are cut way too thin. I almost bought an uncut roast the other day, and could have had four 1 1/2" - 2" strips from that. Maybe someday...

DING! You are now free to grill about the country!

[LightningBoldtz]

The knife that @pbe gummi bear got me I have used a few times, it is an awesome knife.

[pbe gummi bear]

Mines still in transit. I can't wait to get it in the next few days!

[dwnthehatch]

I love the Astro Pigs stuff. I grab it whenever I see them in comps.

[Winz]

I got to use all three secret Santa gifts from @SixZeroFour today!

Gift 1 - the inspiration:




Gift 2 - Matt's WKC dry rub blend in the glass container along with some other tasty add ins.  P.S. - crushed Ritz are WAY better than breadcrumbs!:




Gift 3 - one of six very special handles.  I broke it out for this cook.  When I am not using it, I keep it locked up in my gun safe  :




The payoff.  It was a mighty fine lunch.  One burger for me, one for the sous chefs, and one for tomorrow!:




Thanks again Matt!

Winz

[1buckie]

"When I am not using it, I keep it locked up in my gun safe  :"


as well you should....we know where you live......the place with the Jumbo Joe at the head of the driveway....

[SixZeroFour]

I'm really glad to hear you liked everything @Winz! And as for that delicious looking Burger do you just slap the Black Forest Ham and (Tomato Basil?) Havarti right on top? ... I really wish I had one of those sitting in front of me right this second.

In the wee hours tomorrow morning I head out for a trip up into the mountains and one of my (frozen) meals I take is two loaded potato skins which I just reheat in tinfoil over a mini hiking stove. While baking I coated the taters in EVOO and used some of your smoked sea salt along with fresh pepper. I can't get enough of the smell of that stuff - at least I can pretend I'm eating some nice smokey BBQ!

As for a quick update for my Santa gift - I have not had the chance to use the killer fish basket from Mr @LightningBoldtz - but am using the WeberStyle tool holder! and I don't think there's any point of showing the crumbs dust leftover from the almonds he sent.  I already had to ask for his guidance in making more so I can get my fix These will also be joining me on the trip!

Take care guys and I look forward to catching up on all the forum shenanigans when I get back late Wed night.

Six