Background:Last time I said I'd do a better write up. Here we go!
We have an employee appreciation event coming up soon. Corp said we're doing a potluck lunch. A new level of zen: self-appreciation. Buddy said he's making meatballs, so I've turned that frown upside-down ... let's have a meatball competition! Was thinking smoked butts held together with sticky rice.
Protein:Two 7lb butts (bone-out) from Costco.
Seasoning:First layer was some homemade Sticky Fingers' Dry Rub (
mix link)
Little Charlie Vegas Rendezvous (
product link) because it was still on the counter from my dinner-fish-cook.
Last layer and subsequent dustings after cook were Costco Steak Seasoning (more/less same as Montreal Steak).
Cook:Minion method.
Hickory and apple wood for first fuel batch. Just apple on reload.
Loaded up at 10:30pm.
Shot for 240-250. Temps held GREAT - better than the other 1/2 dozen or so times I've used the WSM 22.5. Very consistent. Weather was calm.
I removed the water-pan and covered the lower grate in foil to avoid direct heat.
I had to add more fuel around 5am and ... maybe 10 or 11? I didn't want to add a whole other bag.
Maverick to watch temps.
Process:Normally at this point I just pull the pork and eat the dang meat.
I made some sticky white rice (sushi style - rice wine vinegar and sugar).
I grabbed some pulled pork and chopped it up.
Folded pork into rice until it reached a good ratio (just eyeballed it).
Laid the balls on a tray, dusted again, added a little square of provolone and broiled for a moment.
Results:Family liked sampling. I think they tasted pretty good. My coworkers know better than to complain!
Pics:14.5 lbs Costco Butt (~7 x 2)
Rinsed butts. They take the bone out so the level of "flappage" varies.
Rubbed.
Fuel waiting for hot center.
16 hours later. I had already moved the Maverick so I could pull them off the smoker. Notice the sad propane tank! Have 3 I haven't used in a long time. Also - I turned the plum SS around to use the workspace.
16 hours later - It's easy to not want to crack the lid when you've got lines coming out the top.
Butt #1 pulled and dusted.
Butt #2 pulled and dusted (more fat on this one, used for the balls)
Chopped butt bowl
Sticky rice bowl
Do these balls need something? Hmmm...
Cheese!
Broiled
Closeup 1
Closeup 2