NorCal Mini meetup with Ranch Kettle break-in session

[Duke]

The ring worked out really well, however I have plans to fab some custom baskets for Argent and I pretty soon.

[Bbqmiller]

The ring worked out really well, however I have plans to fab some custom baskets for Argent and I pretty soon.

Be sure to post pics. I got some expanded metal, but I don't have access to welding. Been thinking of trying SS bolts, washers, and nuts. Have seen others make charcoal baskets without welding.

[saxart]

Great post.  Nice kettle Argent.

Mind if I ask, is the charcoal kettle on that RK twisted/bent (7th pic down) or is that just an optical illusion in the photo?

[pbe gummi bear]

I think it's actually warped. I've seen alot of these RK grates get deformed- I've also seen them where the center is completely blown out. The length of the rod, the extremely large heat area/source, and weight of the charcoal are also contributing factors to the warpage. The RK charcoal grate also has a support beam on it.

[Stu Clary]

Oh, and that pig smoker is cool.  Nice score there.

Wow...I just had to go back and look.  That pig is a smoker!  Hella cool.  Sorry I'm gonna miss this Saturday's get together, hoping to be invited next time!

[Kgo]

A few weeks ago Argentflame picked up a ranch kettle for $250. He cleaned it up and shared the first cook with a few grillfellas. This is what happened.

In attendance we had Cuda Dan, HeyJude, Argentflame, PBE Gummi Bear, Duke, and Kako5256. This was our first time meeting Cuda Dan so I guess you could call it his initiation.  Although he was pretty knowledgable on the grill so he taught us a few tricks. Thanks, Cuda Dan!


Cuda Dan giving a speech or something.   


Some cooker kettles present today.


A bunch of Filipino food was on the menu today. It wouldn't be a Filipino menu without our buddy Miguel.


Our buddy Sam was there too


Two chimney's getting fired up on the RK. This thing is big folks! A WSM ring is in the back shadows and would be our charcoal basket for the day.




Hey, I recognize that kettle!


Prototype kettle by Duke. 


Argentflame and HeyJude ogling a Cook'n Kettle


Miss Piggy made a guest appearance.


First we seared some lamb. Don't try this at home, folks!


Flareups are a photographer's favorite, lol.


We got the hang of the searing after a while.


Argentflame in uniform manning the RK.


Lots of real estate on the RK


That's 2 full frenched racks of lamb and 24 chicken thighs cooking indirect at 375F!


Yummy yummy. I love big cuts of lamb!


Chicken coming off the RK.


and a closeup of the chicken. The chicken had a light rub. It was cooked at high heat ~375-400F so the skin was nice and crispy.


Lumpia (spring rolls) were the appetizer. I forgot to take a pic of the contents. Oops.


We also had pancit (noodles) and chicken adobo.


Sorry you missed out Salad and Dazzo! Hopefully this meet up was just a warm up for the Napa meet in 2 weeks. Cheers!

Those pics inspired me.

I saved some of your lamb pics onto my phone.  Next bbq I will try lamb.  (The funny thing is I really hate lamb) but those were some amazing pictures!