Wish me luck, biggest smoke ever for me next Thursday

mucksbbq

Wish me luck guys, about this time next Thursday, I'll be loading up the FAT 50 with 220 lbs of Pork Butt for my coworkers. The most I've ever done before is about 90 lbs of shoulder. We have a week to recognize the staff and for years we've been having Sonny's cater. I finally said, that's dumb...let me cook (Famous last words, huh). I'm a little scared, but very excited, if this goes well I may start doing a little catering.

I'll post pics next week.

Keep me in your prayers.

BBQMAN · Posted: Apr 21 2007 Post subject:

Good luck! Very Happy

Shouldn't be to difficult to produce better results than Sonny's! Wink

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mucksbbq · Posted: Apr 21 2007 Post subject:

My thoughts exactly. I know you do a lot of big cooks, any advice you are willing to share?

BBQMAN · Posted: Apr 21 2007 Post subject:

Sure, what would you like to know? Very Happy

220 pounds of pork butt should turn into about 110 pounds (maybe a little more) of finished pulled pork. That in turn will be enough for 330 5 oz. pork sammies.

How long have you had the Fat 50? I know they cook real well, so you should be all set! Very Happy

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BBQMAN
"I Turned A Hobby Into A Business".
Providing "IMHO" Since 2005.

Doc1680 · Posted: Apr 21 2007 Post subject:

You'll do fine mucksbbq. From what I've seen that Fat 50 turns out some nice Q. Your fellow workers will love it even more since you're doing it for them. Let us know how it comes out.
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mucksbbq · Posted: Apr 21 2007 Post subject:

I've had the FAT 50 for about 9 months. I guess my biggest question is how much more time should I allow for cooking so much. 12 butts on this smoker took about 9-10 hrs to get to 195-200 internal. I'm going to be cooking 29-32 next Thursday. I've cooked in all sorts of weather, so I know how to account for that. But that increase in "meat mass" is something I've never experienced before, so that has me a little worried.

BBQMAN · Posted: Apr 21 2007 Post subject:

Temp is temp, regardless of the quantity of meat. It may take a slightly bigger fire to reach your target smoker temp, but otherwise cook like you normally would. I cook slightly higher temps than some. 250' is good by me, even a spike or two to 275' is never a worry.

I generally shoot for getting pork butts done two hours early, then throttle back a bit. Better early than late! Very Happy

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BBQMAN
"I Turned A Hobby Into A Business".
Providing "IMHO" Since 2005.

G's BBQ · BBQ Super Pro Joined: 13 Sep 2006 Posts: 1641 Location: NV

mucksbbq · Posted: Apr 21 2007 Post subject:

Biggitybakes · Newbie Joined: 25 May 2005 Posts: 33 Location: Nebraska

How about a pic of a "Fat 50" Im looking to buy a new cooker and need all the info I can get.

Harry Nutczak · Posted: Apr 21 2007 Post subject:

it is always easier to have food ready before your target time, then to be running late and try to get it done quicker.
you can always lower your temp to 140'ish for holding.

Everyone rips on sonny's. I agree it is not the best , or even in the top 20, but out of the 5 or 6 times I have eaten at Sonny's (BBQ emergency situation) it has always been consistent! no matter which restaurant I have been to. (I have heard horror stories from the Gainesville location though.)
You got to give them credit for that!
Consistency is paramount in any restaurant, even if it is just mediocre, because some people see mediocre as good.

I wish you the best of conditions for you gig, Luck has nothing to do with it!
it is all talent, and if you are confident enough to take this gig, you got the talent! So use it!!!
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Three Wise Guys · Joined: 08 Sep 2006 Posts: 18 Location: Central Arkansas

Hey mucks....the main thing that i forgot the first time I did a larger than normal party that you should remember is bring plenty of cooler so that multiple butts can rest in each one....I don't go anywhere for a big cook now without my (3) 150 qt coolers so that all the meat can rest in a dry environment.

mucksbbq · Posted: Apr 27 2007 Post subject:

Here are a few pics. Had to change plans due to the weather. More details later.

GOON'S BBQ · Posted: Apr 27 2007 Post subject:

^^^^^^^^Holy crap that is going to be some good eats!
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Lewis & Herschel · Posted: Apr 27 2007 Post subject:

I hope you brought your "Pork Pullin Shoes". Looks great, got to have some final photos.
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marvsbbq · BBQ All Star Joined: 15 May 2005 Posts: 6186

mucksbbq · Posted: Apr 28 2007 Post subject:

Just got back in from the event. Was able to pull a few by hand, but due to time contraints, most of it was chopped with a Hobart. Turned out great, but we made WAY too much. Coworkers were very pleased. Will post more pics later, gotta take a nap now. Very Happy

marvsbbq · BBQ All Star Joined: 15 May 2005 Posts: 6186

str8smokin · BBQ Fan Joined: 29 May 2005 Posts: 185 Location: San Diego

You have some very lucky coworkers! I've never done a big cook, but I'm interested in how everything goes.

Joe
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mucksbbq · Posted: Apr 28 2007 Post subject: