Hi Dr. BBQ, I’m new to slow-smoked cooking, so I’ve got a copy of your book on the way. I’m looking for a recommendation on a smoker for the novice. I was considering a Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker (a.k.a. Weber Bullet) because of my luck with Weber grills. But then I noticed your Big Green Egg shirt in the December …
Help! My BBQ Sauce Tastes Like Spaghetti Sauce
Q: Dr. BBQ, When I follow a traditional American barbecue sauce recipe using tomato paste or tomato puree, the sauce comes out tasting like sweet spaghetti sauce, with a haunting tomato flavor, instead of having a “barbecue sauce taste.” When I buy tomato-based sauce off-the-shelf it doesn’t have this problem. What might I be doing wrong? Adrian F. A: Hi Adrian, Tomato-based barbecue sauce needs to …
Weighing in on the Beer-can Chicken Craze
Q: Dear Dr. BBQ,It seems that every new BBQ cookbook has a beer-can chicken recipe or three. What will be next, beer keg turkey? What is your take on this fad?–Fred A: Hi Fred,I think it’s ridiculous. All this swirling and steaming people are imagining just isn’t happening. How could it when the aluminum can is lining the cavity …
Looking for Gas Grill, Not Propane
Q: Dear Dr. BBQ, Is there a good gas grill (not propane) out there that does a nice job for a family of four, for under $500.00? –Janice A: Hi Janice, Well as you’ve seen most of them are now propane, especially at the mass merchandisers. Try a smaller local grill store or even your gas …
Ready for a Smoker
Dear Dr. BBQ, I am a big fan of your book and I use a lot of your rib recipes. Currently I have been using the smoking box in my Weber grill to smoke ribs, but I feel I need to invest in a smoker. Can you recommend two or three in the $400-500 range? And one to absolutely avoid. …