Sly Bald Guys Forum

Various Non-Bald Discussions => Autos,Toys and Hobbies => Topic started by: TheSlyBear on April 28, 2011, 10:30:46 AM

Title: Bear's shiny new toy -- Big Green Egg
Post by: TheSlyBear on April 28, 2011, 10:30:46 AM
Just took delivery of my shiny new toy!

(https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropbox.com%2Fu%2F2524225%2Fphotos%2Fmisc%2Fnew-egg.jpg&hash=d1836f90bb3e94004f66f2df1e3074e4b446b5c9)

I'll be breaking it in this weekend.
Title: Re: Bear's shiny new toy -- Big Green Egg
Post by: schro on April 28, 2011, 11:09:33 AM
Hey BB,
I hear those are awesome!
Title: Re: Bear's shiny new toy -- Big Green Egg
Post by: D.A.L.U.I. on April 28, 2011, 11:54:15 AM
Very nice, very nice indeed.  What's on the menu?
Title: Re: Bear's shiny new toy -- Big Green Egg
Post by: sailor61 on April 28, 2011, 12:32:04 PM
I've had a large size BGE for about 4 years and I LOVE it.  Awesome steaks, ribs to drool over and incedible rib roasts.  Couple of hints; it's all about the charcoal - not sure what's available down your way but avoid the Cowboy stuff it it is. Whene ever I've used it there has been a combination of decent lump and flooring scraps that were turned over to 'coal.  

Also, burning out your gasket is not an "if" it's a "when".  Go out and order a spare, or one of the upgraded ones to have on hand.  It is a definite Murphy's Law thing and will happen when you're gettting ready for a houseful of company.

The only option I've added have been the heat diffuser for indirect cooking and the cast iron grill - reccomend both of them.

Oh yeah, I covet your table....one is on my list but I just don't have enough space to park  it on existing walkway.

The other thing I want to add is one of the BBQ Guru thermostaticlly controled vent fans.

I'm sure you've checked out their website/user forums - loads of great recipes and guidance.

Enjoy - you're going to love it.  It's almost better than being Sly....
Title: Re: Bear's shiny new toy -- Big Green Egg
Post by: sailor61 on April 28, 2011, 12:40:45 PM
 and in terms of lighting;

the Weber chimneys are very good and will give you a hot fire very quickly.  I generally go a different route, it's a bit slower but is simpler than messing around with the charcoal everytime.  Lowes/Home Depot etc carry a torch that is designed for burning weeds out of walkways and melting ice.  It's curved and about 24 to 30 inches long  and uses a standard bottle of gas like a soldering torch.   I clean up my coal bed a bit, add new if needed then light the torch and stick the head into the center of the coal bed.   It's the simplest way I've come up with to light it up.
Title: Re: Bear's shiny new toy -- Big Green Egg
Post by: TheSlyBear on April 28, 2011, 01:51:25 PM
Thanks for the tips, sailor! (no one touch that one!)

I've got the plate-setter (which is what I think you called the diffuser? it's in the box leaning against the table). It was a no-brainer because I'm looking forward to firing pizza in this baby!

Yeah, avoiding cowboy charcoal is all over the net. The brand my local grocers carries is also poorly rated (B&B). The BBQ outfit that I bought the egg from provided the bag in the photo. We'll see how it performs.

First on the menu is strip steaks and baked potatoes this weekend. I figured I'd get used to its operation doing some grilling before I try my hand at smoking brisket and ribs.

I need to stain and seal the table too.
Title: Re: Bear's shiny new toy -- Big Green Egg
Post by: sailor61 on May 04, 2011, 12:34:15 PM
Big Green Egg update needed......
Title: Re: Bear's shiny new toy -- Big Green Egg
Post by: TheSlyBear on May 04, 2011, 03:05:18 PM
Ooops! Sorry.

It's inaugural run was on Saturday with something simple: Bear's Burgers. Outcome: success! Perfect burgers, and no problems at all getting used to using the Egg for grilling.

Then on Sunday: Strip Steaks, cooked T-Rex style (http://www.nakedwhiz.com/trexsteak.htm). Outcome: see for yourself below:

(https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropbox.com%2Fu%2F2524225%2Fphotos%2Ffood%2Ftrex-steaks%2FIMG_8418.jpg&hash=de88073f16d512ab3d025aac57e5630d610f6167)

(https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropbox.com%2Fu%2F2524225%2Fphotos%2Ffood%2Ftrex-steaks%2FIMG_8420.jpg&hash=b73b11f8583bcb6a105b6293563b8ed85a78c576)

(https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropbox.com%2Fu%2F2524225%2Fphotos%2Ffood%2Ftrex-steaks%2FIMG_8422.jpg&hash=2b1f254d10d1761336e76595c3db821cb9bd9b96)

Perfectly-cooked medium-rare steaks. Served them with baked potatoes.

Title: Re: Bear's shiny new toy -- Big Green Egg
Post by: TheSlyBear on May 04, 2011, 03:07:08 PM
This weekend I'll be doing one more round of direct grilling: skirt steak fajitas.

Then on Sunday, I'll try some indirect cooking with a beer-brined whole chicken.
Title: Re: Bear's shiny new toy -- Big Green Egg
Post by: theebaldguy on May 04, 2011, 04:05:38 PM
Those steaks look delicious, TSB!  O0
Title: Re: Bear's shiny new toy -- Big Green Egg
Post by: PigPen on May 04, 2011, 04:53:29 PM
Looks like some good eatin at your place this summer!
Title: Re: Bear's shiny new toy -- Big Green Egg
Post by: Mikekoz13 on May 04, 2011, 05:24:39 PM
I hear that the BGE is awesome but I don't know much about it.

Can you smoke with that thing too or is it strictly a grill?
Title: Re: Bear's shiny new toy -- Big Green Egg
Post by: TheSlyBear on May 04, 2011, 05:41:27 PM
Can you smoke with that thing too or is it strictly a grill?

The reason I sprung for it (after lusting for one for a decade) is that it's so versatile: grill, smoker, and ceramic oven.

I'm starting with grilling because it's what I'm most familiar with. This weekend I'll be roasting a chicken in "oven mode".

Later, I can't wait to try smoking ribs and brisket.
Title: Re: Bear's shiny new toy -- Big Green Egg
Post by: sailor61 on May 04, 2011, 08:19:37 PM
beer can chicken is greaat on it.   If you like the steaks I would suggest springing for the cast iron grill - nicer result than with the rod one that is standard.  Five hour ribs are about my favorite on mine.  I've done overnight/16 hour pulled pork, it came out well but I find the overnight cooks to be a bit too intense - plus the scent drives the dogs crazy...
Title: Re: Bear's shiny new toy -- Big Green Egg
Post by: TheSlyBear on May 04, 2011, 10:06:32 PM
Pulled pork.... oh yeah.... Got a recipe to share?
Title: Re: Bear's shiny new toy -- Big Green Egg
Post by: sailor61 on May 05, 2011, 08:10:29 AM
actually not at hand - I'll find it and post. 
Title: Re: Bear's shiny new toy -- Big Green Egg
Post by: TheSlyBear on May 08, 2011, 07:03:07 PM
Beer-brined Roast Chicken from The Egg.

First time using the Egg as an oven... had no problem regulating the temp.

Served with new Yukon Gold potatoes and honey-nut green beans.

(https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropbox.com%2Fu%2F2524225%2Fphotos%2Ffood%2Fbeer-chicken%2FIMG_8445.jpg&hash=da12ee794248911f2cf2bd21250caa22b5819301)
Title: Re: Bear's shiny new toy -- Big Green Egg
Post by: theebaldguy on May 08, 2011, 07:09:31 PM
Now that looks tasty! )-m
Title: Re: Bear's shiny new toy -- Big Green Egg
Post by: aarrggh on May 08, 2011, 07:14:22 PM
  I suppose you had the camera in one hand and a fork in the other . eh ?     :D
Title: Re: Bear's shiny new toy -- Big Green Egg
Post by: TheSlyBear on May 08, 2011, 07:17:15 PM
Now that looks tasty! )-m

It was!  O:O The beer brine does wonders for the flavor and juiciness of the meat. And the Egg cooked it flawlessly.
Title: Re: Bear's shiny new toy -- Big Green Egg
Post by: TheSlyBear on May 08, 2011, 07:20:00 PM
  I suppose you had the camera in one hand and a fork in the other . eh ?     :D

I couldn't put the camera down fast enough to dig in! It smelled so good it was hard to take the time to grab the camera. But who am I to deny y'all some food porn!  >:D
Title: Re: Bear's shiny new toy -- Big Green Egg
Post by: tomgallagher on May 09, 2011, 08:36:10 AM
Food porn.....LMAO.
Title: Re: Bear's shiny new toy -- Big Green Egg
Post by: sailor61 on May 10, 2011, 07:04:44 AM
Morning Bear,

I can't find the pulled pork recipe that I used the first time - since then I've just sort of "done it" without much thought.
I know the original process was from a post on the the BGE forum.

Another suggestion - since I'll guess you're into barbecue rubs, check out  http://www.dizzypigbbq.com/

Their stuff is about the best - pretty sure they still make up a sampler pack of their various rubs. The Dizzy Dust is a staple wiht my egg and if you like lamb chops you really need to try the one with coffee in it.....I'm drooling as I type....
Title: Re: Bear's shiny new toy -- Big Green Egg
Post by: TheSlyBear on May 10, 2011, 08:30:53 AM
Thanks again for some great info, sailor! Much appreciated.

(And yes, I love grilled lamb chops.)
Title: Re: Bear's shiny new toy -- Big Green Egg
Post by: FR8TRAIN on May 10, 2011, 01:33:04 PM
Bear, I am as green as that egg with envy. I hope some day to have the pleasure of owning one.

My Buddy Big Rick Stuart turned me on to the BGE. Here is his video for pulled pork (Boston Butt part 1 http://www.youtube.com/user/bigrickstuartmovies#p/u/10/Dfgg7w0pARs)

I had some of this and it was wonderful. I look forward to more Food Porn!
Title: Re: Bear's shiny new toy -- Big Green Egg
Post by: TheSlyBear on May 10, 2011, 02:24:09 PM
Cool, a video recipe. I'll definitely be checking it out.

And I promise to keep the food porn coming.  O0
Title: Re: Bear's shiny new toy -- Big Green Egg
Post by: MikeM on May 11, 2011, 06:59:43 AM
Food porn -- That's a bit broad for me. I'm an enthusiast of bento porn, which is a subset of general food porn.

Here are some lunches I've packed for my kids:

(https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww-personal.umich.edu%2F%7Emmatola%2Fimages%2F100_3655.jpeg&hash=062d49eef5206cc0f789372f2f58cd338937255b)

Clockwise from upper left: Tillamook cheddar, strawberries cut into teepees, steamed broccoli, leftover roasted chicken.

(https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww-personal.umich.edu%2F%7Emmatola%2Fimages%2F100_3681.jpeg&hash=9fc0dac6948d3df4ded47fdcc9011d82f9b71b02)

Orange peppers and Tillamook cheddar, grapes, leftover spinach linguine with mushrooms, Chik'n patty.

And these are for me:

(https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww-personal.umich.edu%2F%7Emmatola%2Fimages%2F100_2760.jpeg&hash=f8882b2efac7d2572ffc88903c56652c87058e35)

Insalata caprese, orange peppers, hummus (store-boughten), omelet over spinach, mushrooms, and onion.

(https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww-personal.umich.edu%2F%7Emmatola%2Fimages%2F100_3656_2.jpeg&hash=718fabd16339b87dd41f174ead629bf4bc333311)

Chick pea salad, blueberries, (homemade) tamagoyaki, edamame dim sum from Trader Joe's.

Now in showing you the last two pictures, I've quietly taken sides on a divisive issue within the bento porn community that outsiders may not be aware of. That is, I take an expansive view of what constitutes "bento porn" and allow containers other than traditional Japanese bentos (such as my Laptop Lunchbox) within my understanding of the pursuit. Others may insist than only traditional boxes qualify as "true" bento porn. (No, I'm not kidding.)

Sorry for the highjack, The.
Title: Re: Bear's shiny new toy -- Big Green Egg
Post by: TheSlyBear on May 11, 2011, 08:35:32 AM
LOL! There's another forum I visit where a woman post the Bento Porn for her kid's lunchboxes too. Apparently it's a legitimate art form!  O:O
Title: Re: Bear's shiny new toy -- Big Green Egg
Post by: TheSlyBear on June 18, 2011, 09:24:16 PM
Smoked two Boston Butts on the Big Green Egg today. Took 8 hours over a low fire to bring them up to temperature.

(https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropbox.com%2Fu%2F2524225%2Fphotos%2Ffood%2Fpulled-pork%2FIMG_8685.jpg&hash=28c103e30ccd092aff40963f5e1d393ce5848cb2)

After pulling:

(https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropbox.com%2Fu%2F2524225%2Fphotos%2Ffood%2Fpulled-pork%2FIMG_8688.jpg&hash=abc5b93d701d4b0f2fdd5b34c16463e346e96ae7)

Tomorrow night's dinner: pulled pork sandwiches! Yum!

I can't wait to try it with Mike's home-made sauce!
Title: Re: Bear's shiny new toy -- Big Green Egg
Post by: sailor61 on June 19, 2011, 06:28:07 PM
I did 2 full racks of pork ribs (11 pounds) on mine yesterday....myself, 2 buddies, couple of large bottles of wine, 2 six packs of Sam,  salad, baked mac and cheese......3 very slow moving middle age guys this morning...........
Title: Re: Bear's shiny new toy -- Big Green Egg
Post by: JasonSandeman on January 29, 2012, 04:09:58 PM
Oh! I hate you! LOL. So jealous!
Title: Re: Bear's shiny new toy -- Big Green Egg
Post by: zetaeffe on January 29, 2012, 04:57:49 PM
Bearbeque?  ;)
Title: Re: Bear's shiny new toy -- Big Green Egg
Post by: TheSlyBear on January 29, 2012, 05:03:09 PM
Oh! I hate you! LOL. So jealous!

 8) I've been saving my pesos for a long time for this toy!

Bearbeque?  ;)

Indeed! Mmmmmm, ribs...

(https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropbox.com%2Fu%2F2524225%2Fphotos%2Ffood%2Fribs%2FIMG_8741.jpg&hash=f2d996bf6ea32d7ee91835a6f2f0cdf9da36d9b9)
Title: Re: Bear's shiny new toy -- Big Green Egg
Post by: Highguage on January 31, 2012, 05:01:29 PM
Wow that is really nice. How much do one of those set you back?
Title: Re: Bear's shiny new toy -- Big Green Egg
Post by: sailor61 on January 31, 2012, 05:56:17 PM
Bought mine about 5 years back and I think it was a bitover 700 with a basic stand (aka; Nest in the egg world).  Same size as Bear's -and I thnk he's got a table set up for his so that adds to thecost.  Exspensive?  You betcha,  but worth every penny.

 And a good quality gas grill is 500 or better so that puts it into perspective.

www.biggreenegg.com
Title: Re: Bear's shiny new toy -- Big Green Egg
Post by: TheSlyBear on January 31, 2012, 07:20:07 PM
sailor's right on the money -- literally.

I jones for one of these for years and years before I could justify the cost. But I cook a lot and this is indeed worth every penny.
Title: Re: Bear's shiny new toy -- Big Green Egg
Post by: sailor61 on January 31, 2012, 08:17:40 PM
NOTHING cooks like an egg.  And stuff always come off looking great and qualifies as food porn..."can't explain it but know it when I see (smell) it..."

Bear  - you burned out a gasket yet?  I average about one per year.
Title: Re: Bear's shiny new toy -- Big Green Egg
Post by: TheSlyBear on January 31, 2012, 09:42:15 PM
I mustn't be trying hard enough...  8) my gasket's fine so far.
Title: Re: Bear's shiny new toy -- Big Green Egg
Post by: sailor61 on February 01, 2012, 06:27:59 PM
not sure what your local dealer is like in terms of inventory but I would strongly suggest getting a spare and sticking it in a drawer.  They're under 20 bucks and always get burned out the day you've got comapny coming for dinner and the retailer is closed for some reason.  With the gasket burned out it's very tough to regulate temps since itcan draw air between the 2 domes.
Title: Re: Bear's shiny new toy -- Big Green Egg
Post by: aarrggh on February 01, 2012, 06:55:05 PM
  Yeah , But can you cook an Egg on the Egg ?    ???
Title: Re: Bear's shiny new toy -- Big Green Egg
Post by: TheSlyBear on February 01, 2012, 07:54:23 PM
Thanks, for the tip Sailor.

And sure, put a cast iron pan over the fire and an egg would fry up just fine. And quickly!   O:O
Title: Re: Bear's shiny new toy -- Big Green Egg
Post by: sailor61 on February 02, 2012, 06:36:54 AM
I HATE page 3 of this thread - whenever I try to get to the new posts on it I have to go by those #$%^&*()   ribs!!!!  It's 8 36 AM and i'm drooling...
Title: Re: Bear's shiny new toy -- Big Green Egg
Post by: TheSlyBear on February 02, 2012, 09:34:38 AM
There's only one cure for Ribs-Hankering.

And that's ribs!
Title: Re: Bear's shiny new toy -- Big Green Egg
Post by: sailor61 on February 02, 2012, 09:48:15 AM
I'm a 34 waist and I intend to remain a 34 waist and that means I need to be conservative with food this week so I can eat like a pig during the game on Sunday!
Title: Re: Bear's shiny new toy -- Big Green Egg
Post by: TheSlyBear on February 02, 2012, 10:34:35 AM
But it's ribs!!!  O:O

(https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdl.dropbox.com%2Fu%2F2524225%2Fphotos%2Ffood%2Fribs%2FIMG_8736.jpg&hash=7c7357042bce0741fb03e48ac64a046d973a6c64)
Title: Re: Bear's shiny new toy -- Big Green Egg
Post by: Chavster on February 02, 2012, 10:45:26 AM
Sorry, but those ribs turn me off a lot more than they turn me on :(

Eww.

The pulled pork looks nice though. Never seen one of those big green egg things. I assume its a barbeque?

Title: Re: Bear's shiny new toy -- Big Green Egg
Post by: TheSlyBear on February 02, 2012, 02:51:19 PM
Yes, a grill and smoker.

You've been on the wrong side of the pond way too long if ribs turn you off!  :@`
Title: Re: Re: Bear's shiny new toy -- Big Green Egg
Post by: D.A.L.U.I. on February 02, 2012, 03:14:49 PM
All those ribs need is a nice side of mustard or turnip greens and maybe some hushpuppies--washed down with some Abita Amber. Damn, I'm hungry!
Title: Re: Bear's shiny new toy -- Big Green Egg
Post by: sailor61 on February 02, 2012, 03:30:07 PM
MODERATOR!  MODERATOR!!!

The Sly Bear is posting PORN again!!!!!
Title: Re: Bear's shiny new toy -- Big Green Egg
Post by: tomgallagher on February 02, 2012, 05:38:39 PM
mmm mmm mmm I could eat me a mess o ribs.
Title: Re: Bear's shiny new toy -- Big Green Egg
Post by: TheSlyBear on February 02, 2012, 06:51:11 PM
MODERATOR!  MODERATOR!!!

The Sly Bear is posting PORN again!!!!!

OK, that, quite literally, made me LOL.

Gotta love that food porn!
Title: Re: Bear's shiny new toy -- Big Green Egg
Post by: sailor61 on February 03, 2012, 06:34:04 AM
good, laughing bears are a personal favorite
Title: Re: Bear's shiny new toy -- Big Green Egg
Post by: schro on February 03, 2012, 07:43:45 AM
As an SBG moderator, I fully support food porn.
Title: Re: Bear's shiny new toy -- Big Green Egg
Post by: Slynito on February 03, 2012, 06:31:13 PM
Proof's in the puddin'...I've been told those eggs can make some good groceries. You done good, Bear!

 O0
Title: Re: Bear's shiny new toy -- Big Green Egg
Post by: Tyler on February 03, 2012, 11:00:29 PM
Food porn is allowed!   d3@
Title: Re: Bear's shiny new toy -- Big Green Egg
Post by: aarrggh on February 05, 2012, 02:47:43 PM
  I`ll have the poor mans special going today , " George Foreman Grill " While watching the Giants beat up on the Patriots . . . 
   
                          GO GIANTS  !     b0x3r
Title: Re: Bear's shiny new toy -- Big Green Egg
Post by: TheSlyBear on August 05, 2012, 09:04:50 PM
Ribs on the Big Green Egg tonight. This cross section shows the pinkish "smoke ring" that forms from a good long slow BBQ. That stuff tastes good!

(https://dl.dropbox.com/u/2524225/photos/food/ribs/IMG_0239.jpg)
Title: Re: Bear's shiny new toy -- Big Green Egg
Post by: Frontier Guy on August 06, 2012, 05:06:50 AM
What's the number to call for "take out"? That's clearly some fine eatin'