u/SnooPuppers825

So, I got 20 lbs of Napa cabbage. The Asian store was running low on Napa at $0.59 a lb, and I only grabbed three 3-lb cabbages. Then I hit up Wegmans and snagged two 6-lb cabbages at $1.49 a lb. After tasting both, the Wegmans cabbage was way juicier and sweeter. I'm curious if the sweeter, more expensive cabbage will actually make a difference in the flavor, so I made two separate batches. I have a feeling the kimchi paste will just overpower any difference in the cabbages, and it's probably not worth the extra cash. We'll see, though.

I had a little extra paste left in the bowl, so I tossed in some cucumber and cilantro for a quick meal with rice. Fingers crossed this lasts until the end of the year.

Cooking my first brisket and this happens. Expecting more heavy wind, hail and down pools. I read the the searwood can be used in the rain with caution but what about the pellet hopper. Anyone every have rain get in the hopper and turn the pellets into mush?

I bought the Searwood XL three weeks ago, and this will be my third cook.

The first time, I made baby back ribs that were dry and very salty. The bark was like concrete and overly salty. My family was forgiving, as it was my first time smoking anything. I think I put too much rub on it and dry-aged it for 24 hours before throwing them in the smoker. This was an epic fail.

The second cook was lollipop drumsticks that turned out good, except the skin was rubbery. I'm not sure how to resolve this issue or if it's normal when cooking low and slow. The taste was there, but the skin was inedible. This was a mediocre fail, but everyone said they were good.

For the third cook, I'm looking for a big win with a big piece of meat! I started at 1:30 AM with an 18lb brisket rubbed with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic, and onion granules, cooking at 180 with a smoke boost until 2:30 AM. I raised it to 215 for three hours. At 5:30 AM, I turned the brisket and cranked it up to 235. It's now 7:30 AM, and it looks like the bark is starting to set. I'm wondering if I should get some water on that bark to keep it from drying out too soon. I'm also wondering if and when I should turn the temp up to start the rendering process. There isn't much dripping in the pan, and I'm starting to worry that the temp is too low. I need a few tips or reassurance that it's going to be okay.

First time ordering from them and I'm excited but feeling like I may have over done it. Most of the time I make all this stuff at home but I'm low on time these days.

On a side note I'm pretty sure these are way more expensive than bubbies.