DIY Freddy’s BBQ from House of Cards, Smoking using the WSM is EASY, Sunderland AFC, Virginia Gentleman vs Maker’s Mark
All I had on the agenda this Sunday was smoking some ribs. I woke up this morning to Sunderland v Cardiff on the DVR. This is the last game I’m able to watch this season, as I’ll be in Cuba with no internet access for the remaining three games. Sunderland is still at risk of relegation, but currently outside the relegation zone. If I was going to be in town, I would not miss a single second.
I bought my dad a smoker for xmas, and he said he wanted to have some ribs on Sunday. We’ve smoked before, but he wanted to see the process again so he could do it on his own. He had Nationals tickets on Sunday and couldn’t be there to see my process first hand, so I figured I’d write up the steps so he can read it in case he wants to smoke solo. I hope its of help to you as well. I’m no expert, but that means anyone can do it. Here are two more resources to get you going (click here and here).
A lot of people have been finding my site by searching for House of Cards related material. I figured I’d give this post a HOC slant to see if I can’t generate some more traffic. Frank Underwood is from SC, but the ribs hes seen eating look to be covered in a sweeter tomato based sauce not typical of his region. FU would more likely prefer South Carolina mustard based sauce or maybe even North Carolina vinegar based sauce (see link below for more detail). I’ll give y’all my NC style sauce recipe. I don’t like mustard sauce, but my wife loves it. I did find a good SC mustard sauce at the store, which my wife found to be delicious. Mostly, I’ll explain how to make your own Freddy’s ribs (spoiler alert), now that DIY is your only way to get them. I found a great resource on the details about Freddy’s ribs here.
This post contains instructions for a basic smoke with no preparation. I went shopping right before smoking. Nothing was brined, marinated, or required any extra time or effort. The prep time for the smoker and ribs was about 15 minutes total. My cook time was 4.5 hours, but as you’ll see below, its a leisurely 4.5. My goal with this post is to show everyone the easiest way to learn to smoke ribs. Once you get the basics down, the sky is the limit.
To start, you need to buy a Weber Smokey Mountain smoker (not the smallest one). Its the best of the best, and if you don’t believe me, do a little research and check the amazon reviews. I have a fraternity brother that does competition smoking, and the WSM is what he and his competitors use.
First we went to Balduccis to get the baby backs. I love a place with a real butcher.
Using a smoker is much easier than you’d think. First you get some charcoal started in a chimney. I’m a proponent of the minion method, which basically just means you put the hot coals in the center of some cold charcoal, and let it burn from the inside out to keep the temperature constant throughout the smoke. When you add wood, I used apple and hickory, you don’t need to soak it. Just add 6-8 pieces for a 4-6 hour smoke. 4 hours is about all you need for ribs. I don’t even use a meat thermometer when I do ribs. Thats how easy it is, and how hard to mess up. I like to use some water in the water pan, but experts are pretty split on the issue. I get a good bark even with water, and it keeps things moist, so I don’t see any drawbacks (google for more info). Then you just put the middle and lid of the smoker back on, and you’re in business. The temp will creep up, and if you hold steady anywhere between 220 and 250 degrees, you’re golden. You adjust temp using the air vents. I start about about a quarter open, and slowly open them up until I’m in the smoke zone. You want to start by adjusting the top vent, and then if you have to, adjust the lower vents. Small adjustments are key.
Once the grill is set, you need to get the meat on. Plain mustard provides a great adhesive surface for a dry rub. The mustard really doesn’t change the flavor profile, so don’t worry about that. I do have a favorite rub, but I just found this one at the grocery store today. Stubbs is pretty easy to find, and it was pretty good. Once I got the dry rub on the ribs, I put them on a rack (optional), and started smoking them.
Next I started on a carolina style bbq sauce. I followed the previous link fairly loosely. I used about a cup and a half of apple cider vinegar, and another cup and a half of distilled white vinegar. Then I poured a little bbq sauce in. I also shook in some of the dry rub. Thats really all there was to it, and it turned out great. Once the flavors meld a little, it will be even better.
If anyone reading this thinks smoking ribs looks difficult, I’ve included the following to show you just had hard it really is… While smoking, I decided to compare Maker’s Mark to Virginia Gentleman. I poured a glass of each. I really had to concentrate to pick a favorite. They’re both very drinkable. The Maker’s is more complex, and has a slightly better nose. I really expected more of a difference between the two. I’ve never been a huge Maker’s fan. For mixing, I’m going with the gentleman. For drinking straight, see my other brown sauce posts for my favorites. I also had a Fuente Hemingway short story maduro. If you’re a cigar guy, you may know what I mean when I say sometimes a cigar is just on. Perfect age, humidity, etc. Everything was right with this one, and it was a wonderful smoke. Its one of my favorites.
Putting in a hard days work…
I enjoyed the spring day. But I did monitor the temp a few times. It was pretty easy with my remote display. I really can’t stress enough how easy it is to learn to use a smoker. Especially with ribs, you can get a good result your first time, and then really fine tune your abilities without much investment. Don’t be afraid to take it up as a new hobby.
My parents got home from the Nationals game, and my dad and I watched the Wizards in the playoffs on the DVR. Once the ribs had been on about 4 hours, I pulled them off, put them in tin foil, and dressed them. I put a store bought bbq sauce on one, butter, and dark brown sugar. On the other rack, I mopped on the homemade vinegar based sauce, added a little butter, and even a sprinkle of brown sugar. I topped it with another quick shake of the dry rub. Then I put them back on the smoker, and let it run a little hotter. After 30 minutes the sauces had caramelized, and the ribs looked amazing.
Carolina Style:
Store bought bbq:
Then we looked over the details about our upcoming trip to Cuba.
It was a great, relaxing day. I hope my instructions inspire you to give smoking a try. It really is easy. A lot of sites will overwhelm you with detail. Take it from me, you do not need to be detail oriented to make great ribs. I really think most people can turn out better ribs than most restaurants just by following my directions. Just check out some youtube videos, and my links, and you’ll be able to end up with some really amazing ribs.
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RIR, Spring 2014
Friday morning I headed down to Richmond International Raceway. I met a buddy at Chick-fil-a for some chicken minis, then on to Richmond.
We got to the tailgate at about 12:30. That gave us about 7 hours or so of tailgate time. We hoisted the flags and got to partying.
The above three posted for an impromptu best dressed competition. CW (center) was mistaken for a professional fishermen at the Chick-fil-a. It made his day.
I had some lunch, the sun was shining, but then the skys quickly turned. We waiting out the downpour under the canopies.
My friend Bolt always rocks the socks and, “shower shoes” look. My buddy RP always gives him the business about it. Too bad he wasn’t around to see them in the weather.
The rain stopped for the most part, and he headed in. We had to wait out some more rain under an overhang with maybe 200 other dedicated/hammered fans. It let up again. They dried the track for what felt like hours, but they finally let them run.
Some of us got a little sleepy, and called it a night early. The first time Almang passed out in the stands, we have him a ton of crap over it. Now, its so commonplace that nobody really even noticed our buddies dozing.
Despite the weather, a great time was had by all. I only get to see some of these guys a few times a year, so I love being able to catch up. This was the first year I listened in on the radio a little. I thought that really adds to the experience. My college friends move, get married, have kids, etc., but I hope we keep doing the Richmond races for years and years to come. If you haven’t seen a NASCAR race live, you don’t know what you’re missing.
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Under the Lights in Richmond, Richmond International Raceway, NASCAR playlist
Tomorrow I’m headed to RIR for the busch series. A bunch of the guys still get together for one or both of the Richmond races each year. The shorter, cheaper, busch race is always an easier sell, and if you haven’t been, its usually crazier too. Here is a playlist I’ll be listening to on the way down and at the tailgate:
My wife got a new app called timehop. It sends you pictures from years pasts on the same day the pictures were taken. She just sent me these two from the race two years ago. If you have seen my followup post (the next one), Bobby Light, CW, and Bolt won best dressed this year. BL and CW would have won two years ago as well. I’m going to have to download timehop. Pretty cool.
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First row of spring, Thompson Boat Center, sculling in DC, Chadwicks of Georgetown
The water temp finally rose, the weather was good, and my buddy RP and I were able to get over to Georgetown today for the first row of the season.
I walked down to Thompson Boat Center, and saw my old High School team. We grabbed oars, boats, and got on the water. It was a beautiful day. Despite the good weather, the water probably wasn’t particularly warm, so we opted for a more stable scull.
I brought a waterproof camera out for the first time. Its a bit hard to keep upright, stay out of other boats’ way, and snap pictures, but I think I got some good ones. In the background just below, you can see the boat house, the Watergate hotel, and the Kennedy Center. Up above, you can see the Rosslyn skyline, the old port of Georgetown, the National Cathedral, Key Bridge, and some of Georgetown University. Just behind me further down in the photos, is Theodore Roosevelt Island. Next time I’ll try to get some better pics of the island, Roosevelt bridge, the three sisters, the Lincoln Memorial, etc.
My hands held up pretty well, except I think I might need to lose the wedding ring next time.
After sculling, we went to Chadwicks for half priced burgers and beers. We celebrated the first row of the season, and made plans for next week. Hope to see y’all out there.
For some more rowing posts, click here, and here.
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Ballpark and top down weather
We headed to the ballpark today. I had a DMV. The D was a half smoke (2 actually), the M was crab dip, and the V was sliced ham. Pretty crazy.
Then we enjoyed the drive back with the top down and saw the sights. It was a great day for a game and a ride.
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Myrtle Beach Golf Trip, Day 5
(This is a continuation of a 5 part post about my 2014 golf trip to Myrtle Beach. Please scroll down for the first post)
The last round on day 5 looked like it might get rained out. Some people left early. I decided to get started on the bourbon and cigars before teeing off, in case of a thunderstorm ending our round prematurely.
The rain held off, and we had a great round. I shot about as well as I did all week, and finished the round by sinking about a 15 foot putt off the fringe in front of the whole group.
On the last day of the trip, at the 18th green, a party starts as the first golfers finish, continue drinking, and start heckling the groups the come in after them. It builds and builds until the last golfers finish. Our group was the second to last to come in. By the time we arrived, the festivities were in full swing.
The partying continued in the parking lot outside the rooms. Some partied harder than others…
We went up to Gary and FJ’s room (where many a coke was exchanged) to figure out the final numbers, hand out winnings, and do some more drinking. As is apparent in some of the pictures, the party had still not ended.
Since it was the last night, we went to a steak house. I had a ribeye and a few more beers. We had a great meal, and it was a great way to end the trip. The next day we packed up, had one last IHOP breakfast, and headed home. I can’t thank Gary enough for planning such an awesome trip. I can’t thank my dad enough for including me, and my friends. It really is about the most fun group of guys you can imagine. It was a trip I’ll never forget, and I can’t wait ’til next year.
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Myrtle Beach Golf Trip, Day 4
On the forth day, we played The Wizard. As you can see below, Jay is celebrating the miracle that occurred that enabled him to be in playing shape that morning. Jason was not doing quite as well. The rest of us faired better than anticipated, given the previous evening.
We queued up, and watched the first drives over water.
Larry enjoyed a little impromptu driving range time into the water.
Jason pulled it together and teed off (above).
The rain wig was in effect, and some old crow in a shot glass my dad bought me helped with the weather.
The rain started slow, then really started coming down. It came and went, but didn’t ruin the round.
After the round, we all piled in our vehicles and headed down to the beach for dinner at Soho. After a great dinner, Gary added up our scores, and figured out the skins, longest drives, closest to the pins, and longest putts.
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Myrtle Beach Golf Trip, Day 3
On day 3 of the trip, I woke up, got a coffee, and watched players on Wizard approach and putt out on our screened porch. Then we headed to IHOP for breakfast, and then the Witch for our round. It was pretty hot out as we warmed up.
I never got a shot of the whole group at once, but this is about half of us. My dad, my second cousin Larry, Winn-Dixie, and his son C-Note teed off in the group before us. I rode with CW.
The Witch had a lot of wildlife on the course. Including a pretty fearless raccoon, and thankfully, some more disinterested gators.
It was my birthday, and we got paired up with some young guns. This was by far my worst round score-wise, but we had a great time. We played with one of these guys last year, and had a very similar experience. Hopefully, we’ll get to play together again next year.
Before the booze kicked in, we did have some pretty incredible shots. The young gun in the white shirt bent a ball around a huge tree to land on the green. It was incredible. He even called his shot.
It was hard enough to find errant balls without the oyster shells.
Larry told me that one year the course didn’t have its liquor license. He was feeling thirsty, and drove the cart across the (very busy) street, to buy some beers.
The course was beautiful, and despite worrying slightly about pace of play as some of my buddies started to feel the affects of intoxication, I had a great time. The group behind us was also from West Virginia, and the small talk with them prior to the round may have kept them from complaining. I hope we didn’t slow them down too much, but I imagine we may have. Hopefully they still enjoyed the round.
I happened to wear the exact same shirt as Taylor that round. He gets a little stressed about his golf game on occasion, but its nothing a few beers and some bourbon can’t fix. He might have gotten just a tad carried away, as he took a spill on the 18th green and made a bit of a knee divot. Larry got out his repair tool, and I have to say, its the first time I’ve seen a knee mark repaired on a green. Notice how Corey is still lining up a putt despite the chaos around him.
The young guns didn’t make it, but we had a pretty epic evening out. If you want details, you’ll have to ask me about it. Specifically, ask about how they climbed to the rafters, C-Note got tackled, Jason miraculously didn’t get us kicked out, the desperation line, and about CW’s G bucks. I had an awesome birthday. I couldn’t have had a better time. We finally dragged Jason out and got home around 2am.
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Myrtle Beach Golf Trip, Day 2
On Saturday, we got up early to get down to SC. We saw some familiar sights on the drive down. The trip is organized by Gary, my dad’s best friend growing up. Its about 40 guys, mostly from the Huntington area of WV. The majority of the guys about my dad’s age, but with a few guys just older and younger than me as well. We met up with everyone at the Man O War course. It was a beautiful day and an awesome course. I rode with Winn-Dixie, and we both played pretty well.
We started off with plenty of swing lube, but as you can see below, we had to make a run after the round.
That evening, we ate at Buffalo Wild Wings, and called it a night.
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Myrtle Beach Golf Trip, Day 1
My dad (and mom) grew up in a small town in West Virginia. A friend of his puts on a golf trip each year. Last year, my friend CW and I were lucky enough to get an invite. This year, we all went again, and invited a couple more friends. The base price of the trip is under $400 bucks, and includes 4 rounds of golf (carts included, coolers allowed), and 4 nights in Myrtle beach, as well as breakfast, and lunch, and an included steakhouse dinner. Its an unbelievable deal, but similar ones can be found via a quick google search. If you have a group of golf buddies, you’d be crazy not to check it out.
On Thursday, my dad and I drove down to our friends’ house in Fredericksburg to miss some traffic the following morning. We sat around and talked late into the evening, played a little piano, and told old stories. This was the view when I got up and had some coffee. Then we met up with my friend CW at the waffle house.
My friend C-Note’s Dad, Winn-Dixie, is a regular there, and his banter with the staff was as enjoyable as my biscuit and bacon. We headed down to Durham to play a round with one of Winn-Dixie’s former coworkers. He invited us to play at his country club, and even bought us lunch. Very generous. He lost an arm, but still plays golf. I can now say I’ve lost a round to a one armed man. We also played with a character who’s license plate is featured below. The weather and company was great, and the trip was just beginning.
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