A Manifesto For Meat

Ed reads manuals, websites, magazines, birthday cards.  But I don't think I've ever seen him read a book.

Until he got his hands on Franklin Barbecue - A Meat-Smoking Manifesto.

A gift from our friend, Gary Goulette, this book hasn't left Ed's hands since he opened the package the day it came in the mail.  He's like a kid with a new toy.  And Gary and Ed have become like teenage girls talking and texting on the phone lately.  About barbecue.  Gary's been smoking meat for a while now so he's been providing tips and tricks, telling Ed smoker stories, and making suggestions on cuts of meat that have worked out well for him.  He's the one who suggested Ed smoke a pork butt for his first attempt.

But let's get back to the book...apparently, this Aaron Franklin dude is a big deal.  If you visit his restaurant in Austin, prepare to wait in line for hours.  Earlier this year, The New York Times wrote about him.  His book covers everything from identifying parts on a smoker, to what kind of wood to use and the results to expect, to cuts of meat (with photos and histories of), to actually cooking, serving, and eating.  It's actually kinda right up Ed's alley, because it is like a manual.

We'd like to thank Gary for being so generous and being so interested in Ed's new endeavor.  Thanks, Gar!

This weekend Ed will be making a brisket, a Texas barbecue staple and something Ed grew up eating.  His excitement level for this cut of meat is off the charts - it doesn't get any more Texas than smoked brisket.

Come back to see the results!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2015: Morning Y'all
2014: Happy Fall Morning
2013: Own The Day

2012: Barrio Viejo 
2011: A Daunting Task
2010: Salivating Over The Salumeria
2009: The Cheapest Entertainment Around
2008: Proud To Be A Liberal American
2007: I Don’t Think This Is What The Gideons Had In Mind
2006: Ten Reasons Today
2005: The Big Five Oh!