SuperBowl Food: What's your gameplan?

[Rob P.]

Originally Posted by notoriouslyKEN

Do you guys think an aluminum foil pan will be enough to catch all the drippings from the pork? I can't think of anything else to use. I don't want it to be too narrow and have all that fat on the oven floor.

When I do pulled pork in the oven I put the meat in a very large roaster with the meat on a rack inside the pan. The rack keeps it out of the juices. Some liquid in the bottom of the pan (NOT MUCH!) helps braise the meat and make it tender. Pulled pork is supposed to be braised not smoked or dry roasted.

I usually baste while the meat is braising. Depending on what I'm shooting for, it could be anything from worchestershire to BBQ sauce. I also never sear the meat prior to braising as searing would add a hard outer crust. A crust would defeat the whole idea of pulled pork which is just shredded meat in a light juicy sauce. You don't want tough/hard/crunchy bits in your portions. What you want is tender shredded meat that is flavored by the sauce and cooking method. I don't know that a rub will do the same thing as basting since the rub is confined to the outer surface. Brine will help but.....

If you don't have a huge roaster get a couple of the big foil serving pans and invert one as a lid. The first time I made pulled pork I was amazed at how simple and delicious it is.

[mredikop]

Originally Posted by nofifi

WHAT MIKE...NO GOOD CHICAGO ITALIAN BEEF???? I'm hiding out from work at home, taking the phone off the hook, grilling a good steak and watch the BEARS WIN THE SUPER BOWL!!!!

I am not a huge fan of the "IB" or Italian Beef unless it is more of a "Cheddar Beef" with loads of fake Velveeta style cheese dumped on a bun dipped in Au Jus and piled high with beef. Actually I love them but I don't love having to slow cook all that beef. I am more of an "instant grat" kind of guy if I am going to eat the food. If it's for service than you know I don't really have a choice.

I want so badly to have a restaurant someday that serves absolutely nothing but awful for you decadent Chicago style everything! All I need is a financial backer and a space.

I am starting to think I might want to make something healthy for the more health conscious connoisseur should any show up at my place but in the end if you want health food I have Odwalla bars and Horchata. If you want to EAT you better eat brats!

powers: Sweet Baby Rays is the best Barbecue Sauce on the planet!