Messr: Meathead: Just read your article on the subject matter. I have a couple of questions when you have the time. I have been looking on Amazon for some quality PR in larger quantities. Just wanted to get your thoughts on ordering it this way? Are there downsides? Upsides? I realize it is a bit more expensive but willing to pay for the quality. Do you have any specific recommendations? There seems to be a wide variety on Amazon.
Anyhow, any information/advice you can provide is greatly appreciated.
V/r
Brett T. Bowlin
LCDR, USN, Esq. (Ret)
"Bretty Crocker"
Look for Frank and Sal Parmigiano Reggiano on Amazon. We have been ordering it through Amazon and direct for years and it is legit. They ship directly. For larger amounts you might want to ask them directly https://frankandsal.com/collections/italian-cheese
Smoker:
Landmann Smoke Master Series Heavy Duty Barrel Smoker (COS) - With mods including 2 level rack system with pull-out grates
Masterbuilt 40.2" 1200W Electric Smoker
Masterbuilt ThermoTemp XL 40" Vertical Propane Smoker
Gas Grill:
BBQPro (cheap big box store model) Stainless steel 4 burnerswith aftermarket rotisserie.
Charcoal Grill:
Weber Smokey Joe Charcoal Grill 14"
Thermometer:​​​​​​
Fireboard 2 with Drive cable and 20 CFM fan and Competition Probe Package
Fireboard 1st Generation
ThermoWorks Mini Instant Read
Lavaworks Thermowand Instant Read
2 Maverick 733
ThermoWorks IR-GUN-S Industrial Infrared Thermometer
ThermoWorks ThermaPen Mk4 x 2
Govee Bluetooth Thermometer with 6 probes
Miscellaneous:
Anova Sous Vide Immersion Circulator - 1st generation
Anova Sous Vide Immersion Circulator - wifi/bluetooth connected
Favorite Beer:
Anything to the dark side and malty rather than hoppy. Currently liking Yuengling Porter and Newcastle Brown Ale. In a bar or pub I will often default to Guiness
Favorite Spirit:
Bourbon - Eagle Rare for "every day"; Angel's Envy for special occasions, Basil Hayden's, Larceny
Favorite Wine:
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Super Tuscan Sangiovese (Including Chianti Classico Riserva) Brunello di Montalcino
Favorite Meat(s):
Pork - especially the darker meat. I love spare ribs and anything made from shoulder/butt meat
Chicken - Mainly the dark meat and wings
Beef Ribeye steak
Favorite Cuisine to Cook:
Can't list just one: Indian, Chinese, Thai, West Indian/Carribean, Hispanic/Latin American, Ethiopian, Italian, BBQ
Favorite Cuisine to Eat:
Indian, followed closely by BBQ.
It's funny - the only thing I use Parmesan Reggiano for is Caesar salad dressing. For that I buy a pre-packaged wedge of whatever PR is cheapest in my supermarket's "gourmet" cheese department. For everything else we use pecorino romano, which we buy store grated.
Maybe I’m lucky to live in an area with a bunch of nearby Italian markets. I wouldn’t buy mail order unless I know I can get better quality for cheaper. I can walk in, try a bunch of cheeses or other items, and pick exactly what I want in what ever quantity I want. You have to taste to know what you like. Some cheese might only be good for grating over pasta or other dishes and other cheese would be great chunked on a charcuterie board with some wine but would be wasted if grated. Just my opinion. My wife is Italian so I’ve been Italianized.
I of course love smoked meats of all kinds, but also like quick cooks like chicken portions, pork tenderloins, steak and fish. Really into cooking of all kinds.
My outdoor kitchen has a Lone Star Grillz Adjustable and it is wonderful. There also is a Pit Boss 5 Burner Ultimate Griddle and a Pit Boss Copperhead pellet grill.
There is an outdoor fire pit that has grilling capability and limited Santa Maria-style grill raising and lowering.
I just get Publix brand imported Parmigiano Reggiano and Pecorino Romano and grate them directly into pasta sauce to flavor and thicken it. I also grate onto pizza. Very handy just to have a small block or two in the fridge and replace as needed.
Have done this one a couple times and it’s legit, arrives in perfect condition. 5# purchase, works out to ~16/lb. I did the "contact seller" thing before it shipped and asked them to break it into 3 pieces, which they did.
sadly she passed.
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