Back in the Saddle

[Reds Fan 5]

After a much longer than expected transition from suburban Chicago to the Fox Cities area in WI, was finally able to fire up the smoker. Prairie Fresh spare ribs. Trimmed them to a St. Louis cut, smoked at 240 on the OKJ Bronco with KBB and apple chunks. Modified Hey Grill Hey sweet rub. No wrap. Outstanding.

Last year I bought Prairie Fresh ribs at WalMart. One of the worst racks I’ve ever purchased. Swore I’d never buy them again. Prairie Farms is all Niemuth’s in Appleton had so with not much time to shop I went with it. These were some of the best racks I’ve purchased. Full spares, meaty, well-marbled, easy to trim. Curious if Wal-Mart gets a lower grade Prairie Fresh or if I just hit the inevitable ocasional bad rack.

[J-Melt]

I guess I’m not the only Chicago area guy from the pit relocating to Wisconsin! How do you like it up there?

[Murdy]

We are too, western 'burbs to the Driftless Area. I lived in northern Wisconsin for 20 years, so I have an inkling what we're getting into.

[TripleB]

I've had the bad rack and found that the Distributor bounced back with good quality. Those spares look fantastic. Great job.

[DavidNorcross]

Nice work!

[RlsRls]

How long a cook from the time you lit the coals to your first bite? I always wrap, because I'm too impatient !

[Mosca]

That is what ribs should look like. I love full spares with tips on!

I’ve always been satisfied with Prairie Fresh, when I’ve found them locally. Here in NEPA most pork (when I notice to look) is Hatfield, Smithfield, or Swift.

I don’t go to Walmart grocery very often; it’s right next to Wegman’s, which I prefer. When I do go there, everything seems pretty good, though. There’s a Price Chopper right there, too. And for that matter, Sam’s! Three pretty big grocery stores all clustered, all thriving. Plus a wholesale outlet. And Aldi’s not too far, either. Go figure.

[rmeugene]

Excellent looking cook!

[Sweaty Paul]

Excellent!