
Anyhooo.... I normally would build a fuse 2 wide x 2 high over 1/2 the kettle. Works very well for 225. But wait, the temperature is in the Low 40's so I think we need more fuel because of the colder temp. So off we go with a 2 x 3 fuse which works very well for 325.
So the ham is smoking away for 1st hour, but I was concerned about drying it out as the temps moved into the 240's. So I pulled it and started the cook.
Suddenly, temp is skyrocketing into the 260's. What happens next can only be compared to the "Old Man" battling clinkers in A Christmas Story.
In Summary:
- Removed about 20 unlit coals from the fuse
- Pulled the cover off multiple times to drop temp by 100 degrees each time
- Added water pan with 4 cups water
- Pull ham as far away from heat as possible
- Added Ice to water pan towards the end
- Cooked with the cover cracked 1 - 2 inches the whole 2 Hr and 3 min that it took to get the #%*!! down to 225
- Avg cooking temp was in the 280's, peaking @ 291
Got 1 Hr 4 min @ 225.
So the Publix 6.82 lb Ham was cooked in 3 Hr 45 min including the 35 min I smoked with hickory chips. Yes, at 11:15 AM the ham was sitting @ 141.
Now dinner is planned for 1 PM.


Can't post these on your turkey page, but thanks to this great site disaster was averted! Yeah, as good as it looks!
Happy Thanksgiving to All!
--Ed
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