Allow me to introduce myself:
As my username states, I'm a pastor here in Minnesota, southwest of St. Cloud. (Though, I'll always bleed yellow and green, having been raised in Wisconsin.) I've enjoyed cooking (and eating!) all my life - I even considered when I was younger about going to culinary school. My real interests are grilling and smoking, so I've found a pretty good place to get some helpful hints and share what little I know. I've been lurking for a week or so and I've already used several recipes or other hints I've gleaned.
I've got a pretty basic setup: a COS that I'd really like to replace with a Weber Kettle when funds recuperate. (When I cook, I'm feeding our family of 6, so I'm waiting for the right deal to roll around on a larger kettle.) I've relegated the offset to overall grilling duty these days, and I've got a pretty good handle on it. -Seems to me, though, that a kettle would offer greater flexibility in more areas than the COS I've got, especially when paired with my PitBarrel. The PBC I rec'd this past Father's Day and we're having a lot of fun with it! We've had some pretty great meals from it already.
My other hobby is woodworking/furniture making. Over the years I've made a good share of the furniture in the house for the kids and our own bedroom set, etc. I recently finished a Queen Anne highboy in cherry for my bride. I work almost exclusively in hardwoods such as oak, cherry, maple, and walnut. -As you can see, other than the walnut, I've a handy little selection of scrap woods that make delicious smoke!
Anyway, looking forward to joining in and learning and contributing!
Parson
