Got to cook for 20 - recommendations requested!

[restorick2378]

To all the Smokit-It gurus out there...  I've been extremely happy with my #3 and Auber PID for the past year or so.  But today, I found out I have a huge challenge and need to cook for a group of 20 next week Friday.

I'd like to mix 2-3 meats in one smoke.  Shoulder, ribs, brisket, chicken... or whatever.  Since I only have one meat probe, I'm looking for suggestions on how to stage the cook with different meats.

If anyone has thoughts on combinations, techniques or complimentary recipes, I'd greatly appreciate it.

Thanks!
Rick

 

[TARDISgirl]

If you're wanting to do a variety of meat with different cook times, maybe think about doing some smokes ahead of time. I think some of the guys have smoked a pork shoulder/butt ahead of time, kept it whole, then reheated it in an oven the day of. Myself, I used my crock-pot, and that worked a treat.

 

[SuperDave]

A pork butt and a brisket flat with sides will feed 20 adults easily and they have similar cook times.  If you have teenagers or college kids you will likely need to add another one of the chosen meats. 

 

[MarkF]

I did this once. Add 3 hours to what I figured was the cook time. Put in the pork and went easy on the wood. Then the ribs went in with wood chips. Turkey breast went in last with a few more chips. I added the extra time to allow for opening the door. I figured out what rack went where so when I put the next meat in, it went fast. Worked out ok but if I had it to do again, I would smoke pork ahead of time as Divotmaker suggests.

Mark

 

[DivotMaker]

I like Dave's idea - a big ol' Boston butt and a brisket!  In a #3, you can do a whole packer cut, and a couple of butts, if you wanted to!  Similar cook times, and you'd probably have leftovers!

 

[Smokster]

Rick, smoke some butts for pulled pork ahead of time, pull it after you let it rest, then refrigerate.  On the day of the party, put it in a slow cooker on low heat with the sauce (I thin the sauce with a touch of water).  The pulled pork will break down and become even more tender and your guests will be complimenting you all night long.

 

[SuperDave]

I'm cooking for 20+ next month for the fund raiser auction I was part of.  My menu is:
Chicken wings
Stuffed mushrooms
Poppers
Pulled Pork
Brisket
Smoked beans
Potato salad
Green salad
Rolls
Apple crisp & ice cream

 

[Barrel99]

Don't get no better than that Dave...Wow!

 

[SuperDave]

Don't get no better than that Dave...Wow!

It just got serious, Arnie.  My pastor asked me if I could cook for the end of the year staff appreciation party, around 100 people. 

 

[Limey]

Good luck! Love the emoticon.

 

[Barrel99]

Ha...ha...ha. You know that old expression "be careful what you wish for". Dave, you are a master and will make a phenomenal dinner for people who deserve it and who will be astounded by your expertise.