What number d'ja dial?

Wassup y'all.

Obviously I'm only here because I want something.

Tomorrow I'm going to be making BBQ pulled pork, on an actual barbecue. I have everything I need apart from smoke chips, which I cannot find for love nor money. I thought they were common; apparently not, at least not around here. Will the result suffer for not having the smoke, and can I MacGyver something together from random bits of wood from the garden/some other novel solution I haven't heard of?

@TomW Home depot?

@Catija Assuming I know what that is

(I do, but it doesn't exist in this country)

@TomW which country are you in?

@Stephie UK

@TomW can you get your hands on some untreated hardwood?

@Stephie not by first thing tomorrow morning

Unless I burn my furniture

Really I'm just interested in whether it'll make the whole effort a waste of time

I assume not, but I figure I probably am missing out

I would guess the results are a bit less "smoky" but probably delicious anyway.

Hello @TomW and @Stephie ! — I think you'd be better off using no "smoke chips" at all, rather than use wood that might yield an unpleasant flavor and/or toxic fumes.

Hi @ElmerCat! Frankly, I would raid my stash of firewood and chop up a beech log. Or even better, apple. But obviously not everyone has that around.

Blast. I have found somewhere that has them, but will be closed by the time I reach them at this time in the evening and won't be open early enough tomorrow either. Oh well, I'll have to arrange a 'next time'.

Bad luck! Enjoy your BBQ anyway, @TomW. Large party?

@Stephie nah, only 5 people coming

Testing out my technique on those friends I don't like that much!

J/K. More like the trusted inner circle.

I know the feeling. There is always that small group that acts as guinnea pig for new recipes - before serving it to the inlaws, for example ^_^

@TomW So place an emphasis on a flavorful marinade/baste/sauce, and the absence of smokiness won't be noticed.

@TomW What are you serving with the meat? (Just curious...)

@Stephie ...with...meat...?

;)

Seconds?

Ah, all hardcore guests.

Seriously though, potato salad, coleslaw, some vegetable kebabs. Not a sophisticated affair.

Although one friend has indicated that I may be expected to cook a squid or octopus when the grill is free.

That does not fill me with enthusiasm

Which reminds me - have to check what I have in fridge & freezer. Minor 1 has been complaining that "all" neighbours are firing up their grills.

@TomW I was just thinking potato salad, corn on the cob, and a nice cole slaw.

@ElmerCat two out of three - not bad ;-)

@TomW can't you just hand him the tongs and grab your beer?

Lately, I've been adding chopped pickles to my cole slaw — they add a great tanginess and dill flavor.

@Stephie I could do, but knowing this friend, she won't have planned anything beyond buy the damn thing and keep it cool until cooking time

What do you eat with squid? I have no idea

@TomW How is it being cooked? Deep fried, like calamari rings?

@ElmerCat my potato salad recipe includes finely chopped cornichons

@ElmerCat straight on the grill by the sounds of it. I have no idea tbh

someone else's idea, they can use my fire but it's their problem

@TomW pure gut feeling: garlic, olive oil, quick sear...? Serve with bread.

@TomW seems my gut was right: seriouseats.com/2014/08/how-to-grill-squid.html

I have a few herbs scattered around the garden. Go-to for seafood is tarragon IIRC but I don't have any

I'd go for something more Mediterranean in this case. Thyme, perhaps? Or even better, Lemon thyme.

Ooh I do have parsley. And more lemons than I know what to do with. Gremolata ahoy.

I have lemon thyme :D

Seems you're well equipped for tomorrow.

<note to self - check whether lemon thyme survived the winter>

Mine didn't even flinch

The regular is more than fine, lemon thyme is notoriously fickle here.

Has just sat there consistently, not really growing but not dying off either and looking generally healthy. Not bad for the remains of a supermarket pot plant

Hey @ElmerCat, do you have a herb garden?

Guys, I have to run. Have fun tomorrow, @TomW!

@Stephie I had to check that we were definitely talking about the same plant. We are, and by god it smells good.

@Stephie Thanks, I will!