Smoked Turkey Breast – Franklin BBQ Style

I bought a few bone in turkey breasts for our Friendsgiving party with plans to smoke them.  Given I have a Weber Smokey Mountain (WSM) 14.5 I was unable to use the turkeys with the bone in so I butchered the turkey to remove the breasts and was able to get out 4 significantly large breasts which fit on the WSM 14.5.

Once again I used the Franklin BBQ recipe for the turkey breast with equal parts salt and pepper.  In retrospect I would do 2 parts pepper to 1 part salt.  The turkey does not require a  lot of salt so be warned.  I brined the breast while bone in for 36 hours in equal parts sugar and salt.

When I smoked the turkey breasts I used both racks and the water pan full.  I used Post Oak wood chips and Kingsford Original (blue) Charcoal Briquettes.  The smoker temp was held at a range 265-275.   My goal was to cook for 3 – 3.5 hrs to reach the turkey breast temp of 165.

4 turkey breasts (two top rack and 2 bottom rack)

The smoker held strong during cold and high wind guts during the smoking period.  It held the temp range.  I kept the turkey on smoker until meat temp 145. That took about 2.5 hrs to reach 145 degree meat temp.

I then took the turkey off and place on aluminum foil with 1/3 stick of butter per turkey breast and back on smoker for additional 25-30 mins.  Then removed from smoker and let rest for 30 mins.

End result was a beautiful piece of turkey breast

The end result was excellent and extremely juicy piece of turkey.  It was not over smoked flavor which was perfect for everyone.  The Post Oak wood chips was excellent for the turkey!  The best part was it retained the moistness for hours and even next day reheat.  I would use half the salt next time as the outer part was a little salty, but overall this turkey was one of the best and received many compliments at our Friendsgiving party.

Another successful smoked meal on the Weber Smokey Mountain 14.5/

Texas Style – Franklin BBQ Pulled Pork

This smoke BBQ was inspired by Aaron Franklin’s YouTube BBQ with Franklin: Pulled Pork video.

We were given, by a friend, a free 8.5 lb pork shoulder the other day and since I have never smoked a pork shoulder I decided to give it a try.  I wanted to try the best BBQ possible so I turned to Franklin BBQ out of Austin, Texas known to have the best BBQ in the country.

8.5 lb Pork Shoulder

For this smoke I went Texas style with only a simple 50/50 salt & pepper rub that also included (A) garlic powder 3 tbsp (B) onion powder 1 tbsp (C) paprika 1 tbsp for color.  I like that we are not trying to go crazy with rubs here.  It is simple!  Let the meat and the smoker do all the flavoring.

Texas Style Rub

I used my Weber Smokey Mountain (WSM) 14.5.  Knowing this would be a long smoked I used the Minion Method to stack the Kingsford Blue (Original) coals to the top.  I used mesquite wood chips.  I also filed the water pan with boiled water. I knew I did not have the time to cook 2 hrs per pound so I researched and decided to start the temp of the WSM to 300-305.  I started the smoke at 10:15 AM and planned to keep it at 300-305 for a 2-3 hours.  Right at the start I added a handful of the mesquite wood chips.

The internal temp of the pork was rising at a good pace so at 12:15 I backed down the WSM temp to 270-275.  The weather at the Jersey Shore was nasty yesterday and was not ideal smoking conditions, but the WSM held temp all day.

Per Franklin’s instructions opened up the WSM at 2:30.  This was 4 hrs 15 mins into the smoke.  At that point I knew it was going good.  I saw a bit of cracking on the fat which is a good indicator to get that pig wrapped.

Pork Shoulder on the Weber Smokey Mountain 14.5 at the 4 hr 15 min mark

Pork Shoulder on the Weber Smokey Mountain 14.5 at the 4 hr 15 min mark

I removed the pork shoulder and brought it inside to get wrapped.  Following the Franklin BBQ video I placed the pork on several strips of aluminium foil and sprayed (a generous amount) the entire pork shoulder with apple cider vinegar and quickly and tightly wrapped the pork.  I refilled the water pan with boiled water. and placed the wrapped pork back on the WSM for the rest of the cook.  Total time off the smoker was 5 mins.

Pork Shoulder Wrapped Tightly In Aluminium foil & Sprayed With Apple Cider Vinegar

The pork stayed on the WSM until I saw the meat temp hit 195.  I actually waited 25 mins longer after it initially hit 195 and I took it off when the temp was 197.  I removed the pork at 5:30 PM.  I could feel how nice and soft he meat felt in the wrapped as I took it off.  Total cook time 7hrs 15 mins.  I let the pork sit, wrapped on the counter for 30 mins before I unwrapped it.

After 7 hrs 15 mins on the Weber Smokey Mountain 14.5

The smell of the pork was absolutely amazing.  I used two forks to pull the pork apart. with little effort and the bone pulled out with zero issues.  Just pulled right out!

Perfect Smoke Ring & Juicy

This was my first time smoking pork shoulder and I admit I was a little nervous, but following the Franklin BBQ video did it justice.  This was the best pulled pork my wife and I ever had.  I know why Franklin BBQ is considered the best in the country.  The Texas style BBQ with S&P, etc. was the right choice.  Letting the meat and the smoker handle the flavor.  Perfection!

The Weber Smokey Mountain 14.5 was amazing at holding temp all day in bad/windy weather.  The WSM 14.5 is perfect for 8.5 lb of pork shoulder.  It could easily handle 10-12 lbs.

Veterans Day 2014

Veterans Day was always a significant day growing up and remains so today. I want to share with you a little about the man who instilled so much into my life, inspired me daily and was the greatest veteran a person could ever know.

My grandfather, Joseph Harold Wallace, joined the U.S. Coast Guard in May 1942. His service included assignments aboard ships in the Asiatic Pacific area, as well as the European, African and Middle Eastern area. He was released from active duty after three years and eight months of honorable service as a sonarman first class. Following his service during World War II, he was an active member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 1851, Newark, where he was post commander in 1956. Upon moving to Bayville, he transferred to V.F.W. Post 9503.

He went to the post every single day to do make it look the best it could.  Always a new landscaping project, new project in the picnic area, new coat of paint, supporting fundraisers, etc.  You name it he did it every single day (holidays too) of his life.  His fellow veterans were one of the most important people to him and were his extended family. He often referred to the VFW as “The Club.” Still to this day the Bayville VFW Post 9503 has their picnic grove named in his honor, The Joe Wallace Grove.

Throughout my years at Central Regional middle and high school he drove me so I did not have to take the bus and he was already heading that way.  I heard more stories than even his own children about the war and his time serving our great country.  When I would share some of the stories he would tell me to my mom she would often say “I never heard about that.”

I was a lucky kid growing up.  Not only did I have an amazing grandfather, who was more like my father to me, but I also learned many things about how our veterans sacrifice so much and how passionate he was about supporting the veterans when they came home.  He was truly a significant part of the “Greatest Generation” and one of the greatest, most proud veterans in history.

I miss our daily drives up Veterans Blvd and hearing the stories.

Take the time to speak to our veterans, hear the stories and honor them today and everyday.

Movember 2014 – My “Mo” is returning and I need your help

MOVEMBER 2014…..I am shaving this Movember (November) 1st and will start to grow a “Mo” for the entire month.  I look creepy with a Moustache and I do not like them, but as a 8 year testicular cancer survivor it is my mission to raise awareness, money, educate and advocate.

Please take 2 minutes to read about what Movember Foundation is doing and consider donating or joining our team.  To register is free! Remember Movember is for both men and women so please give it some consideration.

Did you know the reasons for the poor state of men’s health in the USA are numerous, complex and include:

• Lack of awareness and understanding of the health issues men face
• Men not openly discussing their health and how they’re feeling
• Reluctance to take action when men don’t feel physically or mentally well
• Men engaging in risky activities that threaten their health
• Stigmas surrounding mental health
• Men are 24 percent less likely than women to have visited a doctor within the past year

The Movember Foundation aims to change this way of thinking by putting a fun twist on this serious issue. Using the moustache as a catalyst, the idea is to bring about change and give men the opportunity and confidence to learn and talk about their health and take action when needed.

As a global men’s health movement, the Movember Foundation has the ambition to contribute to improving the lives of men around the world. To achieve this, we challenge men to grow moustaches during Movember (the month formerly known as November) to spark conversation and raise funds for prostate cancer, testicular cancer and mental health problems. We see success as moving the dial on progress towards:

• Reduced mortality from prostate, testicular cancer and men’s suicide
• Men living with prostate or testicular cancer being physically and mentally well
• Men and boys understanding how to be mentally healthy and taking action when they experience mental health problems
• Men and boys with mental health problems not being discriminated against

Help us make a difference in men’s health during Movember by making a donation.

Donate here: http://mobro.co/brianpatrickdowd

As a 8 year testicular cancer survivor I sincerely THANK YOU for your consideration!

Local Cancer Survivor and Advocate Travels to Washington, D.C. to Push for Research Funding

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Contact: Brian Dowd brianpatrickdowd@gmail.com

Local Cancer Survivor and Advocate Travels to Washington, D.C. to Push for Research Funding

Brian Dowd Participates in One Voice Against Cancer’s (OVAC) National Lobby Day Calls for Making Cancer Research and Prevention Programs Top Priority 

BEACHWOOD, NEW JERSEY – July 14, 2014 – 25 organizations and more than 88 advocates seeking to ensure that Congress increase the funding for cancer research and prevention programs participated in One Voice Against Cancer’s (OVAC) National Lobby Day last week in Washington, D.C.  Brian Dowd joined the OVAC team on behalf of the LIVESTRONG Foundation whose mission it is to improve the lives of people affected by cancer now.

Brian from BEACHWOOD, NEW JERSEY and staff from more than 25 cancer organizations, including LIVESTRONG, walked the halls of Congress meeting with staff and representatives to make the case for increased funding for research into vitally important cancer programs.

Last year alone, approximately 750 patients were turned away from National Institute of Health (NIH) clinical centers as a result of cuts in funding.  The OVAC advocates were gathered in Washington to reach out to their local lawmakers to ask that the National Cancer Institute budget be increased to $5.26 billion; that the decline in funding for cancer research ends; and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) budget for cancer programs is increased to $510 million.

“It is important for all of us to have our voices heard by our elected lawmakers on issues of life and death and funding for cancer research and prevention is just such an issue,” said Brian.  “I was proud to join my fellow advocates and take a few days to tell the stories of cancer patients and survivors and reinforce the need for funding.  I hope that it makes a difference and that our local lawmakers are listening.” Brian met with the office of Senators Cory Booker and Robert Menendez and the offices of Congressmen Jon Runyan and Rodney Frelinghuysen.

OVAC is a collaboration of national non-profit organizations presenting millions of Americans, delivering a unified message to Congress and the White House on the need for increased cancer-related appropriations.  More than 30 LIVESTRONG advocates were part of OVAC’s National Day of Lobbying on July 7 and 8^th in Washington, DC which included a total of more than 131 meetings among the entire team with the offices of elected officials.

“All offices shared their support various degrees of support to make cancer a national priority.  I was most impressed with the support showed by Senator Booker’s office.  His Legislative Assistant, Christian, was impressive to meet with,” said Brian.  “Senator Booker has been active in the area of health and cancer.  He has been in office since October 2013 and has already signed on to support many bills and priorities, such as the National Institute of Health (NIH) funding letter.”  Brian went on to say, “Cancer is a nonpartisan issue.  We are all affected by cancer in some way.  This is my third OVAC National Lobby Day. I am a cancer survivor and I will continue to meet with our elected officials in a professional, honest and constructive manner to see cancer is truly made a national priority.”

Brian Dowd is an 8 year testicular cancer survivor and has been a volunteer, fundraiser and advocate for The LIVESTRONG Foundation since his diagnosis in May 2006.  This was his third time representing The LIVESTRONG Foundation and the State of New Jersey as an OVAC delegate.

About the LIVESTRONG Foundation

The LIVESTRONG Foundation fights to improve the lives of people affected by cancer now. Created in 1997, the Foundation is known for providing free cancer support services and advocating for policies that improve access to care and quality of life. Known for its powerful brand – LIVESTRONG – the Foundation has become a symbol of hope and inspiration around the world. Since its inception, the Foundation has served 2.5 million people affected by the disease and raised more than $500 million to support cancer survivors. One of America’s top non-profit organizations, the Foundation has been recognized by industry leaders including Charity Navigator, the National Health Council and the Better Business Bureau for its excellent governance, high standards and transparency. For more information, visit LIVESTRONG.org.

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Fundraising 2013 LIVESTRONG Challenge Participation

In nine days I will be participating in a weekend of events for the LIVESTRONG Foundation. I am running the 5k on Saturday Aug 17th and then on Sunday I am riding the 50 mile course.

Please consider supporting my participation and supporting the LIVESTRONG Foundation by making a donation. Any amount is a great amount. http://www.livestrong.org/fundraising/brianpdowd

As you know the fight against cancer is a personal one for me and my family. I AM A CANCER SURVIVOR! LIVESTRONG was there for me back in 2006 and I spent most of my personal life volunteering and seeing that people are aware of the FREE support, services and programs they offer to ANYONE affected by cancer.

The money I raise will support programs and services for cancer survivors. These resources help people diagnosed with cancer face the challenges of the disease head on and live life on their own terms. www.Livestrong.org/We-Can-Help

Please support me as I make a difference in the cancer fight through my participation in the LIVESTRONG Challenge Philly 2013.

I sincerely Thank You!

Brian Dowd

SARAH STRONG! Fundraiser event details March 10th 2PM-6PM

There are times in life when the community comes together to help each other.  I ask you to please consider supporting a fundraiser which will help our friend and her family as she fights cancer. 

Sarah (Orton) Cummings is a Central Regional High School graduate, wife and mother of 4 beautiful children. 

Recently Sarah was diagnosed with breast cancer and her friends have created the Sarah Strong Foundation (TaxID: 46-1226807) to help with the medical and other expenses they are now facing during this difficult time. 

All donations will be collected on behalf of the “Sarah Strong Non-Profit Organization” and will be presented to Sarah and Joe on March 10th at the Captains Inn in Forked River, NJ from 2 pm to 6 pm. Sarah and Joe would like to let everyone know that any extra funds which are not used will be donated by them to another cancer organization close to their hearts.

Please consider attending the event Captains Inn Restaurant and Waterfront Tiki bar – 2pm-6pm on Sunday, March 10th, 2013.  You can purchase the $40 tickets online and if you cannot make it to the event you can make a donation.

Sarah is a strong woman, amazing mother and wife. Please support her and join us for fun, food, music, and a Trick-Tray (Chinese) auction with some prizes valued at over $1,000!

All event detail is located http://sarahstrong.myevent.com.

Thank you for your consideration!

LIVESTRONG!

LIVESTRONG Resources

Fellow LIVESTRONG Leader Scott Joy put this list together for the LIVESTRONG Leaders.  I wanted to share with everyone to ensure you know where to go for LIVESTRONG resources.   If you or a family member of friend is fighting cancer please take the time to review the available resources.

LIVESTRONG.org

http://www.livestrong.org/

Get Help, Take Action, What We Do, Who We Are

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LIVESTRONG SurvivorCare

http://www.livestrong.org/survivorcare

Help for anyone affected by cancer by phone or web. Support, financial, fertility, and clinical trial matching services.

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LIVESTRONG At School

http://www.livestrong.org/school

School curriculum about cancer for grade levels K-12

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LIVESTRONG Blog

http://livestrongblog.org/

Blog posts by LIVESTRONG staff, with social media integration (Twitter, Flickr, YouTube). Send a Twitter message containing the hashtag #livestrong to have it appear on this site automatically. Tag Flickr photos and YouTube videos with “livestrong,” too.

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LIVESTRONG Store

http://www.store-laf.org/

LIVESTRONG clothing and other merchandise

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Team LIVESTRONG

http://www.teamlivestrong.org/

Event details, including the Challenge series. Walk, run, ride, tri, volunteer.

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LIVESTRONG Challenge Fundraising Headquarters

http://davis2011.livestrong.org/

http://philly2011.livestrong.org/

http://austin2011.livestrong.org/

Support participants, accept sponsorship donations, e-mail requests, see top teams and individuals

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My LIVESTRONG

http://my.livestrong.org/

Tools and resources for those affiliated with LIVESTRONG activities, such as Challenge, Summit, LIVESTRONG Day

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LIVESTRONG Social Media

http://www.facebook.com/livestrong

http://www.youtube.com/livestrongarmy http://www.flickr.com/photos/livestrongarmy

http://twitter.com/LIVESTRONG

http://twitter.com/LIVESTRONGHQ

http://twitter.com/LIVESTRONGCEO

http://twitter.com/lancearmstrong

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If I can be of assistance in anyway please email me at dowood27@comcast.net

LIVESTRONG!

LIVESTRONG Challenge 2011 – GAME ON CANCER!

I am a 4 year testicular cancer survivor. As part of Team LIVESTRONG & Team Down One, I’m making a difference in the fight against cancer. I’ve joined with other people around the globe and across different events to raise money for LIVESTRONG. We may not all live in the same city or participate in the same sport but we’re united by hope, courage and determination.

My goal is to raise $28,000 in honor of the 28 million cancer survivors around the world and in memory of a former colleague at ITXC Corp Caryn Rosenberg. She embodied the meaning of LIVESTRONG and fought cancer with courage, strength & grace. She will forever inspire me to continue the fight. Rest In Peace Caryn!

The money I raise will go to support LIVESTRONG’s programs and services, which inspire and empower people affected by cancer. If you or someone you know is diagnosed, these resources will help face the challenges of cancer, head on, and live life on your own terms.

Over the years (2007-2010) I personally raised over $38K so this year’s $28K goal is setting the bar high. Please donate generously http://philly2011.livestrong.org/brianpdowd

Please join Team Down One and help us raise money by being a virtual team member or you can take the Challenge in August. I have set my recruitment goal at 28 so please join and help me crush that number http://philly2011.livestrong.org/teamdownone

Please support me as I make a difference in the cancer fight through my participation in Team LIVESTRONG & Team Down One. THANK YOU!

Best Regards,

Brian Dowd

Facebook Status for a Cause

I read Andy Miller’s facebook status which I believe is important.

“While holidays are a joyous time for many, for families in the fight against cancer, it can be an especially difficult time. If you or your loved ones need help coping with cancer, did you know that LIVESTRONG can help? Go to http://www.livestrong.org/Get-Help or call 866.673.7205

And if you can, please make this your FB status for the next 24 hours to help spread the word!”

Please help spread the word on LIVESTRONG!