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Fireplaces and Wood Stoves: Outdoor Fireplace

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Forum: Fireplaces and Wood StovesReplies: 81, Views: 527
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haighr
Hagerstown, MD
(Zone 6a)

February 20, 2006
12:14 PM

Post #2058287

We just love having a fire and now that we have the gas logs inside we enjoy the outside fires even more. This first pic is from our cabin. I unprofessionally LOL, laid all the stone that we hauled over from the creek.

Thumbnail by haighr
Click the image for an enlarged view.

haighr
Hagerstown, MD
(Zone 6a)

February 20, 2006
12:16 PM

Post #2058296

This is the one on our deck. It replaces a previous one that the screen became so dilapidated that we actually caught our chaise lounge on fire, so it had to go.

Thumbnail by haighr
Click the image for an enlarged view.

Jazzpunkin
Springfield, OH
(Zone 5b)

May 2, 2006
5:57 PM

Post #2242754

I like them both!! They both are places that are very inviting
CajuninKy
Inez, KY
(Zone 6a)

October 7, 2006
10:26 PM

Post #2795475

We ahve a chiminea exactly like yours. We love it and use it all winter long. Every time my husband builds a fire in it I make hot chocolate.
haighr
Hagerstown, MD
(Zone 6a)

October 8, 2006
8:01 AM

Post #2796475

Sounds yummy and it is getting to be that time of year!
woodstove
Lebanon, PA

March 8, 2007
10:37 PM

Post #3262915

I made a nice out side fireplace
its a cut down drum its a bought 25 to 30 inches high
lots of wood fits in it
it has holes in the sides toward the bottom for air flow
and their is rocks palled up all a round it
looks good


haighr
Hagerstown, MD
(Zone 6a)

March 10, 2007
3:06 PM

Post #3268259

This is an old tire rim from a huge semi it is more than 3' across and holds a lot. About 2ft. deep and keeps a real nice fire and for some cast iron cookin.
woodstove
Lebanon, PA

March 16, 2007
8:43 PM

Post #3290413

were can i get a large tractor tralier rim
fora fireplace
haighr
Hagerstown, MD
(Zone 6a)

March 17, 2007
7:37 AM

Post #3291350

Ours came from a friend who works selling parts for big rigs. Perhaps you could find one at a junk yard?
cpartschick
Gladwin, MI
(Zone 5a)

April 6, 2007
1:44 PM

Post #3362727

Or try a tire store, they may be happy to give you one that is bent or otherwise usless.
We use that for our firepit, then found some pavers that make a circle and stacked them. This is good for setting a coffee pot on to keep warm etc. The pavers will crack over time with the heat, but we found rocks sometimes explode. We love to cook outside. Can't wait for the beer can chicken. All it has to do is stop snowing, and warm up about 40 degrees.
haighr
Hagerstown, MD
(Zone 6a)

April 7, 2007
5:07 AM

Post #3364573

Oh yes, that good ole beer can up the butt as we call it here LOL! Love it. Last week this time it was 80 and today snow showers? Spring!
cpartschick
Gladwin, MI
(Zone 5a)

April 9, 2007
4:16 AM

Post #3370867

Hey, we have the "fancy cooker. It holds 3 chickens, has a cover and a therm. on top. Nothing "but" the best for our chickens. (it was a gift, but what a good one). We sure have some good meals out in the woods.
Another favorite is legs and thighs, when on sale. We shake them in corn muffin mix, lay them on the grill over some cherry wood coals and slowly, (set the rack real high) cook them. These must be turned often to brown evenly, but worth the baby sitting. Add a little salt and pepper while grilling. Easy, and really, really, tastey. We do a 10lb bag at one time, and with a few helpers there is usually little left.
haighr
Hagerstown, MD
(Zone 6a)

April 9, 2007
4:26 AM

Post #3370894

Would like to see one of those fancy cookers. We have a friend who used steel grates and welded the holder for the beer cans to it, but it has seen it's last days. Would like the 3-chicken one for when we have others to feed!
cpartschick
Gladwin, MI
(Zone 5a)

April 9, 2007
12:37 PM

Post #3372463

Normally we use one of those tri-pods that can be purchased anywhere. We do use a larger grate on it though. The triple beer can cooker just fits on it. The lid is a large dome really works well.
We have cooked everything from whole venison loin with portabella mushrooms and onions to fresh blackberry tarts picked from the woods. We also have a big kettle for chili or soup when it is cold. Still...the hot dogs and burgers are pretty darned good too. We even had a few friends come down with a few bottles of wine and had an improptu wine tasting party...with paper cups! (I did later find some great dollar store wine glasses for at camp, much better)
I bet you guys have some good cookouts there too. And of course the fire is the place to cook-up those great fireside stories after dark.
haighr
Hagerstown, MD
(Zone 6a)

April 10, 2007
3:20 AM

Post #3374452

LOL, we've had Dom in those paper cups you talk about. We have the Cabelas smoker with the high dome and do ours on that, but was wondering about what you put the chicken on. We just use the can and spread out the legs for support, but do you have something that actually holds them steadier? As I said we had something with the base and ring for the can but has gone by the wayside. We do have one from cabelas for 2 chickens, but not seen one for 3+.
Nothing like those stories after some wine LOL. Guess that is why it is usually just steve and me and nobody else!
cpartschick
Gladwin, MI
(Zone 5a)

April 10, 2007
4:03 AM

Post #3374610

I'd listen to the stories. I guess that we have heard some of them a hundred times, but they get funnier every time.
This cooker has a base with 3 stands for the chicken and another opt for a turkey. It is all set up for just this use. I am not sure where they got it from, they just said when they saw it they knew they had to buy it for us. It is down in the shed, but I will get the info for you. I think you would like it. We usually use small chickens, they get bronze brown and just fall apart and are so good.
Mmm, just googled it and can't find it.
haighr
Hagerstown, MD
(Zone 6a)

April 10, 2007
8:57 AM

Post #3375753

Well now curious, never have seen such a thing. I do know that it is our favorite way to cook them. We started doing the turkey at Thanksgiving last year in it, but Steve forgot to put the drip pan in and it caught fire, what a fiasco! We laughed and laughed after it was put out. Won't forget the pan again it was a 22lb. bird!
cpartschick
Gladwin, MI
(Zone 5a)

April 10, 2007
12:41 PM

Post #3376522

Oh, boy do we have stories about turkeys and deep fryer, too long to tell. I found what it is called. It is a keg roaster. see this...
[HYPERLINK@www.amazon.com]
Wow, that is a long one.
cpartschick
Gladwin, MI
(Zone 5a)

April 11, 2007
3:28 AM

Post #3378223

Here is the picture of our cooker. As you can see it has been used a few times, and after storing all winter could use a cleaning, but you get the picture.

Thumbnail by cpartschick
Click the image for an enlarged view.

haighr
Hagerstown, MD
(Zone 6a)

April 11, 2007
3:31 AM

Post #3378228

Ohhhhhhhh, that is neat! Will have to get us one of em. Thanks a bunch for taking the time to research.
cpartschick
Gladwin, MI
(Zone 5a)

April 11, 2007
3:38 AM

Post #3378245

You are very welcome. They are quite pricey, but we just have the top and set on our firepit. I don't think we would have bought it, but it was a gift and we found it was worth the money. As you can see it will also fit over your deep fat fryer, or gas smoker bottom too, if you wish.
Won't be outside cooking today, here is the forcast...

Today: Heavy, wet snow, mixing with rain during the afternoon. High of 35.

Blah...
haighr
Hagerstown, MD
(Zone 6a)

April 11, 2007
3:46 AM

Post #3378265

That is what I just bought. Bought through Outdoor Cooking for $75.00 plus shipping. Guess we will use it both on the firepit at the cabin and at home on the grill.
CAlling for rain here and maybe 50. Got spoiled with a couple of days in the high 70's 2 weeks ago and then back to snow and cold. Hoping to get up to the cabin and turn the water on this weekend, we shall see. At least when the good outdoor cooking weather gets here, I'll be ready with our new keg roaster thanks to you!
Candee
cpartschick
Gladwin, MI
(Zone 5a)

April 11, 2007
3:55 AM

Post #3378292

You only cost me 10 dollars for that crochet book...ha, but I am sure you will enjoy this much. I just put the chickens on the beer cans and sprinkle some seasoning on the outside. You do not even have to inject them or anything. I thought I had a picture of some cooking, sitting all brown and pretty over the fire, but I cannot find it. I have pictures of pig roasting, turkey frying, and turkey smoking...but I cannot find the drunk chicken.
haighr
Hagerstown, MD
(Zone 6a)

April 11, 2007
10:09 AM

Post #3379624

I have done them many times, just improvised with the beer can. I rub ours with oil and then sprinkle with brown sugar and paprika and salt. I add same to the beer and away we go. I wanted something better to hold them upright, especially for doing more than one. We have one a friend made, but have worn it to pieces. Have one from Cabelas, but is is a double and too close together to really do 2 at one time. I think this will work great.
Perhaps next time I can find you an item you absolutely must have at an equal price LOL!
Thanks again.
cpartschick
Gladwin, MI
(Zone 5a)

April 11, 2007
10:49 AM

Post #3379768

I am sure you will like it. We keep the temp at about 350' for about an hour. There is still plenty of beer left in the cans. It is built well and I am sure will last you many years of use. Be sure to take a picture and post it!
haighr
Hagerstown, MD
(Zone 6a)

April 12, 2007
3:16 AM

Post #3382087

Will post when it arrives. Thanks again for the info
haighr
Hagerstown, MD
(Zone 6a)

April 24, 2007
4:06 AM

Post #3424691

Got it last week, gonna be wonderful - haven't taken a pic yet, will do so when we use it the first time.
cpartschick
Gladwin, MI
(Zone 5a)

April 24, 2007
9:20 AM

Post #3425666

Yes, I think you will like it. This one is better I think than the others because of the dome lid and the temp gauge. The lid really seals in the moisture and the temp is important to keep an eye on. Weather is getting nice, hope you can use it soon.
haighr
Hagerstown, MD
(Zone 6a)

April 25, 2007
3:24 AM

Post #3428174

Will be using it soon, going to the beach to see the kids and new grandbaby Abygail this weekend, but probably to the cabin next week and it will get a try out. I really like the idea of the temp gauge as well. Thanks again for the info, even if you do owe me $80 bucks LOL!
cpartschick
Gladwin, MI
(Zone 5a)

April 25, 2007
3:27 AM

Post #3428181

Hey, that is 70 bucks, you have to take off that crochet book you talked me into, mmmmm, and the yarn to make all the stuff I then had to make after reading the book, ha, looks like you owe me. LOL
haighr
Hagerstown, MD
(Zone 6a)

April 25, 2007
3:33 AM

Post #3428191

Okay, even Steven - Just glad I don't have to pay you for the time you spent making them LOL!
cpartschick
Gladwin, MI
(Zone 5a)

April 25, 2007
3:41 AM

Post #3428217

Ha, just had to think of something quick. I hate to owe people.
Glad there are people here to steer me in the right direction. I sure have learned alot at DG. Nice to be able to repay.
haighr
Hagerstown, MD
(Zone 6a)

April 25, 2007
4:41 AM

Post #3428401

It is so nice to be amused and be able to amuse. I enjoy our bantering, keeps me on my toes. Have a great day.
I saw your painted chicks on another thread, perhaps you could just supply my chickens!
Candee
cpartschick
Gladwin, MI
(Zone 5a)

April 25, 2007
7:37 AM

Post #3428998

opps, not my chicks. That must be another chick. I saw it too. They were really something. Don't have any farm animals here, all wildlife. Used to have ruffled grouse, those would work, but the bobcat is eatting them all.
haighr
Hagerstown, MD
(Zone 6a)

April 26, 2007
3:18 AM

Post #3432089

Oops, wrong chick!
Sorry to hear you are losing grouse, we have some at the cabin and they are really good eating. No wonder the bobcat is after them.
cpartschick
Gladwin, MI
(Zone 5a)

April 26, 2007
3:47 AM

Post #3432137

Yes, we are down on turkeys too. I only like to hunt things there are too many of, so the turkeys, and grouse and bunnies are safe around here. I read where people have bunny problems, we have none. We put out "rabbit-tat" habitat for rabbits and got one in, but he is not around anymore. With all the preditors around we will never be able to hunt them. The coon and possums sure love the brush piles though. I could do without them.
haighr
Hagerstown, MD
(Zone 6a)

April 27, 2007
4:14 AM

Post #3436120

Our problem at the cabin is those darn groundhogs, we have a few in our veggie garden at home as well. And the cats galore I could also do without.
cpartschick
Gladwin, MI
(Zone 5a)

April 27, 2007
8:34 AM

Post #3436990

We are really, really lucky not to have the groundhogs. Too much woods for them I guess. And cats? Seems like the neighbors cannot keep them around, too many preditors. One neighbor saw a hawk trying to get another neighbors cat one day, then there are the big cats, coyotte, etc.
Had a friend that used to serve ground "chuck" and said it was quite tastey. (woodchucks are vegetarians, quite clean)I do not eat at his house anymore.
haighr
Hagerstown, MD
(Zone 6a)

April 29, 2007
2:02 PM

Post #3444895

LOL, ground chuck. We don't eat them either. We have cats at home and coyotes at the cabin, such a wide variety, guess that is why we love it so up there. Too bad we are getting too weary for the RU up there as we had two and then stopped.
cpartschick
Gladwin, MI
(Zone 5a)

April 30, 2007
2:54 AM

Post #3446500

We used to go to our woods every chance we got, then we were able to move here. We are on vacation every day. Nice to be able to walk, hunt, canoe, etc from the house. It was really nice over the weekend, and we were going to set up camp (open camp) but the wind started up very strong. No camp fires yet. Maybe next week.
haighr
Hagerstown, MD
(Zone 6a)

April 30, 2007
3:32 AM

Post #3446570

You lucky dog, there all the time. Actually I like going for the weekend getaways. I really enjoy being home and the gardens and isle of dreams, the cabin is nice for "roughin it" and kicking back after a work week.

We had a fire up there week before last just enough to take the chill off outside and then a little one inside in the wood stove in the evening. Amy and Tim and Eva coming this weekend, Tim wants to go, but Amy is not much on the cabin and believe she doesn't want to take Eva up there. Believe it Eva is 1 year old and has never been to the cabin. Might get a bug bite LOL!
cpartschick
Gladwin, MI
(Zone 5a)

April 30, 2007
3:50 AM

Post #3446603

You are right, she is old enough. She would love it. Ah, but some do not enjoy it like we do. I too thought I might miss the get away...but I do not. It got that Sunday night was such a battle to go back home. We never wanted to leave. Not a problem living here, but I wasn't an "empty nester" either. I love my kids, but enjoy our freedom now. So my live here is not for everyone for sure. I can go a whole week without seeing or speaking to no other person but DH (and no tv). Good thing he is a good one. Of course I have the big brown dog, he talks to me, at least he tries. You should hear the moans, whines, yawns and other sounds he makes. It is a roit that he tries to speak.
haighr
Hagerstown, MD
(Zone 6a)

April 30, 2007
7:19 AM

Post #3447128

Oh dear to my own heart. I go to work and when I come home I don't leave for the entire weekend unless we go to the cabin, which we almost always do this time of year. My husband and I solve all the world crisis singlehanded. Other than our kids he is about the only other person I ever talk to.
Can do w/o the tv as well, Steve and I mostly sit and converse while that Channel 25 is going round and round with nothing coming on. We have no tv, phone, nor puter at the cabin and that is fine with us. We do enjoy listening to music in the evenings while sitting on the porch under the stars. The sky is so much "bigger" up there in the mts.
I am sure Eva would love the cabin. Amy used to be there all the time with Tim, but that was before the wedding (if you get my drift) . Things change, so if they go fine, if not that is fine as well.
No dogs in our family, used to be but no more and doubt we will ever get another, but never say never you know!
cpartschick
Gladwin, MI
(Zone 5a)

April 30, 2007
9:07 AM

Post #3447418

You have to be like us to enjoy that type of life. We have alot of woods for the dog to run in. It would be a shame not to have a dog with all the outdoors, plus he is protection for me walking out there alone. (it is pretty secluded)
We didn't get the tv hooked up when we moved and then never got around to it. We do not miss it at all. We had two remotes and used to have remote battles, fun. From what I hear we have not missed much that I would want to see. We are outside, or we like to read. We have read some really good novels by the woodstove in the evening. Now that it is getting warm, we don't even have time for much of that.
My daughter loves to come up here with the boyfriend. They have such a city life, do alot of promotional work for the tv station and such that coming up here is really a break for them. They love the hussle-bussle, but they like a walk in the woods and camping and a ride on the quads. It is a mini vacation.
I would think some day they would bring kids here. There is fishing, nature all around, woods campfire...best memories for kids. And they can get dirty, what more is there to life?
haighr
Hagerstown, MD
(Zone 6a)

April 30, 2007
10:25 AM

Post #3447654

Sounds wonderful, I want to get going today. We were down at Tasha's on the eastern shore this past weekend so didn't make it up there. I love everything about it. We fish in the pond or take our ole jeep over the mountain or just take a hike to the creek and put my lawn chair in the water whilst we fish.
Good idea about the dog for protection, can't tell you the times I have gone off in those woods with nothing but a walkie talkie and walking stick.
Tasha and Mike love coming up and no problem bringing little Aby along, she even has her own 6month camo clothes LOL!

Here is a link to our webpage and lots of fun photos from our End of Earth Road if you are interested.

[HYPERLINK@hhcreations.com]

Your description of your daughter's visits to beat the city life remind me of On Golden Pond. Most people couldn't do the mountain thing for more than a few days, I look forward to spending as much time there as we can. We enjoy all seasons there and even go up in the middle of winter when the water is turned off and just drop the ole drawers outside or carry water to flush the commode as needed.

This message was edited Apr 30, 2007 2:28 PM
cpartschick
Gladwin, MI
(Zone 5a)

April 30, 2007
12:37 PM

Post #3448053

Sounds wonderful. No mountians here. We're flatlanders. But yesterday we had the boat out fishing and loons went over doing their little laugh thing. It was wonderful.
I bet Abby is as cute as can be in camo.
I will be sure to ck out your site.
cpartschick
Gladwin, MI
(Zone 5a)

April 30, 2007
1:02 PM

Post #3448142

Nice site. Beautiful place. I can see why you love it. We have 110 acres too. That is quite the coincedence. (sorry can't spell)
haighr
Hagerstown, MD
(Zone 6a)

May 1, 2007
3:29 AM

Post #3449981

Great minds must think alike as 110 must be a great number. Our pond is too small for a lot of wildlife like you have, but we do have a couple geese and there are mornings I could do without them LOL!

cpartschick
Gladwin, MI
(Zone 5a)

May 1, 2007
8:18 AM

Post #3451019

I know what you mean. I like seeing them and all the ducks even if they are noisy. The swans too, and all the other water birds. A friend of mine goose hunts. She also takes out her son and a couple of their friends. There are so many that we do not miss the few that the hunters get. Like the deer. We take what we will eat over the winter, but there are plenty more to get hit by cars and eat all your trees and flowers. I have been trying to lower the red squirrel population this year. We have only had one or two in the past several years, but this year there is an explosion of them, hanging all over the trees and chewing on everything. What a critter. 10 or 15 in the trees at one time. There is always something.
haighr
Hagerstown, MD
(Zone 6a)

May 2, 2007
3:26 AM

Post #3453985

Holy makeral, if Steve ever saw that many squirrels in one tree he would go crazy. You would think that with all the trees and mountains that we would have squirrels galore, but let me tell you if we see 2 on any given day even walking over the mountain to the creek it is an event. We don't have but the 2 geese which is fine and think thinning your population is a great idea especially since just the 2 we have the lawn looks like poop city at times they can go and go and such a mess.
No swans up in these mountains, probably could never find their way back in there LOL! Would love to have some as they are so beautiful. We have frogs but not as many as in the past as they are too tempting for that poor mans "surf and turf" hamburgers and frog legs! We have actually put a ban on taking any last year or this so they can regroup.
cpartschick
Gladwin, MI
(Zone 5a)

May 3, 2007
2:50 AM

Post #3457911

I need to find someone that eats squirrel I guess.
Our frogs are not that big and I am not fond of frog legs, so they are safe to croak to their hearts content. I love the mountians. Your property sounds wonderful. I see why you enjoy it.
haighr
Hagerstown, MD
(Zone 6a)

May 8, 2007
3:33 AM

Post #3475020

LOL, didn't get a chance to take a photo we were too busy trying to put out the fire!
I tell you we have made these many times in the past and just had a single holder, oil the chicken and use spices and place over the beer can using both charcoal and/or gas grill and has worked great every time. However, at Thanksgiving our turkey caught fire and I had to cook it in the oven and this past weekend we used the new gizmo and had it over the same kind of gas grill stand that you can purchase with the set, you know the ones you use to do the deep fried turkey. All was going fine using the nice lid with the set but the temp would not go past 250 so I took that lid off and put the lid on that came with the smoker cooker and w/n a min the temp started to climb but then the flames started shooting out as the grease in the little shallow drip pan with the set caught fire.
Forgot to mention that we had to clean the burners before we even started as it would not lite due to salt in the line from putting out the Thanksgiving fire!
Need to try this again.
cpartschick
Gladwin, MI
(Zone 5a)

May 8, 2007
10:41 AM

Post #3476262

Wow, that is awful. We have never tried it on the gas thing. Although we have a couple of them (smoker and deep fat fryer) We just put it on a grate over the open fire and never have had a problem. We get the fire going good, then when it is hot coals and some flame, we set it on, then we add small pieces of wood as it cooks. This will not set on our tripod, so we have the rack right over the fire, it is quite close. 8-10".
Our deep fried turkey disasters are alcohal related I am afraid. One year at Christmas, DH and boys put the turkey on and decided to ride quads in the snow. They decided how long it would be and then were gone "a little" longer. This turkey was like lava rock. You could actually see through it. We laughed so hard we cried. Out of 20 turkeys that was the only bad one. But last 4th of July, we did another, and were trying to be real careful. I had the turkey ready on a table in the basement by the door. DH said he was putting it in and then took off somewhere. DS and I went to ck on it, and the temp was way high, we fiddled and stuff and DS said...there is no turkey in here. We looked all over and there it was setting in its stand on a bunch of rocks. Lucky we didn't see the dog with this prize in his mouth! the turkey made it in the fryer and when the rest of the company came, we had a great turkey. Dispite the shaky start. We have a rule now...no drinking until after the turkey is done!
haighr
Hagerstown, MD
(Zone 6a)

May 10, 2007
3:21 AM

Post #3482133

LOL - I hate rules! We wouldn't have half of the good cooking we do were it not for the alcohol, somehow it all tastes better and nobody cares if it doesn't. We'll be doing the open fire the next time and I'll keep you posted - but will still try ours with the wine and beer - no hard liquor until after LOL!
cpartschick
Gladwin, MI
(Zone 5a)

May 10, 2007
3:38 AM

Post #3482174

Oh, it was the beer. After going down the river in canoes. We took the short half hour trip. It took almost 2 hours. If you consume enough beer, the turkey get left on the rocks. (just for the record, the drinking rule was already in effect, but didn't seem to stick)
At least we were more watchful of the turkey this time. I can still see that turkey with the dog eyeing it up.
To get back to your flaming problem. I have had problems with chicken on a gas grill and had to parboil it first. And the leg and thigh pieces we do over the fire (rolled in cornmeal muffin mix) have to be really high on the tripod and cooked slowly. But we had no problem with the beer chicken. The chickens we have been using have been on the small side from the local meat shop with little fat. But all chicken drips fat, so I am surprized that you had trouble, yet we have had none. I would think the open fire would even be worse for that.
The last time we made it, the meat shop had BBQ marinated chicken for less than the plain chickens. So I got those. Wow, those were the best by far.
haighr
Hagerstown, MD
(Zone 6a)

May 10, 2007
6:32 AM

Post #3482690

Oh, that BBQ sounds great.

I tell you we have done these many times in the past, always the same way and always over the same gas grills, I don't know what is going on. I had it cooking in the new contraption with the new lid and the temp hovered at 250, then I removed that lid and added the surround and lid for the smoker and the temp rose and the fat in the drip pan caught fire.
I just figure it is a good thing we wer drinking, otherwise it might have been a big deal LOL.
Would have loved to have seen that dog eyeing that turkey!
cpartschick
Gladwin, MI
(Zone 5a)

May 10, 2007
8:34 AM

Post #3483067

That is what I thought about the fried crisp turkey. Everyone just had a good laugh at the chunk of charcoal and was amazed that a turkey could look like lava rock. Nothing to cry about, no one got hurt and the turkey was inexpensive, but a good lesson was learned.
We keep the lid on the keg roaster all the time. When you lift it off it gets cooler, so we don't even peek. Then sometimes we have to open the vents to cool it a little, or move some of the fire to the side. It hovers at 305' with out a lot of effort or babysitting. (as you can see, we are easily distracted) If the beer is cold from the frig, it does take a while to heat up. We use room temp beer and 3 small chickens take about an hour.
haighr
Hagerstown, MD
(Zone 6a)

May 11, 2007
3:36 AM

Post #3485624

Great stories, the last thing I am gonna cry about is a spoiled meal. LOL, we pretty much go with the flow around here, same as you it sounds.
I removed the lid to replace it with the dome lid that fits the smoker - perhaps this photo from 2004 will give you the picture. We had the new rig on this gas burner, but it only went to 250 degrees so I removed the new lid and put that middle surround around and that lid Steve is holding and that is when the temp rose and the fire started. As you can see from this 2004 photo we have done them in this before with no problem. Wondering if the tray that the holder sits on just got too full of grease?

Thumbnail by haighr
Click the image for an enlarged view.

cpartschick
Gladwin, MI
(Zone 5a)

May 11, 2007
10:24 AM

Post #3486152

Maybe.
Doing the cornmeal chicken tomarrow over the fire.
I knew you were no novice to this fire cooking thing. You have all the cooking toys too. :) That what really makes me wonder why the problem. I hope you get it to work to your satifaction. You will be so pleased with the results.
haighr
Hagerstown, MD
(Zone 6a)

May 11, 2007
12:46 PM

Post #3486612

Yep I don't get what happened this time either, perhaps there wasn't enough alcohol involved???
cpartschick
Gladwin, MI
(Zone 5a)

May 11, 2007
1:14 PM

Post #3486709

Hahahahahaha, That was it!!!!
Problem solved!!!!
cpartschick
Gladwin, MI
(Zone 5a)

May 15, 2007
7:22 AM

Post #3499181

This past weekend we had our first cookout. The weather was wonderful. You can get chicken leg and thigh pieces here 10lbs for well under five dollars and we will get a bag for a cookout. We used cherry wood and coated the pieces with corn muffin mix. You have to have the chicken well above the fire and cook slow, and flip about every 10 minutes. It is fussy, but worth it. Forgot the camera, but it was a grill full of golden brown yummy chicken. What a feast. Everyone loved it.
haighr
Hagerstown, MD
(Zone 6a)

May 15, 2007
9:11 AM

Post #3499512

Sounds wonderful. We hope to be going to the cabin this weekend if MIL is feeling better and doesn't need our help. Still have some work to do to get it all opened up for the season and may just throw a couple steaks on the grill - easy way out!
cpartschick
Gladwin, MI
(Zone 5a)

May 29, 2007
7:51 AM

Post #3547979

Big holiday weekend=cookouts. Monday we had pork tenderloin over the fire, plus a ton of other food of course. I wish you could smell these cooking. Weather was absolutely perfect.

Thumbnail by cpartschick
Click the image for an enlarged view.

haighr
Hagerstown, MD
(Zone 6a)

May 29, 2007
1:51 PM

Post #3549174

LOL, that smell is still in my nose. We also had center cut chops barbequed over the open fire along with my "mean baked beans". Good to know that great minds still think alike.
cpartschick
Gladwin, MI
(Zone 5a)

May 29, 2007
3:44 PM

Post #3549574

Ours was a special on whole pork loin that we sliced and marinated in cherry wine...yummy...and of course there was a huge pot of beans, from scratch. It is too funny how many times we are alike!
haighr
Hagerstown, MD
(Zone 6a)

May 30, 2007
11:17 AM

Post #3552594

I make those scratch beans as well with plenty of deer burger. I put them in a big cast iron dutch oven and slow cook for hours over the fire. We put a steel grate over the firepit and I put the bean pot on the edge so it just simmers.
Marinated in cherry wine,sounds yummy, is that all you use? Want to try that. We just got chops at the butcher and I put them in barbque sauce in another cast iron dutch oven and braise them for about 15 -20 mins. and then throw them on the open flame.
We do sound a lot alike, must be a mountain thing. Amazing how much more time I have to do things up there as there are so few distractions, no phones, no computer, no tv no news, just that great mountain air.
Oh, did I mention I also baked that last homemade peach pie that I had in the freezer, was great with the s'mores well after dinner.
Guess I better get to walking some of that off.
We seldom eat so much as we do when we are at the cabin. At home we never eat breakfast yet up there we always have something, it just tastes better in the mountains.
cpartschick
Gladwin, MI
(Zone 5a)

May 30, 2007
11:32 AM

Post #3552634

Well we don't have mts, but we sure eat good outside. We have had breakfast last a couple hours.
I put spices in with the cherry wine too. Like a pkg of rub or something. Marinate for 12 or more hours. Works great with venison too.
haighr
Hagerstown, MD
(Zone 6a)

May 31, 2007
7:36 AM

Post #3556421

Oh thanks, will have to try that out sounds yummy. What do you think, like some garlic and herb?

Wow, that must be some breakfast/brunch! How many courses does that entail?

Let me guess, start with some coffee and fruit;
Then a bit of sherbet with a slice or 2 of toast and homemade jam;
Then eggs benedict made to perfection
Bit of sherbet to settle things down;
French toast made with orange juice and grand marnier;
Finish with more coffee with baileys irish cream.

Now if that is it, I want directions for next Sunday!!!!!

This message was edited May 31, 2007 7:39 AM
cpartschick
Gladwin, MI
(Zone 5a)

May 31, 2007
2:48 PM

Post #3558032

Close...
We start off with wild blueberry muffins or blackberry tarts made in a special pan over the fire, then about 2 lbs of bacon, then the griddle gets pancakes and french toast (which we top with whipped cream and fresh strawberries) then toast cooked over the flame. And of course coffee perked over the fire. It is pretty good, nothing too fancy.
We don't do that much anymore now that the house is here. People get lazy and sleep in the house instead of camping like they used to. But we still cook the lunch or dinner at camp. mmmmmm.
Add whatever seasonings you want to the marinade. I use onion, garlic, sometimes a package of spices, like southwestern etc. They are all good.
When I get done eating I am coming to your place for your coffee...it sounds better than ours.
haighr
Hagerstown, MD
(Zone 6a)

June 1, 2007
7:21 AM

Post #3560685

Ohhhhhhhhhhh my, that sounds marvelous. Don't be too anxious our coffee is not made over the fire and I bet with a bit of Baileys yours would be unmatched. That really sounds like a breakfast event, ours is usually over in a minute and we are off to do something else.
I know what you mean about the house. We did a lot more cooking outside before we had a stove. I am actually getting back into the outdoor thing more this year. The problem is that Tim and Amy almost never come to the cabin and Tasha and Mike are limited for visits due to his schedule so being just Steve and I it is quicker to grab a sandwich and go fishin than to cook a big meal for the short 2 days we spend there.
Oh, well, will definitely try out those chops.
cpartschick
Gladwin, MI
(Zone 5a)

June 1, 2007
7:38 AM

Post #3560731

I have to laugh, last weekend breakfast was a cinnamon roll (store bought) and a quick cup of coffee. We do not starve though. Our company brings up tons of food and I feel very round by the end of the weekend. Our kids do not come up enough either. Son and pregnant DIL will be up next week for a couple days from Colo. Sure will be nice to see them. It is a busy time for them, trying to see everybody here. They do get to relax a little here, and have some fun too.
haighr
Hagerstown, MD
(Zone 6a)

June 1, 2007
9:32 AM

Post #3561009

That is my motto for the cabin "nobody ever starves at the cabin".
Glad to hear you are getting a visit and am sure there will be relaxation time incorporated in those days.
Tim and Amy used to come frequently, but now with little Eva and their new house they are pressed for time. Steve and I just go with the flow, good thing we enjoy each other's company so much otherwise we'd be lost.
Photographer
Moxee, WA
(Zone 4a)

June 29, 2007
10:03 PM

Post #3677401

haighr, The large hook to hang a pot over the fire pit looks nearly perfect for our needs. Where did you find such a nice piece? I'd like to buy one for our fire pit. I too have one made of stones. We had to roll them from the creek bank area because they were too large to lift (at least for my lower back). We have the fire pit burning 2-3 nights a week in the spring-summer-fall. It is the highlight of the week or day for us to set in the wicker chairs and roast marshmellows with the kids. Kelly
haighr
Hagerstown, MD
(Zone 6a)

July 1, 2007
8:36 AM

Post #3681628

Hi Kelly,
Glad to hear others so enjoy their pits as well, been a lot of fun around ours.

The hook that you see in the first photo is simply a plant hanger from Lowes and we hang the cooking tools or fire poker on it.

This one is a pic of the cooking aparatus from Cabelas that we purchased. You stand it inside our outside the pit and you can see the swivel arms that you can hang a pot on each end and cook in the middle if desired.

BTW if any of the faces look familiar, I took this at the 2005 RU that we hosted at our cabin.

This message was edited Jul 1, 2007 8:37 AM

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cpartschick
Gladwin, MI
(Zone 5a)

September 3, 2007
8:32 AM

Post #3931020

Beer can chicken over the weekend was bragable.
DS birthday, DD and boyfriend, DS and girlfriend and another friend came up for the weekend to celebrate. DS wanted the keg chicken for dinner.

First we went down the river, one canoe, 5 tubes tied in a train on the back. Canoe had 4 coolers filled with sandwiches, snacks and beverages. 4 hours on the river. We thought we would split laughing. What fun. Where it was shallow, the canoe dragged our bottoms on the rocks, where it was rapid and deep, the tubes floated ahead and pulled the canoe backward.

Put 3 large chickens in big zip lock bags with italian dressing and lemon pepper marinade mix. This set for 36 hours. We put the chicken in the keg cooker and 1 1/2 hours later we had great juicy fall apart chicken. Everyone could not get over how good it was. These people have had it before and liked it, but they raved about it this time, saying it was even more incredible.

So to make a short story long. The marinade seems to be a good step in beer can chicken. Of course the cherry wood light smoke flavor does help.

I started thinking about the flaming problem mentioned before. All the fat drips through a pan with holes into the solid pan below, no fat goes into the fire to flame.

Does yours have a solid pan below? Maybe that was the problem.
haighr
Hagerstown, MD
(Zone 6a)

September 3, 2007
5:45 PM

Post #3933085

Well, sounds like a great time first of all!!!!!!!!!!!
Ours overflowed the holes empy into a solid pan, but will try again another time, think I just over did something, has been good in the past.
We had a great time as well with Tasha Mike Aby and Mac. We did deep fried shrimp and scallops and fries and that followed chicken and mashed taters, salad and then of course the peach pies.
Will catch up with you when I have a bit more time, Steve battleing a surgery and a flare of gout!
Take care,
Candee
cpartschick
Gladwin, MI
(Zone 5a)

September 4, 2007
7:06 AM

Post #3935137

Oh my, Hope he is better soon.
Sounds like you had a wonder meal too.
I love seafood.

The friend that was with the kids was kind of blown away by the fab meal in the woods. He was expecting hotdogs and somores.
haighr
Hagerstown, MD
(Zone 6a)

September 4, 2007
11:50 AM

Post #3936014

LOL, I always say nobody ever starves at the cabin!
cpartschick
Gladwin, MI
(Zone 5a)

September 4, 2007
1:01 PM

Post #3936249

That is for sure. We need to diet for a month now!
debrajdouglas
Sandpoint, ID

March 16, 2008
9:10 PM

Post #4672510

Just right through that door to our outdoor fire. In winter, we get smoked more than a turkey would I think. Now that we've built the house onto the cabin and are here fulltime, the only outdoor cooking we're doing is twisted bisquits, dogs, and marshmallows.

Thumbnail by debrajdouglas
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haighr
Hagerstown, MD
(Zone 6a)

March 17, 2008
7:40 AM

Post #4673727

Now you have peeked my curiosity, what is that and what is inside?

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