The Miracle of the Rest

[MattS]

Yesterday was a big day of smokin. At the end of the day I didn't feel like pulling 8 butts. So I took them all and wrapped them up real tight in foil, put them all in one big cooler, packed more foil all over them and then covered it all in towels and blankets. That is all inside the cooler. They were 200 degrees when I put them in there around 6 pm yesterday. This morning I went out expecting to have to put them in the fridge. I opened it up real quick and everything was still steamin hot. I closed it back up and let it go. I opened it up tonight around 6:30 and still steaming. All the butts were still hot to touch. Amazing!! We all know that wrapping and letting rest while well insulated will let the meat continue to cook and render the fats. When I put the butts in the cooler last night, their wasn't much running out. When I pulled them out of the cooler tonight, there was an inch of grease in the bottom of the cooler. I could really tell while pulling it. A lot less fat then I am used to. I was amazed.

[Frank_Cox]

wow man! that's really cool! sounds good to me as long as they stay above 145*F alls good!

[Tom_Heath]

Yes you are 100% correct on the resting deal.

Matt, I am posting this for the future viewers benefit by saying that staying above 140 is of utmost importance. The last thing anyone wants is a bad case of the splosions.....for the next two days after catching a little bacteria.

[MattS]

It was definitely over 145, I was worried about that but all is good and so is the pork.. very good.

[Frank_Cox]

That rest period is really what makes the difference between good and great pulled pork for sure!