Does anyone used the mesquite laced charcoal? Can you tell a difference? It is only a dollar more per bag.
I've used it several times. Can't really say I notice much difference from the regular old Kingsford (fine stuff by the way). I usually put a little wood in there anyway. :angryfire
I'll be able to tell you in a couple of hours. I'm about to give the Kingsford w/ mesquite a try. I tried out the Kroger-brand charcoal, and was not impressed. That's surprising, because their store brand stuff is normally as good or better than the thing they're ripping off (especially Diet Coke and popsicles.)
The verdict -- no difference, though Kingsford is better than Kroger brand. No difference with "mesquite" v. no mesquite, unfortunately. If you want mesquite flavoring, throw some real mesquite in the pit.
You must have some serious taste buds if you can tell the difference. I do a lot of bbqing and tried many different flavored briquets and woods, and I've never had anyone tell the difference. Sometimes they say it taste like crap, but they don't know why.:hihi: I agree about the hardwood, but it's more expensive and not readily available everywhere. It burns hotter and longer than regular charcoal. You can't go wrong with good ole kingsford, tho. Just use a chimney instead of all that lighter fluid to start the fire. And add wood chunks (any flavor) if you want more of a smoke flavor.
Real charcoal is harder to find than the brickettes, but it is great. Just a few chunks of soaked mesquite or hickory on it is all you need. I've never felt that mesquite is any better than hickory. It's a Texan thing. They want to sell us the mesquite. :grin:
I only use the briquettes when I'm cooking with direct heat. When I am really bbqing I use the real stuff.
That's what I'M talking about. I get my mesquite from these folks: http://www.lazzari.com/ - who are local to me - I can get a 20 lb bag for $7.99 and it goes a long way...
All a matter of where you are. People here pay to get rid of it. If I need any mesquite, and I'd rather hickory, I can pick it up free by the truck load at our recycle center. They usually have quite a bit. As for cooking with it, it's okay IMO. The locals here seem to think it's the best but I think that has a lot to do with availability. Lots of bar-b-que joints use oak. I still like hickory and pecan a little better but mesquite is kinda nice for a change sometimes. Here's to the holy smoke.:thumb:
