A Tale of Christmas Beef- with pron

[MushCreek]

Yesterday was a big test for the UDS- could I deliver a knock-out prime rib on a one-time industrial container? It's only $50 I kept telling myself. I seasoned an 8.5# 4 bone roast with salt, pepper, fresh garden herbs, and fennel seed. I let it sit uncovered overnight in the fridge. I set up the UDS with a lower rack for a drip pan, and did a Minion start. Here's the beef at the start:
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k18/flgargoyle/IMGP5295.jpg

I cooked it low and slow, 4-1/2 hours at 200*, until I got 125* inside. I then foiled it for 1/2 an hour. Meanwhile, I move my fire basket to the upper position, and let the smoldering coals get up to full heat. The roast wnet back on for 10 minutes at 525* (Yes, the UDS can COOK!)
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k18/flgargoyle/IMGP5298.jpg

The final result, with a nice crust. It was pink all the way through- no gray meat in sight!
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k18/flgargoyle/IMGP5299.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k18/flgargoyle/IMGP5300.jpg

Oh yeah, I made a little bread to go with- my 4-1/2# French Country Bread:http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k18/flgargoyle/IMGP5297.jpg

My only complaint is that there were virtually no drippings for gravy- but I got gallons of au jus! It was the best prime rib I've ever made!

[BBQ Grail]

Very nice job! Excellent work.

[deguerre]

Outstanding.:eusa_clap

[Captain Dave]

I'd hit that for sure! Your fire basket has an upper position?

[Rich Parker]

525 on your drum :eusa_clap:eusa_clap:eusa_clap

Nice meat to!

[MushCreek]

I'd hit that for sure! Your fire basket has an upper position?
Yes. I put three brackets on the basket, and welded studs sticking down. My grates sit on U-bolts, and the three brackets engage the U-bolts, so I can put my fire basket on the U-bolts the lower grate would normally sit on. I made it so the upper grate just clears the fire basket with that set-up, so I can use my UDS for direct grilling. Here's some pics:
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k18/flgargoyle/IMGP4836.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k18/flgargoyle/IMGP4837.jpg

The little studs keep the basket from getting knocked off of the U-bolts. When I lower it to the bottom, I just pick up slightly, rotate to clear the U-bolts, and lower it down. It works well for building the fire, since it's right up there in front of me. I did this roast with a minion start, with the basket in the bottom. Once the roast hit 125*, I foiled it, and raised the fire basket up for direct, hi-temp grilling. With all of the vents open, the UDS got very hot! I actually gave my beloved old Weber kettle to a friend- I do it all on the UDS now, from burgers to smokin'.