picnic vs butt

[Woodman]

Had a cook for about 30 over the holiday and got my first opportunity to try doing a "picnic". For all you Texan's , that's the lower half of the shoulder . It is the classic ham shape with the bone down the center. Damn! It was great! I did her with all apple along with a couple of butts. The picnic has skin still attached on one side which I kept down. I scored it to alow rub and smoke to penetrate. That skin was the best part. I found the picnic to be a better taste than the butt too. Best part is, is is cheaper because they consider the skin, extra fat, and bone ( which helped it cook more thoroughly and quickly ) to be waste. Any others have an opinion on these?-woodman

[Mac]

Woodman,

One of my favorite pieces of pork is the picnic. I am working on improving the quality of the finished skin. I need to get it to crisp up better. The fact that it is also reasonably priced makes this cut of meat even a better deal. Yes, I think I also like it better than a butt.

[Woodman]

Mac, if you're using an offset, try putting it skin down closer to the firebox end for the finish. Also, I cook at about 240-250 avg as opposed to the 225 that seems so popular. Woodman

[Mac]

Woodman,

I will be using an uprite smoker on my next picnic. I should have the oven in 3-4 weeks. I will try your advice and place the picnic skin down on the first rack closest to the lump charcoal. When you say "Finish" are you talking about 30 minutes or so?

[Woodman]

you may want to go 1-2 hours dependant on just how close you are to the coals.

[Mac]

Thanks, I understand.