Local spot for BBQ Hickory Wood?? (Carolina: how much, price, foods)

[Huntsvegas29]

Hey guys... I'm wondering if anyone knows a local place to pick up hickory wood for bbqing. I've had to resort to using the mini logs from academy and they're getting to be pretty pricey. I know there are fellow bbqers on the forum and was curious what everyone does for fuel.

[Dirt Grinder]

I use oak for the heat source and add hickory/apple/peach for flavoring. Oak is easier/cheaper to find.

[harry chickpea]

I'd just go outside and pick up a branch or two, or cut a tree if I needed more. The advantage of owning forest land.

Not sure how much you are into bbqing. If it is just casual, and you are using the hickory for heat, go cheaper with other woods of even gas or electric. Soak what hickory you want to use to make it smoke more and last longer.

[bmrisko]

I find straight Hickory too harsh and use mostly Oak, Apple and Peach. I have heard that Isom's orchard used to give out fruit tree wood remnants...not sure if that is still true or not.

[catfishin2000]

I start with hickory, finish with apple. Try looking on Craigslist. Both in the free section, and guys selling split hickory.

On a side note, my hickory is from a storm blowdown shaggy bark from my dad's place on Garth Mnt. The place and dad are gone, but I think of him every time I cook.

[Dirt Grinder]

Originally Posted by harry chickpea

...Soak what hickory you want to use to make it smoke more and last longer.

I wish more BBQ competitors would do this - it would keep them out of the running .

[harry chickpea]

Originally Posted by Dirt Grinder

I wish more BBQ competitors would do this - it would keep them out of the running .

Hey, I did mention CASUAL... Truth be told, on some foods that I grill, I use a little liquid smoke.

So much of the average BBQ is dominated by a mother-in-law sauce that overpowers most everything.

[Dirt Grinder]

Originally Posted by harry chickpea

...Truth be told, on some foods that I grill, I use a little liquid smoke...

Say it ain't so, Joe - say it ain't so.

BTW - I'm strictly a BBQer, I'm not so good with grilling (I tend to overcook everything).

[Huntsvegas29]

Thanks for replies. I'll keep my eye out on Craigslist. I have used oak in the past that I'd get off my parents place but love that classic hickory flavor.

Now if I could just figure out how to replicate Thomas Pit's classic east Carolina vinegar hot sauce

[catfishin2000]

Originally Posted by Huntsvegas29

Now if I could just figure out how to replicate Thomas Pit's classic east Carolina vinegar hot sauce

I just scored what I'm told is the recipe for their potato salad. I miss that most of all.