Dear Mr. Anderson

I purchased your book on E-Bay about a week ago. I am very impressed with your knowledge, and I am glad I have your book to help me with my first attempt at true BBQ.

There are two points I am having trouble with, in the section Pork Butts and Shoulders you stated “ Ideally we would like to brine the butts over night to get moisture and flavor deep down into the meat” (p.60). I understand that you are injecting the butts because of time constraints, but if you had time to brine overnight would you inject the brine, or would you just put the  butt into a zip lock bag without injecting. My first  question is when brining a butt overnight do you inject or not inject the brine. My second question is when you are done brining overnight would you then marinate the butts and inject them with marinate?

I also am confused about if you would brine ribs before you cook them.

PS After reading your book I understand the science of both brining and marinating, I am just a little confused on the process.

 Thanks in advance for you assistance.

 William