[denny]

I'll 3rd that sentiment!  I was also running around trying to figure out what to use for what.  I think the first extract batch I did after my hiatus took a couple hours longer than my AG average.

[euge]

I've been thinking of procuring some of NB's Munich and Rye LME and making batches with each.  These extracts already have a nice blend of grains including some crystal, and I think you could just brew with them and not have to use steeping grains.

Denny, I know you were involved with the rye, how about the Munich?

This is the beauty of fresh extract. The amber and dark already have nice mix of grains in them and can be used as is. The hardest thing is figuring out which hops and yeast to use.

If you are having equipment issues a concentrated boil with a cold top up works well. Might not be the best for extra light extract. But it does produce great results with the darker extracts.

[kgs]

I'll 3rd that sentiment!  I was also running around trying to figure out what to use for what.  I think the first extract batch I did after my hiatus took a couple hours longer than my AG average.

Any major change in brewing harshes my mellow! especially since my gear is crammed into one bookcase these days.  I feel like I'm unpacking equipment out of those tiny clown cars. For this weekend's batch, I'm lining up the equipment the night before, using a trusty checklist.

[pweis909]

After mashing all my homebrews for 5 years, several factors conspired to motivate me to do an extract hefe last month. Sometimes there is something to be said for a shorter brew day.