This year, the N.C. Whole Hog Barbecue State Championship hits Raleigh on September 27-28. It’s a featured part of the International Bluegrass Music Association’s (IBMA) Wide Open Bluegrass Festival. The North Carolina Pork Council (NCPC) sponsors and sanctions the state championship cook-off, oversees team qualification, and selects certified judges. NCPC is headquartered in Raleigh, where it supports and represents the state’s pork-producing industry.
Wooden Pallets: To Smoke, or Not to Smoke?
That is a damn fine question. When life throws what looks like cheap smoker wood your way, you should be able to use it, right? Hell, most of us prefer some sort of fruit wood or blend of it for some meats. Personally, I wouldn’t take the chance with wood pallets though. Here’s why.
Firing up Fuze.SW
Fuze.SW 2013, Santa Fe’s first-ever food conference of its kind, takes place at the Museum of International Folk Art the weekend of November 8—10, 2013. James Beard Award-winning authors and chefs from across the US will gather with leading historians, archaeologists, cultural commentators, and folklorists to discuss and demonstrate how traditions and techniques from diverse heritages have intersected to create a culinary tradition uniquely New Mexican (and transported globally).
The Way of the Bun: A Quickie on Grilling Etiquette
Last weekend, a good buddy of mine took it upon himself to open the lid on my grill and check the food. Right after I’d just checked it myself. My friend’s lucky he’s stringy or he’d have been the next course. I’m not a cannibal. I am, however, a firm believer in object lessons. Especially to any would-be violators of my grill second guessing my work. I have plenty of friends so I can afford to cook one here and there.
From Totally Q: Any Excuse to Barbecue is a Good Excuse to Barbecue
Not that you ever need to explain to anyone why you want to barbecue, but if for some reason you did, there’s a great list of Barbecue’s High Holy Days in George Hensler’s book, Totally Q. If some fool looks at you when you suggest firing up the grill and you’re tired of telling them, “Because I say so,” try using one of these as an excuse. Just make sure the holiday and the date coincide. Haters can’t call you out if you’re right.
Scovie Deadline Extended!
We have extended the deadline for the 2014 Scovie Awards to midnight, September 12. Because the judging will be so close, this is the only extension we can make. We must still have all products in our hands by September 17.
Masker’s Fiery Lemon Sorbet
One of my favorite hot sauces this year is CaJohn’s Frostbite. It’s a semi-clear concoction that’s opened up a whole new frontier of possibilities when it comes to upgunning the kick on foods I’d never add heat to with a conventional tomato or green sauce. Cocktails were an obvious choice but this weekend, I tried it with something very different: lemon/orange sorbet.
