Two weeks ago, I lost my virginity at the race track. Not the normal kind like you lose at a prom or in a prison shower. No, this was baby’s first time judging a barbecue competition and it happened at the 2nd Annual Santa Anita BBQ Championships at the famous Southern California race track of the same name. While there was a certain loss of innocence (or ignorance) involved, it was a wonderful experience that was a real eye opener to something I’ve always wanted to try. And I didn’t have to rent a tux, either.
The Big Show Turns 25. Happy Birthday!
Twenty-five years, 500,000 superhots, and the Doctor makes a house call. That sums up the 25th Annual National Fiery Foods and Barbecue Show so fast it doesn’t do justice to what was really a three-day chile party at Sandia Resort & Casino March 1-3.
The Four Horsemen of Super Bowl Barbecue
During the Bare Bones competition at Meatopia Oakland last year, I couldn’t help but hear Chris Lilly talk to his Kingsford buddies about this year’s football season. Mostly because I was eavesdropping. That conversation mutated into the kernel of an idea which grew into a great question: what do some of the biggest and brightest in barbecue do for Super Bowl Sunday?
A Feisty Fruitcake Chileheads Will Love
Here’s a fruitcake recipe that you’ll love…even if you hate fruitcake. Throwing in green chile along with the candied fruit chunks and nuts transformed a traditionally bland dessert into a spicy treat.
Gourdzilla II: Smoked Pumpkin Pie
Building on my happiness with smoked pumpkin, I got a little more ambitious: smoked pumpkin pie with maple syrup. Turning the smoky squash into a soup with bacon was easy; how can you mess up anything that combines smoke with cured pork?
Habanero Pasta from Texas? Hell Yeah!
Kim and Sean McDaniel of Gourmet Texas Pasta have taken the idea of handmade, artisanal pasta and married it to spice, with incredible results.
Vegan Grilling: Thinking Outside the Brisket
That being said I often grill vegetables as side dishes, so putting together a totally vegan menu wouldn’t be too difficult. So I asked myself, if I didn’t eat meat, seafood or shellfish, what would I want to have for dinner?
