Happy New Year!

Happy New Year from Las Vegas!  Fireworks will explode over the Las Vegas Strip to the amazement of tens of thousands of people.  We will be celebrating in a different manner...at a BBQ competition in Wildomar, CA.  I think it's a great way to kick off 2011, don't you.

How ever you are celebrating the new year, enjoy and be safe. 

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to all you BBQ lovin', meat eating, smoker obsessed, competition loving people out there.  We hope you get every BBQ gadget you wished for. 

Best wishes for a great competition season.

Fall BBQ at Home

Requests were made and we held a Fall BBQ before the holiday hustle got too crazy for everyone.   It was a beautiful fall day, perfect for a gathering of friends and family.

This time around about 40-45 people showed up for the feast.  Many who missed the last one.

We were super pleased to see all of Timm's brothers and sister, as spouses show up.  We just had to get a picture of all of us. 

Thanks to all who came.  No one went home hungry.  The new smoker worked beautifully.  Barely any food left after some take out boxes...just the way it should be.

Next event...spring. 

Thanksgiving Wishes

Where ever you are, we wish you a wonderful and glorious Thanksgiving with family and friends.  Last year we had the pleasure of going to Reno to enjoy Thanksgiving with his brother, John and all the Martins. That's where this photo was taken.  This year, we're split up and hitting other sides of our families.  Scott and Christy are hosting their first Thanksgiving in their new home.  Her momma is here and we will be there, just a small one but I think it's big enough for them for the first one.  

Timm smoked 6 turkeys last week for the office Thanksgiving luncheon.  He brined them for 2 days in a wonderful concoction and they were delicious.  Normally, he fries them.  But since we have an smoker now (well, 3) he just had to smoke them.

How ever you cook your turkey be safe and take care. 

Happy Thanksgiving from Trailhound Smokers BBQ!

BBQ on Saturday

We've been cleaning and prepping the yard, dining hall, smoker, and meat getting ready for everyone to enjoy their afternoon this Saturday for the BBQ.  Click on the flyer above to enlarge it to read all the information. 

Timm and the boys will be filling up this new smoker we just purchased with ribs, brisket, pork and chicken.  I know they are anxious to really put it to good use. 

Come out and join us, there is lots of food, a campfire, friends and more.  We'd love to have you!

Newspaper review about Cedar City contest...

We got our name listed in the paper...please go and take a peek.  It's a great write-up about the whole event.
http://ironcountytoday.com/view/full_story/10137096/article-Livestock---Heritage-festival-draws-‘unbelievable’-crowd?instance=secondary_stories_left_column

The New Smoker

Trailhound Smokers BBQ is now the proud owner of an East Texas Smokers RK250.  We were going to purchase a new one and have to make a run to Texas to pick it up.  Instead, we purchased Rod Livingstone's (R&R BBQ) smoker since he was purchasing the same model on a bigger trailer.  It worked out well for all parties.  Rod brought it down to Cedar City, Timm cooked on it the same day at the competiton and took 2nd in ribs.  It must be a lucky smoker, it was Trailhound's first walk. 

He's been cleaning it up inside and out, added a new grate to the firebox, and making a list of what he wants to do to it.  Modify...but be a guy thing.  He always makes pokes fun at the boys for wanting to modify everything...and he is doing the same thing.  Boys will be boys I guess.  Anyway, there will be welding done next weekend. 
Cooking 4 racks of baby back ribs and a pork butt today to get in some practice.  Trying some cherry wood we also got from Rod.  So much better than the chili I was going to fix for Halloween.
It's kinda funny...Timm went to check out HavaBBQ this year (February), really got the BBQ bug and was telling me about these Utah boys with a smoker with hatchets for handles and how cool he thought it was.  Now, we're friends with them (and many other BBQ folk) and as of this week, are the owners of that smoker.  Guess it was meant to be.  We are looking forward to many events and years of enjoyment with this smoker. 

Trailhound Takes Their First Walk

The weather was beautiful, the facility was great, and the folks were the best...and we got our first walk.  It was one terrific day for sure.  We were pleased to be part of the 1st Cedar City Backyard Cook-Off.  It was part of the Livestock and Heritage Festival this year.  Bert and his crew did an outstanding job organizing and running this event. 

Timm did an outstanding job and took 2nd place in ribs, 6 in chicken and 3rd overall!  I am so proud of him!  My parents and brother were there to support his efforts, along with both boys and myself.  Just wish Christy could've been there and the whole picture would be complete.  Chris even took the day off work to be there.

Timm was biting at the bit to get back out and compete again.  It's been too long.  He was really looking forward to this one since he was getting a new smoker (well, experienced smoker).  He is now the proud owner of an East Texas Smoker RK250.  He bought it from Rod Livingston of R&R BBQ...and he delivered it to the competition so Timm could use it that day.   It's been a great smoker for them, and they've been quite successful with it. 

I didn't end up cooking with Timm, instead I kept my distance and judged the entries.  Man, that is a great gig!  You get to taste test everyone's cooking.  My dad and mom also acted as judges, they had a blast.

It was a small event, not yet sanctioned (but next year it will be).  Scott competed beside his dad under his name, Diesel Smoke BBQ.  This was a whole new experience for him.  Not too shabby, 8th in chicken and 5th in ribs, 8th overall.  We're proud of his efforts as well.   He was one tired guy though, running on 2-3 hours of sleep. 

We are looking forward to putting this event on the calendar for next year.

Friday is a big day

It's a big day for us tomorrow.  First of all, we're cooking in a BBQ contest in Cedar City, Utah...good on both parts for sure.  Second....we pick up our new BBQ smoker!  The R&R boys are bringing it down with them to the contest, we'll be cooking on it and then get to take it home!  Can't wait!

Harvest Thyme BBQ

After many requests, we decided to have another BBQ here at the house.  Come on by Saturday, Nov. 13 @ 2pm for a lip smacking meal full of BBQ goodness. 
Putting such a feast is no small effort...or cost so once again, we are accepting donations to help cover expenses.  We'd love for you to come by, even if you can't donate.  Just let us know your'e coming so we know how many to prepare for. 
Last time folks ate like there's no tomorrow and we are expecting the same...so come hungry. 
Click on the flyer for all the info. 

Cedar Cook-Off Update

WooHoo!!!  I'm going to Cedar for the BBQ competition.  I'm so excited.  I backed out of the scheduled show and booked into another one instead. 

Scott is also cooking on his own this time around.  Diesel Smoke BBQ will be premiering at this event.  We'll all be there together but he's submitting his own entry. 

Timm is picking up his new pit there...and cooking on it as well.  It's a big day all around for everyone!

Cook-Off in Cedar City, UT

All the guys are heading to Cedar City on October 29th for a BBQ Cook-Off at the Livestock and Heritage Festival.  Even my dad is going...I think he's pretty excited about it.  Bummed I'm not going but I have the CSN Fall Fun Fest that weekend.  They'll be picking up and cooking on our new pit so it will be an exciting and interesting experience for all of them.  It should be a great time for all.

Firehouse Comp Cancelled

Yup, your read it right, Firehouse has been cancelled.  :(  So bummed about it.  Some of the sponsorship and details fell apart at the last minute.  It will be back next year...bigger and better. 

Old Capital Arts Festival...Fillmore Ut

We survived our first vending experience...it wasn't bad actually.  Everything went pretty smooth.  It was the most beautiful weekend, the weather couldn't have been any better.  Cool mornings, sunny days in the high 70's to low 80's. 

Sales were decent considering they ended up with four of us selling BBQ...way too many.  We knew there were supposed to be two of us, that's all.  Oh well, I can't let that bother me. 

Our booth looked great and functionally, it ran well.  Cassy was a great conversation starter and made lots of friends.  It's amazing how many folks will stop to say hi to a dog and give her a pat on the head. 

Timm did an awesome job cooking all the food.  He was on the ball and never lost his cool all weekend.  Imade the beans.  We had lots of compliments on the food. 

Cassy was so well behaved all weekend.  Orginally, she was going to stay at the house with Irene's dogs (her momma and 2 step brothers) but she hung out at the festival with us all weekend.  She's pretty attached to her daddy you know. 

Timm and Chris had built a 3rd rack for the smoker before we left and it got plenty of use.  Now that's a full BBQ pit.

We really enjoyed our weekend in Fillmore.  It was lots of work, but it was enjoyable.  We got to spend time together sharing BBQ with some fine, friendly folk.  Thanks to Jim and Irene for their hospitality and sharing their home with us for weekend.  We had a great time walking and spending time with the dogs as well. 

Article and Video on Smokin in Mesquite

Here is a great article and video on Labor weekend's Smokin' in Mesquite BBQ Cook-Off.  Take a peak and enjoy.


http://www.prweb.com/releases/Mesquite_Nevada/Casablanca_Resort/prweb4471324.htm

Smokin' Good Time in Mesquite

I'm not saying it was hot Labor Day weekend in Mesquite...ok, yes I am saying it was hot!  It was exhaustingly hot.  The promoters should seriously consider pushing the event to a date later in the year.  Cooking on asphalt in 115 degrees is simply unbearable.  Don't get me wrong...we had a great time, it was just miserably hot!

"Shamus", McFrankenboo BBQ's mascot certainly had the right idea.  They had misters going in their booth...probably the smartest idea of the whole weekend. 

There were big name teams everywhere you looked.  Slap Yo' Daddy BBQ (Harry Soo) was there.  He was on BBQ Pitmasters last season.  I want to send Timm to one of his classes soon.

The Godfather of Ribs, Johnny Triggs was there too.  His wife, Trish is a sweetheart.  I must of spoke with her a half hour.  They are Smokin' Triggers, and have been out a month competing before heading home.  Johnny took 1st in brisket.  He episode of BBQ Pitmasters aired last week just before this event.  Big Poppa Smokers from that episode was also there.

We came out to show our support for many of the teams but really came out to help R&R BBQ from SLC.  They are twin brothers and I can't tell them apart.  What nice guys they are.  We helped out where we could but tried not to interfere.  The tear down process was quick with many hands making light work.  I was concerned for them, they just aren't used to the heat and weren't looking too good by that point, they were beat.  They placed 5th overall...not too shabby...and mighty tasty to boot.  Thanks for all the take home treats.

Erin and Todd also did well placing 1st in chicken.  Way to go!  Spent time talking with them as well.  They recently took GC at the Rosarito contest in Tijuana.  They got the news that they made the draw for the Jack Daniels Invitational while they were in Mesquite.

Jennifer Duncan (Smoked to the Bone) and her pink pig smoker.   Another great gal.  She spent lots of time with us in Williams showing us how to prepare boxes for turn in.  They did awesome this weekend.  Jennifer won Grand Champion and walked away with the big prize of $10,000.  Looks like her hubby, Tommy (Whiskey Ranch) will be wearing pink for quite a while.

We hung out and waited for the awards, meeting up with friends, ate BBQ nachos (which were really good by the way), and cooled off in the tent.  Teams had time to clean up, relax, and cool off before awards.  Congrats to all the teams that competed.  There was $40,000 in prize money to be had.  There were 47 teams, some really big names, and some fairly new teams as well.  All Sauced Up took the Nevada State Championship.  The comradery and friendly competition between teams is awesome.  Folks are willing to help out other teams if items were forgotten, etc.  It's just a great bunch of people.  Next year, look for us there.

Smokin' in Mesquite

If you want something to do check out the BBQ cook off at the Casa Blanca in Mesquite, NV this weekend.  It's Saturday and Sunday.  Pros cook on Saturday, and Sunday is Backyard Cook-off.  There will be BBQ to sample in People's Choice and you can pig out on BBQ with the vendors at the event.  They have some fun stuff going on for the whole family.  Check out their website at http://www.mesquitebbqchampionship.com/.  Sadly, we are not competing this year but will be cheering on all our BBQ friends and that will be...but watch out next year.  

Biz Cards

I feel so official...hahaha.  No really, I think these cards look awesome.  I really like the way they turned out.  Kenn did an awesome job on them.  I didn't put my name on them, instead I put Scott's.  He will get a big kick out them I think. 

A New Shelf

We'll be vending in September so to accomodate the need to cook more ribs at one time Timm and Chris built a new shelf and brackets for the BBQ pit.  We now have 30 square feet of cooking surface.  Sweet!

Smokin' in Mesquite Labor Day Weekend

If you love BBQ, are in the southern Nevada area (or somewhere within a day's drive), and in need of a fun time head out to Mesquite, NV for the Smokin' in Mesquite BBQ competition.  It will be at the CasaBlanca Hotel and you'll smell it a mile away.   Some of the biggest names in BBQ will be there.  It's a great time any BBQ enthusiast will enjoy.  We'll be out there on Friday and Saturday visiting with BBQ friends and checking it out for next year.

Firehouse Contest Date Change

Make a note...mark it on your calendar....the Firehouse BBQ Cook Off has a date change.  It will be held September 17 & 18.  It works out much better for us and one of the biggest bonuses for me...fall leaves!  Yup, I hoping to see fall leaves in the mountains while I am there.  If you're in the area, please hop over to Holladay for the event.  It will be a blast.  This event is being brought to you be the Intermountain BBQ Association.
P.S.  Dutch oven cherry chocolate cake and ice cream for Mike's birthday in our booth at 7pm on Friday evening.

Firehouse Competition-August 27-28

Our next event is at the end of this month...Firehouse BBQ Competition in Holladay, Utah.  IMBBQA is putting on thisfirst time event and we are so looking forward to it.  Another chance to meet up with friends, cook some good BBQ, and get out of the desert heat.  Plan on coming to check it out.  It's a blast!  There's a backyard division if you've ever thought about trying it.  Come join in on the fun!

Brandon Kinney - Smoker Live

Another BBQ song for your enjoyment.

Turn in boxes for Northern Arizona BBQ Competition

Here are some photos taken of the turn in boxes.

I can't no one got a photo of the completed rib box...UGH.

Our First Competition

I can't believe I haven't gotten this post up before now...well I do know why...my computer's USB ports are acting up and I can't download my own photos.  So I will share photos others took.

What a weekend...it was so exciting, full of fun, nervousness, wonder and amazement.  I have to tell you BBQ folk are some wonderful, generous, eager to help others, social, fun-loving people.  We were welcomed with open arms from everyone we met.  Yes, it is a competition, but teams offered advise, help, tips, and lessons to all of us newbies.  They want everyone to do well.

I thought we were entering a small, kinda local competition only to find out some of the best BBQers in the nation were there...on both sides of us in fact. Talk about being nervous. But we worried for nothing, everyone was so supportive, friendly and helpful. There is so much more to competition BBQ than I ever expected.

Special thanks to R&R from the SLC area with our rib box and more. Your guys rock! Your encouragement, wisdom and friendship is truly appreciated.  Thanks for the IMBBQA banner too, we'll will fly it proudly everywhere we go.  Congrats on finishing so well, too. 

Tommy and Jennifer at Whiskey Ranch provided great help, tips, and more with boxes and brisket.  We got great scores on appearance thanks to you guys. 

Mike, you and your gang at AZBBQ threw a heck of an event. Thanks for making us feel so welcome. Can't wait for the next one!

Our self-designed and made smoker was quite a hit.  Other teams were coming over to check it out all during the event.  Timm and Chris should be proud of it for sure.  Many teams had made their own pits as well, there was one made from a Peterbuilt chrome fuel tank, and of course, large propane tanks are the material of choice.  Our Knaack construction site gang box is fairly unique to the BBQ world. 

We participated in People's Choice and got great compliments on our product.  We offered chopped pork and ribs.  Many folks came back for seconds, and I even saw a couple of third helpings in line.  Wish we knew how many would purchase tickets for this, we would have planned to cook more meat. 

Christy and Chris manned people's choice and were great with the crowds.  

We finished 27th out of 28 teams overall.  Was hoping to finish about mid-pack but then again, the caliber of teams was incredible. 
Chicken 26th...turned in legs, most use thighs...although ours were super tasty and moist, skin was crisp and delicious.
Ribs 24th...our best event and got compliments from other teams saying they should have scored much higher.
Pork 26th...tasty and a hit in peoples choice...gotta work on a sauce for that one though. 
Brisket 28th...gotta get the temp up for a more tender brisket, it was flavorful, just gotta get a more tender cook on it.
Oh, we got a 7th place for best booth too.  Even got to walk and get a ribbon for that.  Next year, watch out...I'm looking for 1st place on that one.
 
Timm and I are thankful for all the support from our families.  Scott, Christy and Chris drove up after work on Friday to participate and made it just in time for the midnight appetizer party.  Apparently, they were hungry...but you gotta try everything right.  My parents, brother and his son came to support up in our adventure into the BBQ world as well.  Thanks to all of them. 

We  stuck around on Sunday to see the backyard bbq...was hoping for more competitors on that one.  We should have cooked for peoples choice that day...lots of folks looking to eat some 'que.  We also took a ride on the train that day before the kids headed for home.  It was Christy's first train ride, the boys obviously loved it as well.  Timm and I stuck around for 5 more days enjoying the area. 

getting ready

The pit and most of the gear is loaded in the trailer.  Still need to add a few things.  The toy hauler is getting loaded...haven't done that in a while it seems.  The banners look fantastic!  We are so pleased with them.  Wish we had team shirts but that will be new next time around.  Taking two vehicles on this trip, we'll be staying a few extra days while the kids bring the BBQ stuff home with them at the end of the event.  Getting excited!  If you want to find cooler weather and something to do, head over to Williams AZ for a 4th of July BBQ competition and stop to see us and say hello.

Official Logo

Well, here it is...our official logo.  I think it looks awesome!  Ken over at Biz-Goods did a superb job!

This is the banner we're getting.  It measures 3'x9' with a black background.  It is going to look so awesome at our booth. 

Again, thanks Ken!

Working on a logo

Since Memorial Day weekend we've been working on a logo for our team.  Our original thoughts were to have Timm and Cassy on his ATV pulling the pit with smoke coming out the stacks.  They are, afterall, trailhounds.  Then it started getting complicated, thinking about putting the state of Nevada in the background, and more. Instead we've decided to go with a 'Vegas sign' style design instead.  Scott's friend, Ken has been working with us and it's looking 'fabulous'...lol.   This is what we have so far.  Looks so much better than the original drawing...which was okay, but these guys are graphic designers, making it look great. What do you think so far? 

It's HOT!

Summer has officially arrived in Las Vegas.  On Saturday, Timm cooked up 100 pounds of beef and pork for a co-worker's daughter's graduation party.  Our atomic clock read 113 in the shade at one point...I hope it wasn't entirely accurate...it didn't feel quite that hot.  It's not really made for the outdoors so I hope it was just having a fit. 

Anyway, the meat turned out great.  Co-worker sent the Grandpas over to help pull it and take it home...big help.  We showered and cleaned up and went to enjoy the party.  There were lots of compliments on the meat, even from folks we didin't know. The grad thanked us several times. 

Hey, I just thought about it...this is our first catering job!  lol

Best Dam BBQ

Normally, we'd be out camping and riding our quads but this year we spent Memorial Day weekend checking out the Best Dam BBQ competition in Boulder City on Friday and Saturday.  We had the pleasure of meeting several of the teams we've gotten to know a little on line.  What a great bunch of people. 

I. A.B. 30 (It's Always Beer Thirty) (Phoenix)

R & R BBQ (Salt Lake)

Crystal with Harry Soo

How cool is that?! 

We got to sample some great grub, ate some delightful BBQ from Great Basin Cooking Company (from Logandale) and some wood fired pizza from Whiskey Ranch (Phoenix area). 

Mom, Dad and my brother came out on Saturday morning to check it out.  Scott came out both days with us.  While relaxing in the grass, some people sat down near us with a dog that looked just like Shelby...it was her sister...seriously.  What are the odds of that? 

Oh....we are now certified KCBS judges and can judge at BBQ competitions.  Really, we took it to figure out what judges are looking for, but hey, we might judge too you never know. 

It was a great weekend, weather was perfect, grass was cool, lots of great food, new friends, time with family, and many of the folks we met won in several catagories.  Next time, maybe we'll be making that walk...hopefully.

Kick-Off BBQ...part 1

Saturday was a really long day, chilly, windy, and full of family, friends and...BBQ!  A few weeks ago we were trying to figure out how we could raise a few bucks to get us started in our first competition in July...and being in Scouts as long as we were, we said, "Let's throw a BBQ."  It will give friends and family a chance to taste what we're doing and hopefully raise a few bucks to cover expenses and get us down the road a ways.  Planning started then and there, a flyer was created, emailed and passed around, and RSVP started coming in.  Last week, we finalized plans, shopped (and gasped), and stuffed fridges and freezers with all that was needed, tables and chairs were borrowed from work.  Anyway, here are a few pictures of the process during the day.  Look for more pictures in post #2.

Sunday began at 2am, as Timm lit the wood charcoal with his propane torch it looked like fireworks in the night sky. 

Pork butts went on at 2:30am, brisket went on at 7am.  Brisket just put in the pit in this photo, butts have been in for 4 1/2 hours here.   One of the best parts of the day was at 7:30am when Scott showed up.  He called into work and showed up to help out the team.  I know it would have killed him to not be there.

Prepping 10 racks of ribs.  Mark came by early to visit and take care of business.

The Martin men taking care of mass quanitities of meat, checking temperatures, adding water to the pit.

MMMMM...mighty tasty looking pork butt (if I say so myself...I wish this was smell-o-vision)

Bottom rack full of ribs, top rack...brisket, pork was just pulled off.  (It's a thing of beauty...lol)

Thirty pounds of chicken legs and thighs.

Scott chopping pork butt, my dad helping out.  My mom broke her ankle in 2 places and foot on vacation a few weeks ago. (She is totally frustrated she can't help out right now.)

One happy Scott with a pan full of chopped pork.

Brisket....look at that smoke ring.  It tasted like heaven.

Pork ribs...just some of many.