Holbrook Recap

We've been back from Holbrook a while now and realized I've not updated my blog.  For shame.  ;)

For those that aren't aware of where Holbrook is...it sits on I-40 on the eastern side of Arizona in the midst of the Navajo Nation, lots of red dirt, petrified trees and all sorts of vintage/funky interstate highway memorabilia kind of things.  

Interstate 40 is heavily traveled and a major road of choice for semi trucks traversing this great land of ours.  With that being said...the road can be pretty rough in many places.  I'm pleased to tell you it is finally being replaced in long sections and is getting much better   

We arrived in Holbrook before lunch, set up our site, and settled in for another contest.  Last year, this was what I considered a local contest with many of the teams we often compete against.  But this year there were many well known and highly successful teams from around the country.    Johnny Triggs was our neighbor on one side and Left Coast Q on the other.  Big Poppa Smokers and several of his Elite Teams were there including Iowa's Smokey D's and others.  Smoking Hills, Little Miss BBQ,  The Cowboy Way, Karnivorous, Loot & Booty, Ranch 13, Lucky 13, Sin City Smokers and more lined the streets around the haunted courthouse.  Sorry, no ghost tour this year.  :(  At the judges meeting the KCBS reps announced they were running with the new scoring system.  There are just a minor changes in weighting of scores but the information on the score sheets was quite interesting.  You can see who was on the same table with you, how your box scored against the judges avg score and more.  

We set about the tasks of prepping, cooking, boxing and more as usual.  I thought we overcooked the chicken since the pit hit about 350 at that point.  Turned out that one of the pieces was still slightly pink at the bone...bummer.  It was considered undercooked and scored very poorly.  We still managed a mid pack score on chicken though.  I don't what happened to our pork...it wasn't spectacular like the pork in Boulder City, but I didn't consider it bad either.  I am embarrassed to say it came in "Dead Ass Last".  Please Lord, never let that happen again.  However, we redeemed ourselves in brisket and took 3rd brisket.  In that highly successful crowd of teams I was really pleased to hear our name...especially for brisket.  

One little Indian boy came around by our booth looking really concerned.  He came back with his mom a bit later.  He was afraid we were going to cook the dog for the contest since he saw her on the logo.  I have to admit that was a first to hear or even imagine.  We assured him she was not going into the pit and was our mascot.  We introduced Cassy to him and he went away felling much better about the whole thing.

Once again, we donated our prepared meats to the local food bank along with many other teams.  There is a great need in the area that we have the honor of helping to fulfill with something we are passionate about. It's a good feeling to know that so many will benefit from it. 

We finished 15th overall.  I can't help to think where we could have been without the problems we encountered with chicken and pork.  Congrats to all the teams, it was great to see so many of them again.  Thanks to Tommy and Jennifer Duncan.  They put on a top notch contest every time.  Till next time...keep on smoking that meat. 

Holbrook here we come

It's Thursday before a contest and that means I run around like a chicken with my head cut off making sure the last things are done before heading out in the morning.  Suitcase needs to be packed, ice chests need to be loaded, truck get hooked up and the trailer is almost ready to go.
Cassy always knows we are leaving and she is well aware that she needs to be going, too.  If the back door on the truck is open, she'll be sittin' in the seat waiting patiently.
Holbrook, Arizona is waiting for us...and we don't want to keep'em waiting.  We hope to bring home some cash and hardware this time around.  Wish us luck.

Independence Day

Wishing all our family and friends a safe and fun filled holiday.  Give thanks for those who have fought and sacrificed so all can enjoy our liberties.

Northern Arizona BBQ Festival 2013

Another great weekend in Williams at the Northern Arizona BBQ Festival is in the books.  The weather was a real treat with highs in the mid 80's and lows near 50 at night, especially after the extreme heat we cooked in the weekend before at home in Vegas. 

We got there early on Friday morning and set up while it was still cool...even at that, Cassy still seeks out shade. 

Sin City Smokers came back again this year. 

VooDoo ZomBQue came back to compete again this year as well.  We enjoyed having them as our neighbors again this year.  (Love the new wrap on their trailer)

Little Miss BBQ herself, Vivian is now 14 months old.  Bekke and Scott are proud parents...as they should be. 

Timm working on ribs.

Crystal working on chicken. 

P.S.  We love our trailer. It's works really well for us. 

Prepping box for pork turn-in.

Cherry cheese cake dessert turn-in.

Waiting for awards...why can't they start on time. 

Our first time to win a 1st place...in any category.  We received it in dessert...woohoo...cherry cheese cake. To make it even better...it received a perfect score of 180....and paid $600. 

We finished in the 11th spot, tying with 10th on total score...however, the first tie breaker (brisket) had our score just a bit lower, bringing us to 11th overall. 

Other placements we received...

chicken, 11th

ribs, 7th

pork, 18

brisket, 16

Congrats to Little Miss BBQ for their repeat performance of Grand Champion and Rhythm'nQue for Reserve Grand Champion.    

We had the pleasure of meeting several great people including some guys from Great Britain.  They were interested in the smoker and how it works, they came back on Saturday for samples and were super excited to taste the food.  We were talking with another gal we gave samples to about Operation BBQ Relief...she and her husband lost their home in Joplin MO and actually received meals from OBR.  What a small world it really is.  We sent a box of meat home for her hubby, we received a really nice and sincere email from them. We gave the rest of our prepared meats to folks from Camp Civitan.  They operate a special needs camp in the area and were super excited to receive the donation.  They assured us the campers were going to be very happy to enjoy great bbq.  It's a blessing to be able to share with such wonderful people. 

We stuck around a few extra days to enjoy the area.  It's a great place to explore.  We didn't go into Grand Canyon NP...my knees just weren't up to a whole lot of walking.  But we did drive through Oak Creek Canyon, Sedona, and took Cassy swimming in Dogtown Lake and White Horse Lake.  We also visited Bearizona.  You can see photos from those adventures at our other blog, Trailhound Adventures.

Heading for some cooler country

That's right, we are header for higher, cooler country this weekend.  We'll be in Williams AZ for the Northern Arizona BBQ Festival.

Last weekend Timm cooked both days in the record breaking heat.  It was 114 degrees on Saturday and 109 on Sunday.  It's a good thing everyone enjoyed and appreciated their food.  ;)

We are so looking forward to highs in the mid 80's with a low of 50...it will be like heaven.  Cassy will enjoy as well.  She'll also enjoy time spent at a lake or two in the area.  It's been a long time since she has had a chance to play in the water like that.  She has a kiddie pool here at home, but she only stands in it. 

We hope to hear a name at awards and bring home a few bucks but just being able to spend time in the Williams area is a winning time for us.  We'll even hit Bearazona...it's such a neat place.  

9th overall in Best Dam BBQ

Best Dam BBQ is in the books.  It was a great weekend, the weather was pleasant, we had great neighbors, and we came out of it with a decent placement.  

Although the chicken had great flavor, it was too dark.

The ribs were tasty for sure. 

I gotta say, the pork was amazing!  We changed up the recipe on it this time and I think its a keeper. 

As far as brisket goes, it was way too peppery for my taste but it was our highest placing category.  It was a thinner brisket than I normally like to use. 

Scott and Christy came out to help.  They helped out with the NVBBQA potluck Friday night and came back out on Saturday.  Christy ran all the boxes for me...such a big help!  Scott and Timm watch the pit and the meat.  Thank you so much you guys!

I painted up a few signs for the event.  Didn't sell many, but that's okay.  They'll be on Etsy this week.  

Cassy loves on daddy while waiting for awards.  She is such an awesome dog and mascot.  

Devil Pups did an amazing job once again.  

I think one of the most exciting things I am happiest about all weekend is the 2nd place call in ribs for Satisfied Hogs!  They also got 6th in brisket.  They finished just in front of us in 8th place.  We're so proud of them.  

We were pleased with our results.  

14th...chicken

14th...ribs

12th...pork

10th...brisket

9th overall

We decided to donate our winnings to Operation BBQ Relief.  It's something we really feel good about and we know it will do lots of good in the Moore, OK area. 

Nevada BBQ Association was well represented.  We had a great time with many of them on our row.  Timm got to visit with many of the teams, I tend to stick close to our site.  

Hats off to Kathy Hicks and her team at the Rotary Club.  They put on a fabulous event that has really grown since she has been in charge.  We look forward to next year's event!

Memorial Day

As most of us gather for a barbecue, remember those that sacrificed so we are able to so.

Happy Memorial Day.

Operation BBQ Relief deploys to Moore Oklahoma

The devastation of tornadoes hitting the midwest is almost impossible to comprehend...especially for someone like me that has never really been through anything sooooo devastating and scary..  People in Moore OK have been practically wiped off our map with a huge tornado with winds in excess of 200 miles per hour.

  

Operation BBQ Relief is deploying Tuesday morning to Moore OK to help feed the victims, first responders and other volunteers that are also heading to the area to help out however they can.  Operation BBQ Relief is a non-profit 501-3c corporation that started in 2011 when they gave food and aid to Joplin MO.  You can help them by making a donation of any amount you can spare...every little bit helps.  They will be there for weeks to come.  If you are near enough or just feel the need to help out even more, contact them  about being there on the ground to help cook for the thousands of people that will need to be fed.  

Prayers are needed...pray for all the victims of these recent tornadoes, pray for the first responders, pray for all the volunteers.  

Also, please go donate blood.  It will be in high demand as victims go through surgeries and recovery. 

Armed Forces Day

Thank you 

Where are we next?

Good question...haven't really been anywhere since January but it's starting to wind up for the next few months. 

 Memorial Day weekend we are sticking close to home, we'll be in Boulder City NV for the Best Dam BBQ Challenge.  Turn ins are Saturday starting at noon.  There's lots to do at this one with a kid zone play area, kids 'que contest, a new marketplace (vendors) and more.  We hope for better results this year than the last.  

 Just a couple of weeks later on June 14 & 15 we'll be in Williams AZ for the Northern Arizona Barbeque Festival.  This is another great contest.  They have people's choice tasting at this contest and it's a big hit with the crowd.  I love this area of the country.  

July 12th & 13th takes us to Arizona once again, this time a bit further to Holbrook AZ.  Whiskey Ranch Pro BBQ Series is hosting the Ace in the Hole BBQ Throwdown.

I think its awesome how small communities get behind these contests and make them successful.  This one is tied in with a fair as well.  It's right on I-40 and historic Route 66 runs right through town (just like Williams AZ).  There's a people's choice at this one as well but we donate our meats to the local food bank instead like we did last year.  

There's nothing on the calendar (as of now) for August.  We'll have to see how we'll do in Boulder.  The overall outcome there will be the deciding factor if we go to Mesquite or not for Labor Day weekend.  We hope to see y'all at one or two of these events.  Be sure to stop and say hello and taste a sample or two.  

Martin Harris Company Picnic 2013

We had the honor of cooking for the Martin Harris picnic this year. In January, we catered lunch for one of the jobsites and they loved it.  We were asked to cook for the entire company...what an honor! Original numbers were +/300 but quickly grew to almost 500.  That's a whole lotta hungry bellies!

We served up freshly made Coleslaw, Trailhound Beans, Pulled Pork Sandwiches, and Beef Brisket.  We also cooked up Nathan's all beef hot dogs and chips. 

We cooked 22 pork butts,

16 beef briskets,

80 pounds of homemade coleslaw, 

about 300 hotdogs

and lots of beans.

We called in the troops (family) to help us.  We can't thank them enough for all their help.  Mom, Dad, Nelson and Donny, along with Chris, Scott, and Christy all came out to lend a hand and did an amazing job!  We're getting great feedback from many. 

Thank you for letting us spread our wings and feed a great crowd of folks.  We are truly blessed to have had the opportunity.  

 

National Day of Prayer

Please take a few moments to pray for our nation.  Pray that our leaders would be surrounded by wise council and that wise council would be used in making decisions for America.

Pray for our troops...that they may have the resources they need to do the jobs that must be done, pray for their safety, pray for their support.  

Pray that our economy to improve, to put our citizens back to work, to reduce the number of people on public assistance, that they may work to support themselves.

Pray that we take pride in America, stand up for what is right, to bring America back to a place of morality and sensibility that has been missing for a long time.

Pray for peace. 

National Barbecue Month

Time has been flying this year faster than ever.  Well, now its May 1st and you know what that means...yup, you guessed it.  May is National Barbecue Month!  Let me hear you shout it to the heavens, it's okay to give a cheer.  

We're kicking off May with a bang.  The first weekend of the month we're cooking for Martin Harris' company barbecue.  It's our biggest cook ever and we're calling in the troops (family) to help out on this one.  I need to get a practice cook in on chicken for sure because the last weekend in May is the Best Dam BBQ Challenge in Boulder City and I definitely want to finish better than I did last year.

  

We were referred by a friend to cook for a graduation party mid month.  Working with them right now to meet their needs. 

On the competition front, things are a little slow.  Some of the contests we wanted to participate in this year have been cancelled or changed dates and we are already booked on the new weekends.   On a good note, several have been added in the last few weeks and looks like we'll be able to go to some of them.  After our monster cook this weekend I'll get a schedule updated.  In the meantime, get out there and create some of good smelling smoke and fire on the pit or grill!

Southwest Regionals

Teams are gathering in Vegas for the southwest regionals April 19 & 20.  Thirty teams from around the surrounding states and well as Nevada are competing for $20,000 and a chance to move onto the finals later this year.  Even though we aren't competing this year, we still get to be involved.  We're cooking a pit full of briskets and butts to use for samples at the event. 

Come out to the Sam's Club at 215 and South Rainbow to check it all out.  Just roll down the window and let your nose lead the way.  We'll be cheering on all the teams at awards...even though we do have a few favorites we hope to see at the top of the list at the end of the day. 

Spring BBQ-Crystal's 50th

Normally, we try to have the Harvest BBQ but time just didn't allow it last year...so a Spring BBQ it is!  We wanted to celebrate our success at the Sam's Club National BBQ Tour Finals in Bentonville AR last October and Crystal's 50th birthday.  Hey, any reason is good reason to cook a pig...right.  

You have to have more than just the ribs on the piggy...so how about 12 more.

We cooked 40 pounds of chicken and 5 briskets as well.

Dad was in charge of the "pig distribution services"...does that sound all official or what. 

Throw in some sides, and seating for 100 or so friends and family, a gorgeous day and you've got a great celebration.  

Thanks to everyone who came to share in the festivities, to our family that always goes above and beyond when it comes to helping out and lending a hand.  We love you guys!  Thanks to Shawn at Advanced Pro...he sponsored the pig!

Scott's co-worker, Jimmy wanted to learn more about barbecue and did he ever!  He came over Saturday afternoon for all the meat trimming, got his hands dirty in the pig, and watched the pits until 5am when the briskets went in.  Then he was back before the party started and stayed to help clean up too.  What a trooper...we love ya man!

Those that didn't make it, we missed you.  We hope you can come join us at the next one.