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.  

BBQ Class with Jen Duncan

Timm and I had the pleasure to take a BBQ class from Jennifer Duncan of Smoked to the Bone over the weekend.  She and her hubby, Tommy (Whiskey Ranch BBQ) came up from Phoenix and taught at Galaxy Outdoor here in Vegas.  

We've had the honor of knowing these two for a while now.  In fact, we met them at our first contest we ever participated in.  They were extremely helpful and kind to our tiny first time team.  They made us feel welcome and helped us tremendously.  

When we all arrived on Friday evening, they had been cooking all day so we could taste several types of meats including brisket, prime rib roast, and even a ham.  Everything was tasty.

This class was geared towards competition so we reviewed all four categories and the began trimming process.  She also explained what we should be looking for.  We learned something new in each category. 

Saturday morning we dove right back in at 6am.  It was a great opportunity for all of us.  We got to be hands on, trying every aspect of the process. 

 

We cooked on the Kamado Rockets and Jen's Jambo pit.  

Normally, Jen has her assisitant, Chuck to help out on many things.  He was busy with Tommy's grilling class so Timm got to step in throughout the day...it made his day for sure. 

Tommy's class was something I'd like to take as well.  These guys got to do grilling and the food was delicious and overwhelming with the variety they whipped up...from appetizer, main course, pizza, dessert.  You name it, I think they cooked it. 

We learned so much, I can't wait to try my hand at what I learned. It was worth every penny for sure. 

I look forward to their next class I attend.  

One year later....

It was a year ago today Timm and the boys started building the new and improved barbecue trailer and let me tell you...it has been through quite a transformation and a growth spurt.  This is what it was last July when we took a team photo.

Today, the pit is on a new, custom trailer that Timm designed, he and the boys worked on with Chris doing all of the welding...lots and lots of welding.  Crystal's dad and brother were a big help on the build as well.  Just take a look at the progress it has made...

 

 

As she stands today...one year later.  She's grown a lot with additions inside and out, been to contests in Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, and Arkansas, traveling thousands of miles in the process.  Because of this trailer we've won some contests as well.  She hasn't been cheap, but she sure has been worth it.  

First contest of 2013...Havasu AZ

This is was our third year to compete at Lake Havasu's BBQ, Music and Brews contest.  This was also the third year we feel it kicked our butts.  :0(  Every year the weather has beat us down, and this year was no exception...it rained for more than 24 hours.  Fortunately, it wasn't a hard rain and there was no horrible winds to contend with (like last year) but everything was so wet, the canopies were leaking a bit, the grass was soaked, and clothes were wet.

I seriously had high hopes of redeeming our placement status from the last two years.  We had a good cook, meats turned out awesome with some great flavor profiles.  They were tender and full of flavor.  The boxes looked great too.  So I don't get it!  Why does this place kick our butt?

Here's my theory....the day before almost any large contest there is a judges class.  There are a bunch of BBQ loving people that want to be part of the whole thing...maybe they just want to eat free BBQ...maybe they are part of teams trying to figure out what judges are looking for (we did that).  Anyway, this makes KCBS look good because they now have 100% certified BBQ judges for the event.  But, I've realized that these folks often compare entries to each other, or worse...their own 'cue...none of which is supposed to be done.  Each entry is supposed to be judged on it's own merit. This results in scores that I don't believe are accurate, causing teams to have scores that are not really reflective of their product, and ending up in standings that leave teams dazed and confused.
With that said, the promoters Skip and Cheryl put their heart, soul, and energy into this contest.  The location is great.  We were on the grass again, spaces are level, and we had plenty of space. We love to see many of our BBQ friends from Arizona and beyond.

Little Miss BBQ's own 9th month old Vivian is a doll.  I got to spend some great quality time with her after turn-ins on Saturday.  Smokin' Goathead's were neighbors once again, along with Brandon with Route 66 Catering Crew, IAB30 was our neighbor right behind us too.  This year Jason and Kim were Satisfied Hogs got to be on the same row as several of the other Nevada teams, we really enjoy their friendship.

It was great to have Scott come down to cook with us.  It's nice to have family around.  With all the rain, we didn't have mom and dad come down to sell people's choice samples. Good thing too, the crowds were almost nothing...so we brought it all home with us.

While we were really pleased with our turn-ins and we had an overall score of 630.2852, we finished at the 55th position (we tied with Smokin' Goatheads).  In fact, all the Nevada teams finished in the bottom half of the 84 teams that competed.  Congrats to Loot-n-Booty BBQ for their first Grand Champion.  They been getting really close and finally hit it.

Cassy found a new place to claim as her own.  She is really great about staying under the canopy, but with all the rain and wetness, we put her bed under the burner and the pit...she likes it there...nice and warm, and dry.  She can see everything going on as well.

Lunch for 165 please

Last month, we were asked to cook for one of the job site crews for Martin Harris.  It was an honor we gladly accepted.  First of all, Timm has worked for Martin Harris for more than 35 years, and the job site really needed a moral booster.

We smoked up some awesome 'que of 8 pork butts for sandwiches, and 5 briskets along with yummy beans and some coleslaw, cookies for dessert along with sodas and water to wet their whistles.  Two tables lines were set up and with a few extra co-workers we had all 165 workers through the lines and eating in 25 minutes.  Many came through for seconds and all were pleased and happy.  We couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day for the event. Mission accomplished.  We look forward to having this opportunity again in the future.

The Finished Trailer

I don't think I ever shared the new trailer with graphics with y'all.  Well, here it is. Timm designed it, he and Chris built it.  Scott and Dad helped out when they could. It's worked out great so far.  Improvements additions seem to keep Timm busy with it.  It traveled clear to Bentonville, Arkansas in October and back.  We were sure glad we had the enclosed part when it rained for 3 hours back there. 

Gosh, it's hard to believe it's been a year since we decided to build it.  The contest in Lake Havasu was the turning point and deciding factor to build it.  Seven thousand dollars later...it's a great trailer.  Still don't have the waster tanks put under it yet and the sink put in but Timm is still trying to figure out if he wants them on there or not.  

It draws lot of attention when we're out, then again, so did the pit when it was on it's original trailer.  Folks always want to ask questions, see it, take pictures, etc.  There was even a guy that stopped by the house over the weekend to see it.  

First Contest 2013

Our first contest of the year is just over a week away.  We'll be heading to Lake Havasu City, AZ on the last weekend of January for the Music, Brews and BBQ contest.  

Our plan is redeem ourselves from last year's results.  In fact, this contest is why we built our new BBQ trailer.  Last year, at one point there were 15 people in our booth.  We shot ourselves in the foot for sure.  

Come on down (or up) to Lake Havasu on Saturday, January 26 for some great barbeque.  Teams will be offering samples for a small fee, with a portion of the fee going to local charities.  We'll be offering all four KCBS meats...chicken, ribs, pork and brisket throughout the day.  

Let's hope the wind doesn't blow this year.  Last year the wind was quite a formidable foe.

There is live music, beer, food and BBQ vendors, team sampling and a carnival this year...something for everyone!  We hope to see you there!