Catching up

I'm guilty of blog neglect. This is what's been going on...

1) June/July - Caught a very nasty virus which basically kept me in bed for a full two weeks and took a full four weeks to get back to "normal." Missed judging in NH and spent my birthday in bed. Not a fun time, to say the least.

2) Harpoon - I was feeling good just in time for Harpoon. I judged both days and got to try a lot of good entries. I had fun with the NEBS BOD folks, and spent some time helping out in the NEBS booth. I know everyone says this, but Harpoon truly is the best.

3) Brookline, NH - Andy and Ken were looking for more judges for this backyard contest, so I decided at the last minute to lend a hand. It was some of the worst barbeque I've had in a long time. I feel a little bad about saying that because this is a backyard contest and I'm sure many teams were competing for the first time, but I have to be honest. Maybe I was just at the wrong table. My first competition was at Brookline, and I really hope my food wasn't that bad. It probably was. In any case, it's too bad the Brookline event doesn't draw bigger crowds. There is a lot of potential there.

4) Upcoming Maine Competition - I've been remiss in posting about my practice cooks for the upcoming Maine competition. Lord knows I've been practicing! The last of the practicing is done. Chicken was giving me fits...until last night. I finally figured out the key that will earn me first place chicken in Maine. Or at least won't earn me DAL. Maine should be a lot of fun. With a little prodding from Jane the Maine BBQ coordinator, I decided to cook the People's Choice and Iron Chef competitions as well. The People's Choice should be easy enough (chicken wings) and I've always wanted to do an Iron Chef. Oddly, I already know what I'm going to make for the Iron Chef competition. How do I know without even knowing what the secret ingredient is? I have easily adaptable recipes. I can make my recipes with shrimp, beef, pork, eggplant, or whatever. Bring it on.

5) NEBS SummerFest - I've been busy, with Andy King's help, getting things lined up for the 2nd Annual NEBS SummerFest. This is a free event for NEBS members. All you have to do is go here to register. For more information about SummerFest, you should click here. If you aren't a NEBS member, what are you waiting for?