Some moments to remember from this year in barbecue...
Snowshoe: First Place Fatty - My first solo competition...not something I want to make a habit of. Damn it was a lot of work. But getting first place in fatty was a big thrill after getting fifth the previous year. I think I've got this fatty thing figured out.
Peter's Pond: First Place Brisket - My first ever call in brisket. I'm really hoping to get a few more beautiful briskets at the meat market like the one I had at Peter's Pond. What a thrill.
Harvard Fall Festival: RGC in Grilling - It was as close to a GC as we've ever been at any competition. It was one of the few competitions where I was really happy with everything we put in the boxes. In fact, it may have been the only competition.
Frydays with the Mitchells - Eric and Cindi hosted "Frydays" at various contests this year. Eric fried up all sorts of great things in his Cajun fryer. Bacon, garlic, peppers, candy bars, and even hamburgers. They fried it all and satisfied the masses. Suzanne and I have really enjoyed these frydays. The one in Maine was particularly memorable.
Whole Hog for Charity with Uncle Jed - Assisting Jed with a whole hog at a WAAF charity event was a lot of fun, and it raised a ton of money for the Greg Hill Foundation.
NEBS Board of Directors - As an organization, I feel we are doing a lot of great things and moving in the right direction. Unfortunately, as with most volunteer organizations, there aren't enough hours in the day to get everything done as quickly as we'd all like. Serving on the Board has been a lot of fun, but there is still a lot to be done. I'm looking forward to a productive, exciting year for NEBS in 2011.
There were also a few moments to forget. Chicken wings at grilling contests. Not getting my chicken turned in on time at Harvard. Actually, chicken in general. I'm seeing a theme here. So guess what I'm working on this winter? I was really disappointed that I missed the turn in at Harvard, because I had spent a lot of time practicing chicken and it was finally looking great. It was beautiful and tasty chicken in the end. Anyway, the issue will be fixed by Peter's Pond next year. You can count on it. We will place in chicken at Peter's Pond.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone! See you all next year.
