Lexington BBQ Battle

Cold, rain, and wind. That's pretty much how the weekend weather went. Cold Saturday morning and throughout the day, torrential rain and winds through the night. What else do expect in New England for this time of year. Still that didn't stop 27 of the best BBQ teams from doing what they love...Cooking BBQ.

This contest was hosted by Steve Eastridge from the BBQ team Meat@slims. Steve and his team did a fantastic job planning and organizing this event. All of the proceeds from this event went to support the LABB Collaborative.

This was the first contest we were able to use our new trailer. It was nice to be able to do all of our prep under cover and out of the elements. After a few tugs from the bottle of Gentleman Jack to warm us up, the meat was ready to go on the smoker.

Despite the wind and the rain everything was running pretty smooth, the auto-water on the smoker was working, the pit was holding temp great. It seemed to be smooth sailing, until I checked the temp of the butts and brisket two hours after wrapping in foil, they had only gone up about 5 degrees, not good. I made the decision to finish them on the Weber Kettle grill. After 1.5-2hrs they were happily resting in the Cambro, crisis averted. It's all in how you react...Right Chris??

Smoking Hoggz BBQ had a pretty good weekend all in all. We finished 9th overall, 7th in chicken, 7th in pork and 8th in Brisket. This was an excellent start to the 2011 BBQ season. Congratulations goes out to Fatback Joe's for winning GC and our good friends Mighty Swine Dining for winning RGC, and all the rest of the teams who got calls. Our next event is Memorial Day Weekend, in Rochester NY, Roc City Ribfest. Hope to see you there!!!

The newest addition

What a pretty site, the newest addition to the Smokin' Hoggz BBQ Team. Now we don't have to squeeze all the equipment plus three people and a dog into the truck. Life is good!!!!!!! Bring on the Q!!!!!!!

Grilled Shrimp Tacos w/Lime Slaw

This Recipe will make 8 Tacos

1 lb uncooked shrimp(21-24/lb) peeled and de-veined
           your favorite seafood seasoning (Smokin' Hoggz all purpose dry rub)
8 6-inch corn tortillas (flour tortillas are ok too)
1/4 cup sour cream
2 Tbsp mayo
grated zest from 1 lime
juice from 1 lime
16 oz pkg cole slaw mix (Dole)
2 scallions(green onion) diced
1 Jalapeno seeded and diced
2 Tbsp fresh cilantro
1 large tomato seeded and diced
Sweet chili sauce
Canola oil
Salt and pepper to taste

For the slaw(prepared about 2 hours before hand):

In a bowl combine sour cream, mayo, 1/2 lime zest, lime juice. Add cole slaw mix, green onions, jalapeno, cilantro and mix well. Season w/ salt and pepper. Stir in tomato. Keep in the refrigerator until ready to use.

For the shrimp:

In a bowl toss shrimp w/ oil, the rest of the lime zest, salt and pepper and let sit for about 1/2 hour. I find it easier to put the shrimp on skewers after this and season with the dry rub. Grill shrimp about 2-3 min per side over direct heat, toss shrimp in sweet chili sauce.

For the tortillas:

Grill tortillas over direct heat for about 1 min per side.

To assemble the tacos, spoon slaw mix into bottom of the tortilla, top with 3 shrimp and enjoy!

Auto Water

SnowShoe 2011

AHHHH!!!!!!!!!the first contest of the season. The Snowshoe Grilling Challenge. Held right here in good old Abington Ma. one mile from my house, what could be better than that? What a great contest, not only because you get to see your BBQ friends after a long winter, but also because it is a great opportunity to help out the local community and donate to the Abington Food Pantry.
The weather for the day was partly cloudy with temps in the high 40's low 50's and slightly on breezy side, but all in all a good day for grilling (is there really a bad day for grilling, I didn't think so).

We had a very good day we finished 8th overall in a tough field of 24 teams, I felt that we turned in some really good food, and the judges thought so too.

The categories were:  Strip Steak                                     18th

                                 Pork Tenderloin                               9th

                                 Sausage Fattie                                  9th

                                 Chefs Choice (Shrimp Tacos)           7th

Congrats to all of the teams that got called and to Heritage Foods GC, and I Smell Smoke RGC.

Next contest for Smokin' Hoggz BBQ will be April 16-17, in Lexington Ma.

New Logo

Got Charcoal!!

Looks like the BBQ Fairy left me a present!!!!!!