Silver Lake 2010 Results, Refinements, and Reflections

Results

The only one that matters is 2nd place chicken.  Brisket, ribs and pork butt were average.  But, it was a tough competition.  48 teams.  Smokin’ Scotsmen, Extreme Roasters, CancerSucksChicago, Great Lakes BBQ and Feed Co., IBQN, Big Moe, Spruce Ridge, Up in Smoke, and many more veterans of the circuit.   For crying out loud, there were at least fifteen 30′ foot motorhomes!

From silver lake 2010

(if you want the secret to this award winning chicken, just ask)

Refinements

I need to change things up.  My “low and slow” categories need more heat and time.  The old Hasty Bake struggled in cold, wet weather.  I realize I can start earlier; 2:00 am, 3:00 am, but I prefer medium-hot and medium-fast cooking.  I can elevate the temps in my Weber kettle because of the size, but not in the Hasty Bake.

Easy fixes would be to start earlier, but I like my sleep or to bring more kettles, but I like to travel and set up light.  I just used a hitch platform to put the Hasty Bake on and loaded everything else in the back of the Tahoe.

The pictures below represent ribs, pork shoulder and beef brisket.  All three lacked a little tenderness…just a few more degrees and few more minutes….(well, maybe hours)…

From silver lake 2010

From silver lake 2010

From silver lake 2010

Reflections

Despite the rain, the work of packing, unpacking, prepping, cooking, cleaning, packing and unpacking…and the disappointing results (overall)…I’m all ready considering a return trip the bloody BBQ fields of Sparta!

(This is my Goddaughter, Josie Martin.  That’s right…besides being an elite barbecuer, I am also a Godfather).

From silver lake 2010