I'm an avid cook and love to entertain friends and family. Smoking meat is my specialty but I know my way around the kitchen too. Trying new recipes or modifying old ones is always fun.
My favorite things to cook
On the smoker:
Baby Back Ribs (3-2-1),Boston Butt, Chicken Wings, Beer Can Chicken, Salmon;
On the grill: Steak, Burgers, Grilled Shrimp;
In the kitchen: Jalapeno Cheese Cornbread, Shrimp and Grits, Shrimp Creole, Gumbo
My favorite family cooking traditions
New Year's pulled pork (Boston Butt on the smoker), collard greens and black eyed peas with all the neighbors over.
My cooking triumphs
Learning to make a Roux was a biggie for me. I was afraid to try because I'd heard it was difficult and easy to burn. It turned out to be quite easy, you just have to stay with it, keep the low enough and don't stop stirring. Once you can make the roux, you're on your way with tons of options.
My cooking tragedies
Several false starts trying to make beer can chicken on the smoker that wasn't dry.