HOT AUGUST BITES RIBS & CHILI COOK-OFF WITH A PIECE OF PEAR PIE

We are in Rio Vista California for Hot August Bites Ribs & Chili Cook-Off. Our judges badges are bright and shiny and we are ready to have some fun. We have been to this venue before and it has been in the triple digits of heat. This time Mother Nature blessed us with temperatures in the low 90's. This event has something for everyone. Cars, music, food, venders, ribs, bouncy houses and chili. We would like to share a couple of photos with you.

 

GREEN RIVERS RIB COOK-OFF

Well, take me back down where cool water flows, y'all

Oh, let me remember things I love

Stoppin' at the log where catfish bite

Walkin' along the river road at night

Barefoot girls dancin' in the moonlight

Some of you may remember these lyrics from a Creedence Clearwater Revival song titled; Green River. It is reputed that it refers to Putah Creek which just so happens to be the location of our rib cook-off. We are at the Green River Brewing & Taproom for a rib cook-off, car show and 'School of Rock" contest. Ms. Goofy and I were attending judges.

 

This was a great venue. It was situated right next to the infamous 'Green River". The grounds had plenty of shade and covered picinic areas. At the stage, the kids were having a rock concert which while looked like fun for the parents did not fare well for these aging rockers. They were not bad but the voices going through puberty left much to be desired. The BBQ competitors were spaced throughout the grounds. It smelled fantastic throughout. The judges were sequestered in an air conditioned bar area. We had access to plenty of liquid libations. This was a very fun day.

REVERSE-SEAR

We tried some reverse-seared Picanha steaks last night and they were fantastic. This technique was fairly simple. We started with a 300 degree indirect fire for 20 minutes rotating the steaks once. The target temperature was 115 degrees. The steaks were taken out and rested for 10 minutes. During the rest the Big Green Egg was cranked up to 500 degrees direct fire. The steaks were finished with a searing of 1 minute on each side. This was the perfect medium rare cook. I think I will make a sandwich.

 

POST FALLS BACON

 

Last week while in Idaho, I stopped in at Tims Special Cut Meats Official to take a look. The first thing I saw was the bacon locker. Oh my, I was in bacon heaven. Look at all the choices. I left with tears in my eyes. The T.S.A. agents would have surely confiscated any purchases.