Market Day and Barbecue Madness

It was a very busy but incredibly fun weekend.... Saturday was the opening day of the Kootenai County Farmer's Market and it was also the Pacific Northwest Barbecue Association's cook school. As many of you know, Bent is an avid barbecuer and has decided to take his skills to the next level of competition grilling. The cook school is a precursor to the "Smokin the Coeur d' Alenes" Pitmasters competition on Father's Day weekend in which Bent, his father, brother and a few friends are all competing. Bent and his gang spent 12 hours learning various cook methods and then cooking 4 meat categories on Saturday. Bent was paired up with an admitted novice griller named Mike and Bent's dad and his brother formed a team. (From left to right in the photo is Bent's dad Dave, Bent and Bent's brother Bob.) Overall, there were 13 teams that competed...Bent and his partner were very successful as was his father and brother...Bent won grand champion and his father's team won 3rd place. They also scored 2nd place in chicken, 2nd in brisket and 4th in the rib category. As if cooking all day and attending school wasn't enough for one day, the team packed up all their equipment and headed to Q' Emlin Park where they began an all night practice cook similar to a real pitmaster competition. They battled high winds, rain and chilly conditions but they pulled it off and served a fabulous dinner to over 50 friends and family members on Mother's Day. Next weekend there is yet another competition they will compete in...this time the meat category will consist of ribs only....I understand the prize is a Weber grill....(as if Bent needs another grill)

I spent my Saturday selling plants at the local farmer's market. Luckily, I had my daughters Britt and Tylah helping me out. The weather was very cold and windy but there were still lots of people out shopping. Considering the conditions, I sold quite a few vegetable starts and most all of my herbs. If the weatherman is right...next weekend should be near 70F and that should get people in the mood to buy plants and get their gardens growing.