The Blog Farm

Monday, May 10, 2010

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.

12 comments:

  1. Awesome! Sounds like a wonderful start to the market....Good sales and sounds like GREAT food! Congratulations to Bent, his dad and brother! Look forward to hearing (and seeing) more!

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  2. Teri! yay you started your blog.....I knew you couldn't resist : )

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  3. There is something about plants in paper bags that just tickles my fancy! And barbeque...mmm. My dad always has some kind of meat in the smoker and my brothers and I get so excited when he brings some over. *drool*

    I'm glad this weekend went well for you, it sounds like a success all around!

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  4. Dietplaid, thanks...I like the natural look of paper for plant pots too...my husband has been hard core practicing barbecue for his competitions...our kids are sick of barbecue...I never knew that was possible : )

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  5. Oh, I just love the labels and vendor name. I bet you had alot of customers. Bent has a great hobby, and I love anything related to smoking meat or barbecuing...Yum!

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  6. That's fantastic! For both of you. I do love the packaging you came up. Looks top notch.

    Now, are we going to see Bent on the Food Network anytime soon?

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  7. Yummy the bbq sounds good. Was gonna come to farmers market but got out voted by Kaytlyn and did silverwood instead.

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  8. EG, thanks...I love Bent's hobby too...only I'm gonna have to lay off the bbq as I have gained several pounds..lol!

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  9. Turling, thanks! I'm guessing you may see him on some throw down with Bobby Flay or perhaps on the next season of Pitmasters lol!

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  10. Carla, when I was a kid I definitely would have chosen Silverwood over the farmer's market too : )

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  11. This is so AWESOME, Sunny. And it sounded like so much fun. You're very lucky to be married to a barbecue aficionado. I would insist that he barbecue every day.

    I used to sell some of my own pasties at a cafe I used to work at in my early twenties. I don't know about you but it was thrilling turning something you've nurtured into cold hard cash. :)

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  12. Thanks Thomas! Yep he usually barbecues every day however after his 2 day marathon last weekend we have all taken a small break from it... lol! I agree....selling something you create and something you put your passion into is very cool...the money is good too : )

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