I’ve always felt a bit intimidated when it comes to smoking meats. I think it comes from living in Kansas City, known as the barbecue capital of the world. Kansas City is famous for it’s bbq and you will find many restaurants serving up some of the finest barbecue around. And for the serious smokers there is the “American Royal” where hundreds of competitors come from all over the country to show off their best barbecue skills. I live just a few blocks from one of the most famous bbq joints in the country, “Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que” aka “Oklahoma Joe’s”. Yes, they changed their name a few years ago but they will always be “OK Joe’s” to me. Their burnt ends (my personal favorite) are to die for, the most tender and flavorful morsels I have ever tasted. Once I tasted “Joe’s” I’ve never found anything that compares. It’s just that good! We go at least twice a month and it never fails that there is a long line either to the door or out the door and around the building. The original “Joe’s” is located in KCK in a gas station where you can still buy gas and get your bbq to go. Our local “Joe’s” here in Olathe has the Kansas City BBQ store located a few doors down and you can find any and all bbq essentials from wood and smokers to sauce and rubs. Anything you need, they have it. Yes, I’ve always felt a little out of my element when it comes to barbecue but I did my research and felt ready to jump in and see if I could do it myself. I’m really happy with how it came out, maybe it’s not as good as “Joe’s” but pretty darn good, if I do say so myself. And just to make sure it wasn’t beginners luck, I smoked a second batch of ribs. . . Awesome!!
Continue reading
An Inspired Cook 