Page 19 - JAN2020 BBQNEWS Digital Issue

Who is you BBQ Mentor? Our first mentors were the guys from Raccoon Flats; we didn’t get a call but we were far from dead last. Since then, we were fortunate to get some sound advice from Darren Warth. Along with his advice and practice, practice, practice we have been able to excel through the years.
What’s your favorite thing to smoke? Our best cate- gories have been ribs and brisket. I love to cook brisket be- cause it provides the most challenge and demands the most skill.
What’s your BBQ Secret to Success? I’ve learned it’s the right tenderness that wins contests.
What’s the one thing you never BBQ without? My Thermapen! Because one degree under and its tough; one degree over and its overdone.
Missy Fisher
Lucky 19 Sauce Company Minnetonka, MN
My Motto: There’s no cry- ing during turn in time. How did you get started in BBQ? Started with our BBQ sauce line (Sweet Lil’ Devil, Pablo Honey & Devil’s Own) which led us to competing in backyard competitions and then eventually to pro. Favorite thing to smoke? In competition, chicken
thighs. We managed to end up 27th in the country this year in chicken, and it’s our best category. So it’s kind of like your favorite kid (the one that isn’t causing you prob- lems)! Brisket on the other hand?
What is the best BBQ secret? There is something to learn from every cook. I learn from a lot from our wins and more importantly, from our failures. For example, don’t debate with your teammate on placement of burnt ends in the box and miss turn in. Just saying, ....it happened (once).
Who is your BBQ mentor? Loren Hill (Smokin’ Hills out of KC), was our first champion providing us with much en-
couragement. I am also so grateful for the support and mentoring we have received from the entire #MNBBQCREW and greater BBQ community.
What is your best BBQ memory? So many! Our first grand championship and 180 Brisket at Sam’s Regionals in Madison, Wisconsin. That win earned us a chance to com- pete against some of the best in the country in Bentonville, AK. However, the fondest memories are meeting new teams and their families and spending time with our grow- ing BBQ family. Trophies and checks are great, but this sport is nothing without the people.
When you’re smoking what’s one thing you have to have? Aside from the obvious, my partner Aaron, it would have to be my black reference binder. Whether at a comp, or at home, it is our BBQ bible! By the end of the season it’s a mess! All marked up with notes and changes to our process and recipes. I know a lot of teams keep this infor- mation stored in their phone. Guess I’m old school.
How many years have you been in BBQ? 67 contests in 5 years! Can’t wait to start our 6th season!
Marilyn Schilling
Schilling Grilling Red Wing, MN
Day Job: Administrative Office Mgr
BBQ Job: Catering
My Motto: Work Hard, Play Hard
How did you get started in barbecue? We helped a competition team while on vacation in South Car- olina.
Best BBQ Secret: It’s a
Secret.
What’s one thing you never BBQ without? My Husband
More COMING In THE FEB. 2020 EDITION
Minnesota Upcoming Events
February 8, 2020: MN BBQ Society will host our annual meeting and awards ceremony at Doubletree by Hilton in Bloomington, MN.
April 11, 2020: Spring Training 2020, University of Minnesota Andrew Boss Meat Science Laboratory, Falcon Heights, MN,FMI: http://mnbbqsociety.com/classes.
May 8-9, 2020: Minnesota in May 2020, Cambridge, MN. FMI: mnbbqsociety.com.
JOIN US • #MNBBQCREW • Facebook.com/mnbbqsociety
JANUARY 2020 BarbecueNews.com - 19