Rant: Ran into an old timer at a BBQ competition who told me I was overthinking my rub

Was at a local competition down in Lockhart last Saturday, just getting my station set up. This guy maybe 70 years old walks over, looks at my 12 different spice jars lined up, and just laughs. He goes "son, I've been winning trophies since before you were born with nothing but salt, pepper, and a little cayenne." Stuck with me because he was right. I spent three hours mixing custom rubs the night before and now I'm wondering if I've been making this way harder than it needs to be. Anyone else ever get called out like that by someone with way more experience?

2 comments

2 Comments

pat3608d ago

Well at least you got free advice AND a reality check in one visit. Way cheaper than a cooking class. I'd frame that story as "the day I learned 12 spices is just 7 too many.

richardharris8d ago

Hang on, 12 spices is 7 too many? That math doesn't work in my kitchen. I put like 8 spices in chili alone and nobody's complained yet. Cumin, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, cayenne, and black pepper right there off the top of my head. That's already past 5!