Swamp Boys Q School Jan. 4-5, ’20

 Classes  No Responses »
Nov 252019
 

Make a New Year’s Resolution to make better BBQ in 2020! Start the new year with a 2 day class learning the art and science of barbecue at Swamp Boys Q School. Perfect for all levels, from the backyarder to the seasoned pro. You will learn how to smoke prime rib, chicken, ribs, pork, and brisket exactly like I do at a competition. We will cover both hot and fast, and low and slow styles. This techniques class is NOT specific to any one cooker, it works for all.

Class will be held behind the Citrus Center Boys and Girls Club located at 2400 Havendale Blvd, Winter Haven FL. We will be set up lakeside. There will be a CCTV setup so everyone sees everything easily.

Class begins at noon on Saturday and goes until dinner time when you are treated to a smoked prime rib meal with all of the fixin’s. Afterwards you can shoot the breeze around the campfire, or retire for the night. Sunday morning we start back at 7:30 and there will be biscuits and gravy, and coffee. You will also get to sample chicken, ribs, pork, and brisket on Sunday – no one goes hungry! Class typically ends around 3-3:30pm or when all the questions have been answered.

These classes typically sell out so register early. $600 includes everything and some swag. Verified teammates $400. Spouse $200. Pay by check to the address on the application. Click here for the application (link fixed). Print and mail in.

To pay by credit card use the below link. Note – you do NOT have to have a PayPal account to use the link. Credit card fees are included in the total.


Swamp Boys Q School



 Posted by at 11:02 am

Come Eat With Swamp Boys!

 Charity, Vending  No Responses »
Nov 172019
 

For fans of our world class pulled pork, ribs, and BBQ sundaes, listen up! November kicks off our vending season where you can visit Swamp Boys at certain contests and buy our food. Before you do though, read my article on attending a bbq contest. One important takeaway from the article, all barbecue vendors are not equal. Ask non-vending teams who they would eat with and who they would avoid. Also we are vending rain or shine. Here is our vending schedule for November through March.

  • Plant City Pig Jam Nov. 22-23: This will be our 16th year competing at this contest! We start selling Friday afternoon 5 till 10pm, and Saturday from 10am to 5pm. But we typically sell out before then so don’t wait till the end.
  • Orange Blossom Revue  Dec. 6-7: This Lake Wales contest is one of my favorites ( Iwas born here), and this year it’s FREE to enter. Also new this year is cash sales. No having to buy Pig Bucks to purchase food. We start selling Friday afternoon 5 till 10pm, and Saturday from 10am to 5pm. But we typically sell out before then so don’t wait till the end.
  • Lakeland Pig Fest at Sun N Fun Jan. 24-25: Come early to avoid traffic jams coming in. Use satellite parking if you can. Probably more bbq vendors than any other contest, and more visitors. We start selling Friday afternoon 5 till 10pm, and Saturday from 10am to 5pm. But we typically sell out before then so don’t wait till the end.
  • Smoke on the Water Feb. 7-8: My hometown of Winter Haven really shines this weekend. Plus the contest benefits our local Boys and Girls Club, which is Swamp Boys chosen charity. There is so much happening entertainment wise at this contest, you don’t want to miss it. We start selling Friday afternoon 6? till 10pm, and Saturday from 10am to 5pm. But we typically sell out before then so don’t wait till the end.
  • Suncoast BBQ  & Bluegrass Bash March 27-28: This is a huge event in beautiful Venice, FL. This is a big fundraiser for the Suncoast Foundation which helps local charities that benefit those with disabilities. If you like bluegrass music and bbq this is for you. Bring a chair or blanket to enjoy the concerts. We start selling Friday afternoon 5 till 10pm, and Saturday from 10am to 5pm. But we typically sell out before then so don’t wait till the end.

 Posted by at 11:24 pm

Comfort Food – Brisket Stew

 BBQ Sauce, Comfort Food, Recipes  No Responses »
Nov 112019
 

Cold weather (59°!!) hits central Florida tomorrow, so tonight was the perfect time to make one of our favorite dishes, brisket stew. This was some fantastic Australian Wagyu A+9 brisket from The Butcher Shoppe in Pensacola FL. I usually have a couple pounds left over after each contest and that’s what I used here. Nothing fancy, super easy, quick, and tasty.

Ingredients:

  • 2lbs cubed brisket and au jus
  • Beef stock + 16oz water
  • 1 bag coin/crinkle cut carrots – missed the picture
  • 4 red skin potatoes, chunked
  • 2 cans corn, drained
  • large can of Glory green beans + half the liquid
  • 1 can fire roasted diced tomatoes
  • 1/4 c Swamp Boys Original BBQ Sauce
  • 1/4 c Swamp Boys Bootleg Red BBQ Sauce
  • Kosher salt and fresh pepper to taste

Start the potatoes and carrots simmering in the broth and water for about 10 minutes. Add everything else, return to simmer for 10 minutes. Serve it up and get comfortable.

 

Notes:

  • make it tastier by grilling or roasting your own whole carrots, potatoes, corn on the cob, and fresh green beans. Then chunk, dice and slice.
  • The Swamp Boys Original and Bootleg sauces bring a fantastic flavor and complexity to the stew
 Posted by at 8:34 pm