SHOULD YOU TAKE A BARBEQUE COOKING CLASS?
(I’ve gotten an earful from several people lately about cooking classes and how they didn’t like them. This short note is for anyone who is pondering taking one.)
All you have to do is scan the ads in any barbeque publication or pay any attention to all to the banner ads that appear on most of the barbeque forum sites to know that there are lots of classes available. These are taught by proven champion cooks, usually at multiple locations and at various times of the year so as to be as convenient as possible and attract as many students as possible.
I like the concept. I like the fact that champion cooks can offset some of their considerable contest expenses by offering classes. I like the fact that (for a price) I can learn from almost all of them who are active on the circuit. And, I like the fact that overall competition will benefit from shared knowledge. The cooks, the students and the general level and quality of competition will ultimately benefit.
One problem: I’ve heard quite a few complaints from people who have attended the classes. Generally, the complaints boil down to “not learning what I wanted to know”. I don’t blame the cooks who offer the classes for this complaint. I blame the students who didn’t bother to take time to figure out what they wanted to know and then go to the best class to learn what would improve them the most. Just because the instructor is a big name in BBQ doesn’t mean you’ll get what you’re after.
Three facts you need to be aware of before you sign up:
• The classes vary considerably in what they teach and how they teach it
• No class will make you the Grand Champion of your next contest
• No class can substitute for experience and judgment
Some of the classes are designed to teach what I’d call “universal basics” – plenty of them. Others are designed to hone skills you already have. Some are competition-focused, others more general. Some are very hands-on and participative while others are more lecture and demonstrations.
Finally, no champion cook is going to provide you with his or her exact recipes and methods (although many will come pretty close).
You don’t have to take a class to be a great barbeque cook, but it can get you moving in the right direction faster if you care to. To get the best information, visit the cook’s or team’s websites and page through the information about their class offerings. Fact: Most will send you a personal e-mail reply if you have questions about any of their offerings.