Share your photos by tagging us and using the hashtag #BigGreenEgg.
Want to see how the EGG is made? Click to Watch
Eggfest: To Cook or Not To Cook?
Our local Eggfest (North Pittsburgh) is June 25th being sponsored by Hearth and Home in Zelienople, PA. Anyway, when I was there recently they were talking to me about cooking this year and I wanted to get your opinion (especially if you have cooked in an Eggfest before) on what I should do.
I am not a 10 year Egger...but I have had mine for about a year and half and use it a lot. Part of me says I should just go be an 'eater' and soak in some knowledge. Other part of me loves to cook and wants to participate in that way...especially if they're trying to fill out their quota of cooks.
If you are in the camp of "go ahead and cook", I wouldn't complain if you gave me an idea or two of something to make that would be appropriate to make. I have some of my own ideas but always like the creativity that flows from this Forum. Thanks in advance!
1 LGE
Comments
-
Depends on the format of the fest itself. I have been to some where you are the cook for the entire day. Others, you cook your meal, serve it up and let someone else jump on. Whatever you serve, ensure it can be divided into smaller portions so the masses can all have a bite.Apollo Beach, FL
-
@chadpsualum go and watch first. It's not the cooking you need to worry about, it's all of the stuff that goes along with making a successful cook that you need to take notes on. Things like tents, chairs, hydration and cooking supplies. Worth attending at least one event to prepare and then jump into the frayFormerly of Houston, TX - Now Located in Bastrop, TX
I work in the 'que business now (since 2017)
6 Eggs: (1) XL, (2) Large, (1) Small, (1) Minimax & (1) Mini - Egging since 2007
Also recently gained: (1) Gas Thing (came with the house), (1) 36" Blackstone Griddle & (1) Pitts & Spitts Pellet Smoker -
HoustonEgger said:@chadpsualum go and watch first. It's not the cooking you need to worry about, it's all of the stuff that goes along with making a successful cook that you need to take notes on. Things like tents, chairs, hydration and cooking supplies. Worth attending at least one event to prepare and then jump into the frayNorth Pittsburgh, PA
1 LGE -
chadpsualum said:Appreciate the advice. I should have added that I've been to this event three times so I'm not completely green with how this goes down. With that said, I haven't gone with the intent of taking notes regarding cooking the following year.Thank you,DarianGalveston Texas
-
Buckle up Buttercup and signup. You will have a great time.
The best advice I received for cooking at my first fest, was from @Popsickle:
Prep as much as you can at home!!!
Keep it simple and enjoy the fest.
That way you have a lot less to do at the Fest.
Just cook, serve and have fun.
Best advice ever. We will cook at 7 this year!
Large BGE, MiniMAX BGE, 2 Mini BGE's, R&V Fryer, 36" Blackstone Griddle, Camp Chef Dual Burner 40K BTU StoveBGE ChimineaProsper, TX -
Go for it. Cooked for the first time last weekend and had a blast. Keep it simple, cook what you are most comfortable with. Prep as much as possible at home.Wear maroon, live maroon, bleed maroon.
Fightin' Texas Aggies Fly Navy.Denton TX -
Cook. I attended a fest as a taster and was bored. Never again.They/Them
Morgantown, PA
XL BGE - S BGE - KJ Jr - HB Legacy - BS Pizza Oven - 30" Firepit - King Kooker Fryer - PR72T - WSJ - BS 17" Griddle - XXL BGE - BS SS36" Griddle - 2 Burner Gasser - Pellet Smoker -
its time to git 'er done, dude!
Just go and cook. You will enjoy it immensely. I was a spectator at my first fest, and spent the most part of the day envious because it looked like the cooks were having a blast. Jumped in at Salado the next year, and loved it.
I've been lucky to have great cook buddies - @Little Steven the first time, then @20stone since. Even though LS made me cook most of his stuff, and still argues with me about Rogan Josh vs. Rogan Josht. The camaraderie among eggheads is awesome, and felt even more so when you're cooking with a bunch of them. @Hotch has been kind enough to let me mooch his gear, because he seems to have everything I need, but didn't know it yet. Hotch even washed HIS pans that I borrowed (because I hadn't really thought things through that day) at Salado this year! Who does that?!!?
As far as advice goes - get table risers if you like your back! The ones from BBB are good, but you can even just cut 12"-18" lengths of PVC pipe to raise the table up. And prep as much as you can at home. I've tried to cook something different each time, none of which have been my usual cooks, but they have turned out well IMO. Practicing your cook first at home is not a bad idea at all. Servings can be small tastes, no need to make a whole meal. And you don't have to make enough for every soul at the fest. Depending on what you're comfortable with, plan on 50, 100, 200, or however many servings you can muster.
Think about what you will need to serve your item (e.g. small plates, 2 oz cups, napkins, spoons). In the afternoon, folks welcome a sweet bite, so dessert items are usually a hit too.
Take extension cords if you need power. Some venues have power available, some don't.
Put all your stuff in a rubbermaid storage bin/tote or two. Include some trash bags, ziploc bags, food prep gloves, paper towels, and aluminium pans in your kit.
As far as hydration, take plenty of beer, bourbon, water, or whatever you need to get in the right frame of mind.
Folks who have cooked at many fests have a ton of experience and there is much to learn from them. And in my experience they have always been extremely gracious about tips, lending gear, helping out in any way they can.#1 LBGE December 2012 • #2 SBGE February 2013 • #3 Mini May 2013A happy BGE family in Houston, TX. -
I like that Eggfest, been to the last two and its a beautiful location on the water. I went as a eater to both of those as I was travelling with my wife. We make it a Pirates / Eggfest weekend trip and always enjoy ourselves. Last year was stupid hot, so the comment above about hydration and shade is key. I've cooked at several, I've ate at several Eggfest... Cooking is great if you are with friends who Egg and are well organized. Some of my best Eggfest were with my fellow Eggheads cooking up a storm. Some great cooks attend this Eggfest and I've been lucky enough to try and enjoy some pretty cool treats! Either way you decide to attend, you will enjoy the day.Large BGE 2011, XL BGE 2015, Mini Max 2015, and member of the "North of the Border Smokin Squad" Canadian Outdoor Chef from London, Ontario, Canada
https://www.flickr.com/photos/monty77/ -
Never cooked at a Fest. Will be cooking at the Butt Blast next weekend and to be honest, I'm a little nervous.
I've been searching for tips, etc, like what @caliking indicated (and I screen captured it, thank Cali). So we shall see how it goes.------------------------------
Thomasville, NC
My YouTube Channel - The Hungry Hussey
Instagram
Facebook
My Photography Site -
tarheelmatt said:Never cooked at a Fest. Will be cooking at the Butt Blast next weekend and to be honest, I'm a little nervous.
I've been searching for tips, etc, like what @caliking indicated (and I screen captured it, thank Cali). So we shall see how it goes.Sandy Springs & Dawsonville Ga -
I attended 2 my first year. Cooked after that. I'll be cooking again this year.
It feels good to get compliments on my cooking from other than friends and family.
Just go with what you are comfortable with. Have a good time don't get too obsessed with it.
SE PA
XL, Lg, Mini max and OKJ offset -
Have fun. Keep your cooks simple and fast. New BGE's get hot fast compared to yours at home so watch the temps.1 Large BGE, 1 Mini BGE, 1 Minimax BGE, Original wife and 3 dogs living in the heart of BBQ country in Round Rock Texas.
"The world is a dangerous place to live; not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don't do anything about it."
Albert Einstein -
Plan out the cooks you are going to do and then cut it in half. Give yourself time to breathe, walk around and meet other Eggheads and try their food. If you plan too many cooks, you'll end up stressed and work yourself to death. Better to have a few, good quality cooks and enjoy your time.
Rowlett, Texas
Griffin's Grub or you can find me on Facebook
The Supreme Potentate, Sovereign Commander and Sultan of Wings
-
Cooking is a great time. Even more so if you can gather a group of friends to help cook with you.
If you decide to cook, you need to do some test runs. During the test runs. keep a list of accessories, tools, pans, etc of what you actually used. This creates an automatic list as what you need to bring.
-
I went to Atlanta maybe ten year sago. Scared out of my wits. Little Canuck dude with some off the wall asian food. Had a blast and have been to many others over the years. I did a biryani in Atlanta the following year and some redneck dude asked me if I put raisins in my jambalaya.
Steve
Caledon, ON
-
Oh yeah I forgot. If there is any way you can get Cali as a cooking partner do it. He does everything and you just stand back and take the credit. He buys really good Scotch and is very generous with it. Henapple has a huge cooler with all kinds of really $hitty beer but you don't have to buy any
Steve
Caledon, ON
-
Little Steven said:Oh yeah I forgot. If there is any way you can get Cali as a cooking partner do it. He does everything and you just stand back and take the credit. He buys really good Scotch and is very generous with it. Henapple has a huge cooler with all kinds of really $hitty beer but you don't have to buy any1 Large BGE, 1 Mini BGE, 1 Minimax BGE, Original wife and 3 dogs living in the heart of BBQ country in Round Rock Texas.
"The world is a dangerous place to live; not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don't do anything about it."
Albert Einstein -
cook!
Kansas City, Missouri
Large Egg
Mini Egg
"All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us" - Gandalf -
bhedges1987 said:cook!Sandy Springs & Dawsonville Ga
-
Little Steven said:Oh yeah I forgot. If there is any way you can get Cali as a cooking partner do it. He does everything and you just stand back and take the credit. He buys really good Scotch and is very generous with it. Henapple has a huge cooler with all kinds of really $hitty beer but you don't have to buy any#1 LBGE December 2012 • #2 SBGE February 2013 • #3 Mini May 2013A happy BGE family in Houston, TX.
-
I have cooked at 3 Eggfests in Birmingham. The first one was all by myself, 2nd year my wife joined me, and 3rd year a good buddy of mine joined us. I would definitely recommend cooking. Here are some of my personal tips:
Find something that cooks fairly quickly: I've seen a few guys do ribs/butts, only to have them done right when the Eggfest was shutting down.
Find something fairly easy and do as much prep as you can do at home.
Display your recipes somehow because people are going to be asking you all day long. One year I printed them out and laminated the sheets and laid them on the table. Another year I created a blog and posted the recipes and just listed the link to the blog on my table
Have fun.
Killen, AL (The Shoals)XL, Small, Minimax, and Mini BGEs -
Does Raleigh have an EggFest? Sounds like a great time!
-
Littlesteven is a genius. He brings the food and other people cook it
frankly, i have had his suitcase pork. It is best to let others do the cooking
(Though his indian food is no joke.)
[social media disclaimer: irony and sarcasm may be used in some or all of user's posts; emoticon usage is intended to indicate moderately jocular social interaction; the comments toward users, their usernames, and the real people (living or dead) that they refer to are not intended to be adversarial in nature; those replying to this user are entering into a tacit agreement that they are real-life or social-media acquaintances and/or have agreed to or tacitly agreed to perpetrate occasional good-natured ribbing between and among themselves and others]
Categories
- All Categories
- 183.4K EggHead Forum
- 15.8K Forum List
- 460 EGGtoberfest
- 1.9K Forum Feedback
- 10.4K Off Topic
- 2.2K EGG Table Forum
- 1 Rules & Disclaimer
- 9K Cookbook
- 12 Valentines Day
- 91 Holiday Recipes
- 223 Appetizers
- 520 Baking
- 2.5K Beef
- 88 Desserts
- 167 Lamb
- 2.4K Pork
- 1.5K Poultry
- 33 Salads and Dressings
- 320 Sauces, Rubs, Marinades
- 546 Seafood
- 175 Sides
- 121 Soups, Stews, Chilis
- 39 Vegetarian
- 103 Vegetables
- 315 Health
- 293 Weight Loss Forum