SeeCalifornia.com

While those of us who smoke (as in BBQ) do so all year regardless of the rain, snow or sun, BBQ competitions in California are mostly fair weather events. At The Woodshed (thewoodshedoc.com)  pictured, they even canceled a smoking class recently when rain was in the forecast for Orange, Calif. where they are located. Their BBQ team, Sharpe Gourmet, has rescheduled the event for those wanting to learn:

• How to cook on gas grills, charcoal grills & smokers, and pellet grills
• What woods to use to add flavor
• Best rubs and sauces for each dish
• How to create barbequed appetizers
• How to prepare traditional BBQ sides
• How to grill Santa Maria style tri tip
• How to cook BBQ chicken and ribs

If you live in Northern California, you can sign up for NorCal BBQ 101 class in Livermore (californiabbqinstitute.com).

Smokin’ Wood Primer

• Beef: Almond, Apple, Ash, Avocado, Cherry, Citrus, Grape, Hickory, Mesquite, Oak, Olive, Pecan, Walnut
• Chicken: Almond, Apple, Ash, Avocado, Cherry, Citrus, Hickory, Maple, Mesquite, Oak, Peach, Walnut
• Fish: Ash, Citrus, Hickory, Mesquite, Oak, Peach, Pecan
• Pork: Almond, Apple, Avocado, Cherry, Hickory, Maple, Olive, Peach, Pecan
• Lamb: Grape, Hickory, Olive

BBQ Festivals and Events

•  Santa Maria BBQ Festival returns for its 2nd year, featuring the famous Santa Maria style barbeque
• California BBQ events in California…>

Personal Smoking Tips

• Your clothes are going to smell like smoke. I set aside some grunge clothes for smoking and wash them after each cooking session.
• If you have dry eyes, wear glasses or goggles, and dodge the smoke as much as possible. Keep moistening eye drops on hand and use liberally.