Barbecue Secrets - Checklist of Essential Items For Competition

This is an article for people who are new to competitive barbeque and preparing for their first competition. I have assembled a list of things that will keep you on top of your game and ready to take on the big boys.

Obviously, your smoker!
A portable pop-up tent or something to work under
Lights for the tent if electricity is available. If not, lanterns with batteries or a portable generator
At least two 20 pound bags of charcoal, maybe 3 or 4 to be safe. And if at all possible, use 100% lump charcoal, not briquettes.
A charcoal chimney or propane torch for lighting your fire
A supply of wood for your fire
A lighter
Aluminum foil pans
Heavy duty aluminum foil
Heavy duty cellophane
A couple of 5 gallon jugs full of water
A couple of plastic tubs for washing utensils
Dishwashing liquid
Plastic scrub brush
Several rolls of paper towels
Wet wipes
Bleach solution in a spray bottle
Large plastic cutting board
1 or 2 long fold out tables with extensions on the legs that allow you to stand comfortably and work
Electric slicer
Sharp knives
Meat thermometers
Flashlight with extra batteries
At least two coolers with ice
Heat resistant gloves for removing hot meat from the smoker
Spray bottle with plenty of apple juice
Rubs, spices and sauces
Tongs and basting brushes
Plastic bucket for brining poultry
Salt for making brine
Box of latex gloves for prepping meats
Aprons
Trash bags
Large zip lock bags
Lawn chairs, sleeping bags & pillows

Of course, you will bring your meats, greens for the turn in boxes, beer, sodas, snacks etc. but the list above would be considered essentials. As you grow in experience, you will begin to add things to this list. Good luck and have fun!

For more information on barbecue secrets visit me at barbecue competition checklist.

Scandalli Accordion

Essential Tips to Launching a Homemade Dog Treat Business

A homemade dog treat business is a relatively easy and inexpensive business venture. But the return of investment is rather impressive. A few hours working in the kitchen and you can have a large batch of goodies ready to be shipped out. The market is unbeatable as well. Not only is there is growing number of dog owners in the country, but everyone just love giving canine companions treats. And of course, the dogs are pretty happy about that too.

So aside from learning how to bake dog treats at home, here are a few more tips on how you can successfully launch your homemade dog treat business.

1. Choose your packaging wisely. Investing in great looking and durable dog treat containers is one of the keys to this business. Air tight bottle containers are great for presentation and these really make great gift suggestions. But breakable bottles fare badly if you have to ship them all over the different parts of the country using national or international courier service. Plastic containers are better, but acquiring the more affordable ones means that you have to make do with rather unimpressive containers. You can use metal tins, customized boxes or other fancy plastic containers but these are extremely pricey.

One of the best things you can try if you are indeed on a tight budget is clear or colored cellophane. You can put the treats inside using sealed plastic bags and wrap the cellophane around these. And because courier services usually provide boxes for these "fragile" materials, your products can be shipped everywhere safely.

2. Make sure you have the necessary details on your product labels. You can create your own product labels on your packaging using your computer and printer. Aside from the brand of your product, you should also include mailing address and / or website. This is a great way of passively marketing your homemade dog treat business.

Also, in some states, the manufacturer is required to list down the ingredients of the treats on the product labels. You should do that if local rules and regulations say so.

Karen Freeman is the author of Start Your Own Gourmet Dog Treats Business: Bake Your Way To Success. As a dog treats bakery owner, she shares her expert insider tips to starting and growing a successful dog treats business from home. Be sure to visit www.home-made-dog-treats-business.com for tips on how for you can turn your passion for pets into a successful business.

© Copyright 2010. Feel free to reprint this article on your site as long as the article is not modified in any way and the resource information (about the author) is listed as above.

Verifone