Q & A With Mennonite Barbecue Guy

Winter never really has made a full-fledged appearance here in Ohio.  We've had a few blasts of icy air and some skiffs of snow,but that's about it. So why not turn our attention to warmer pursuits, like barbecue!  Rob Dyck

I like his patience, inclusive approach to barbecuing.  Some barbecuers can get very hard-core, so much so that it makes it kind of unpleasant.

Here's a Q & A With Rob.Dyck runs the "Mennonite Boys Can BBQ" blog. It's a relatively new blog, but you'll find great recipes (Coca Cola Crazy Chicken, anyone?), pictures, and tips and techniques that can make your barbecue go from blah to a blast fast.  So read my quick interview with Rob below and check out his website here.  The photo of "Coca Cola Chicken" below is from Rob's blog.

Amishcookonline: there are many different divisions and sects of the Mennonite church, tell our readers what "type of Mennonite" you are?

Mennonite Barbecue Guy: What type of Mennonite am I? Hopefully a good one? Seriously though, I am a follower of Jesus that has been baptised and my wife and I are members of Northview Community Church in Abbotsford BC Canada. Northview is affiliated with the Mennonite Brethren Conference of Canada.
Amishcookonline: How did you become interested in barbecuing?

Mennonite Barbecue Guy:  It is something that has always been done in my family as far back as I can remember. Over the last few years my interest has grown as myself and friends would "compete" with each other by having dinners and coming up with new recipes.

Amishcookonlione:  What's the most common mistake a "rookie barbecuer" makes?

Mennonite Barbecue Guy: The common mistake I would say someone not having enough patience. Good BBQ takes time and effort. If you are in a hurry, go to the drive through I guess.

Amishcookonline:  Is there any meat that just doesn't barbecue well?  What meat barbecues best?

Mennonite Barbecue Guy: Almost all meats BBQ well if done correctly. Chicken I would say is the easiest to do. Pork is most rewarding if done correctly and one can soften up the toughest piece of beef if you have patience. One project I am presently working on the best way to BBQ Alligator. I have had it and it was tender and juicy. Since some people will ask, I can honestly say: it tastes a little like chicken!

AmishCookonline:   What about our vegetarian readers?  Do you have any good grilling suggestions for them (i.e. corn on the corn, potatoes, etc) or are you just kind of a meat guy?

Mennonite Barbecue Guy:I grew up meat and potatoes but my loving wife insists on a regular intake of vegetables. In truth, it makes for a good balance. I am working on an e-book that has a number of salads, and vegetable ideas that work well with and on the BBQ. This question does put a bug in my ear though and you can look for something "vegetarian" on my blog soon.