This week on Okie Smokin’, we’re kicking off BBQ season the right way—but around here, grilling isn’t just a season… it’s a lifestyle.

We’re diving into some wild and delicious cooks including Pizza Spaghetti (yes, you heard that right) and Dolores's legendary Pickle Poppers stuffed with smoked meat and cream cheese. We also break down a killer weekend cook featuring massive ribeyes, honey-jalapeño seasoned corn, and asparagus done right on the grill.

John shares his experience cooking a Teres Major steak with a fresh marinade, plus we recap our trip to the RCOA Championship in Shawnee, Oklahoma—meeting other BBQ creators and seeing some next-level competition (including a kid-made pizza grilled cheese!).

We also talk about smoked bologna, YouTube haters, and why some people just don’t understand good BBQ.

🔥 Whether you're a weekend griller or a year-round pitmaster, this episode is packed with ideas, laughs, and real BBQ talk.

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Debra Erickson, founder of The Blind Kitchen, shares how her organization helps visually impaired people reclaim their passion for grilling and outdoor cooking through specialized tools and techniques. Having graduated from culinary school as one of the only blind students in her class, Debra now uses her expertise to help others navigate cooking with vision loss. • Adaptive tools for grilling include talking thermometers that announce temperatures aloud • Extended grilling gloves protect arms when reaching over open flames • Double spatulas help secure food when flipping, solving a major challenge for blind grillers • Double skewers prevent food from spinning when turned, making rotation predictable • Grill baskets contain multiple food items for easy flipping and tracking • Most legally blind people have some light perception, which provides useful information when grilling • Common fears include burning oneself, undercooking food, and producing unattractive meals • Many tools weren't specifically designed for the blind but naturally lend themselves to adaptive cooking • The aging population often experiences vision loss, making these tools increasingly relevant • The most rewarding feedback comes from people who thought they'd lost part of their identity Visit The Blind Kitchen's website at https://theblindkitchen.com or send an email to info@theblindkitchen.com to learn more about our products and services.

OKIE SMOKIN LINKS

• Okie Smokin Newsletter - Weekly email of our latest podcast episodes, YouTube videos, and more surrounding the BBQ community.
• Twitter (X) - We share our latest podcast episodes and talk to the community! Great place to become part of the podcast show by sharing your own stories and thoughts!
• TikTok - Follow for lots of food content, podcast clips, live cooks, and more.
• YouTube - Cooking videos, tutorials, and product reviews.
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Visit our website at okiesmokin.com.

Grilling knows no season! We're shattering the myth that outdoor cooking equipment should hibernate during winter months. After taking a short break, we're back with fresh insights on how we've kept our grills fired up despite Oklahoma's unpredictable weather patterns. The heart of this episode revolves around culinary creativity and repurposing. We share how our popular "Crack Burger" recipe (featuring ranch seasoning, bacon bits, and Dirty Bird hot rub) transformed into an addictive "Crack Dip" by incorporating cream cheese, Rotel tomatoes, and jalapeños. This happy kitchen accident demonstrates how leftovers can become entirely new culinary creations with just a few additional ingredients. Homemade condiments take center stage as we unveil our "fire" barbecue sauce recipe combining Whataburger spicy ketchup, the elusive Tabasco Scorpion sauce (which we highly recommend seeking out), brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar. For our keto audience, we explore sugar alternatives like Swerve brown sugar and discuss Dolores' renewed commitment to her keto lifestyle with 310 shakes. We also review Rancher's Smokehouse Burn-In Sausages (brisket burnt ends flavor), tackling the eternal question of whether a dollar store bun can adequately support a premium sausage (spoiler: it cannot). The community Q&A section addresses smoker capacity, maintenance questions, and reactions to our previous ghost pepper challenge. Whether you're a fair-weather griller or dedicated outdoor cook, this episode celebrates the joy of year-round outdoor cooking. No matter the temperature outside, we believe the best flavors happen when you refuse to let your equipment gather dust. Join us for this flavorful conversation – and keep those grills fired up!

Left Over Crack Dip Video: https://youtu.be/9EninsCy3Vg?si=upaPtSEi33urqWGG Crack Burger Video: https://youtu.be/9GVglYqWbUo?si=IkGehjmIX2tUbOB1

OKIE SMOKIN LINKS

• Okie Smokin Newsletter - Weekly email of our latest podcast episodes, YouTube videos, and more surrounding the BBQ community.
• Twitter (X) - We share our latest podcast episodes and talk to the community! Great place to become part of the podcast show by sharing your own stories and thoughts!
• TikTok - Follow for lots of food content, podcast clips, live cooks, and more.
• YouTube - Cooking videos, tutorials, and product reviews.
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Visit our website at okiesmokin.com.

Are you ready to elevate your culinary game just in time for the holidays? This episode of the Okie Smoking Podcast has it all! We kick things off by reminiscing about our latest mouth-watering adventures, from scrumptious beer brats to our zesty Tropical Storm pineapple jalapeno hot sauce. We also introduce our newest masterpiece—a hickory smoked hot sauce—and get Dolores' take on its flavor profile. As the festive season approaches, our discussion heats up with a spirited debate on dry brining versus wet brining for your Thanksgiving and Christmas feasts. Plus, we answer listener questions from Georgia and Illinois and share our upcoming plans to explore some of the best barbecue joints in Oklahoma and a top-rated restaurant in Dallas. In this episode, we also delve into the nitty-gritty of brining methods, particularly for poultry but also for pork and beef. Discover why dry brining might be the space-saving, crispy-skinned solution you need. We'll share our personal stories about smoking turkey and the magic of proper seasoning. A listener from Georgia even throws in a curveball by reminding us of a unique banana pizza recipe we previously discussed, highlighting the interactive and experimental spirit of our show. Finally, don’t forget to subscribe to the Okie Smoking Podcast so you never miss out on our delicious creations and culinary tips. Keep those taste buds ready for more as new episodes drop every Monday!

OKIE SMOKIN LINKS

• Okie Smokin Newsletter - Weekly email of our latest podcast episodes, YouTube videos, and more surrounding the BBQ community.
• Twitter (X) - We share our latest podcast episodes and talk to the community! Great place to become part of the podcast show by sharing your own stories and thoughts!
• TikTok - Follow for lots of food content, podcast clips, live cooks, and more.
• YouTube - Cooking videos, tutorials, and product reviews.
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Visit our website at okiesmokin.com.

What’s the secret to a perfect brisket that has your family raving for days? In Episode 28 of the Okie Smokin' Podcast, we recount our culinary escapades at a family reunion cookout, where we spent the night smoking two briskets and two pork shoulders to create a feast that was truly unforgettable. From the essential items and meticulous process involved in smoking meats to the unexpected delight of baked beans made with apple pie filling, we share our favorite moments and cooking insights. Ready to spice up your meatloaf game? We’ve got you covered with our latest experiment: a jalapeno cream cheese meatloaf that turned out to be a smash hit. Learn how we combined ground pork skin, two eggs, SPG seasoning, Jolly Rogers jalapeno seasoning, and a sugar-free barbecue sauce to craft a meatloaf that’s both savory and sweet. Plus, we’ll debate the merits of cooking brisket fat side up and reveal the secrets behind our crowd-pleasing burnt ends. Ever wondered what happens when you mix blueberries with habanero peppers? Dolores steps up to bravely sample our new Okie Smokin' blueberry habanero hot sauce, and we discuss its creation and versatility. From balancing sweetness and heat to potential pairings like smoked bologna and cream cheese, this sauce is a game-changer. Don’t miss our preview of next week’s episode, where we’ll experiment with the hot sauce on smoked cream cheese. Make sure to follow us on our website and social media for all the latest updates and delicious creations.

OKIE SMOKIN LINKS

• Okie Smokin Newsletter - Weekly email of our latest podcast episodes, YouTube videos, and more surrounding the BBQ community.
• Twitter (X) - We share our latest podcast episodes and talk to the community! Great place to become part of the podcast show by sharing your own stories and thoughts!
• TikTok - Follow for lots of food content, podcast clips, live cooks, and more.
• YouTube - Cooking videos, tutorials, and product reviews.
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Visit our website at okiesmokin.com.

Ever wondered how a soggy start can turn into a night to remember? This episode captures our rain-soaked 4th of July adventure at the OKC baseball game, which ended in a thrilling victory and a spectacular fireworks show. Dolores shares her humorous tale of rescuing her cherished pizza during a stadium mishap, showing true dedication to her cheat day treat. We also dish out details about our latest 4th of July cooking video featuring tantalizing hot dogs grilled to perfection on the Blackstone. I can’t stop raving about my unique zero-carb hero bun topped with jalapenos, cheese, and a delectable homemade Big Mac sauce, while Dolores reveals how she’s been fine-tuning the sauce recipe to achieve the perfect balance. Join us as we embark on a flavorful journey through our culinary experiments and discoveries. Our visit to Champion Barbecue in Oklahoma City introduced us to an array of fantastic seasonings and top-notch grilling accessories. We chat about our experience with Kosmos Dirty Bird seasoning and a no-sugar-added ketchup by Gourmet Warehouse that doubles as a sweet barbecue sauce. The spicy sauce from Spicy Gnome, bursting with four different peppers and cilantro, also earns a spotlight. Lastly, we're bubbling with excitement to try ghost pepper pickled eggs from Eggman Pickled Eggs. This episode is brimming with flavor-packed stories, culinary tips, and mouth-watering recommendations for all food enthusiasts.

OKIE SMOKIN LINKS

• Okie Smokin Newsletter - Weekly email of our latest podcast episodes, YouTube videos, and more surrounding the BBQ community.
• Twitter (X) - We share our latest podcast episodes and talk to the community! Great place to become part of the podcast show by sharing your own stories and thoughts!
• TikTok - Follow for lots of food content, podcast clips, live cooks, and more.
• YouTube - Cooking videos, tutorials, and product reviews.
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Visit our website at okiesmokin.com.

Are you ready to elevate your grilling game with ten mouthwatering new seasonings? This episode of the Okie Smokin' Podcast promises to enhance your culinary repertoire with our latest haul of zero-carb spices, perfect for those mindful of their carb intake like Dolores. We take a deep dive into the flavors of Cosmos' Honey Killer Bee and White Lightning Butter Double Garlic Butter, sampling them on peppered turkey to give you our honest, taste-bud-tingling reviews. Plus, get the lowdown on other standout seasonings like Midwest Dust and Pit Boss Rub, along with our experimental journey seasoning chicken with these new finds and plans to test Jolly Roger rub on a pork shoulder. In our spirited discussion, discover how the Spicy Boars Night Out rub won our hearts despite its mild heat. We share our excitement for new seasonings and our love for combining different flavors, including the fiery Carolina Reaper sauce for an extra kick. For our keto enthusiasts, we'll chat about my keto journey, favorite bread brands, and the hurdles of maintaining a keto lifestyle, especially when judging food competitions. Learn the importance of palate-cleansing with saltine crackers between tastings to ensure every dish gets the appreciation it deserves. As we wrap up, we discuss a versatile new sauce, its keto-friendly attributes, and how it enhances various dishes. Hear about our cooking adventures using the Weber Connect system to monitor our smoked chicken effortlessly. We'll also touch on considerations for dietary restrictions, like those with braces, to ensure everyone can enjoy our culinary creations. Lastly, join us in celebrating Father's Day and stay updated with the Okie Smokin' Podcast through our website, YouTube, and social media platforms. Keep those grills hot and ready for more smoky, flavorful experiences!

OKIE SMOKIN LINKS

• Okie Smokin Newsletter - Weekly email of our latest podcast episodes, YouTube videos, and more surrounding the BBQ community.
• Twitter (X) - We share our latest podcast episodes and talk to the community! Great place to become part of the podcast show by sharing your own stories and thoughts!
• TikTok - Follow for lots of food content, podcast clips, live cooks, and more.
• YouTube - Cooking videos, tutorials, and product reviews.
• Facebook - Follow us and keep up with the community!

Visit our website at okiesmokin.com.

Ever wondered how a classic PB&J would fare in a burger battle? Prepare your taste buds for a wild culinary ride as Dolores and I reveal the secrets behind our peanut butter and jelly smashed burgers on the latest Okie Smokin' Podcast. Step into our outdoor kitchen where traditional grilling gets flipped on its head – we're talking burgers infused with pepper Tabasco jelly, and creamy peanut butter cooked to perfection on a blackstone. And it doesn't end there. Imagine pulling apart a brisket so tender it practically melts in your mouth, or diving spoon-first into a soul-warming bowl of potato soup crafted on a camp chef stove. From biscuits that bond with burgers to alligator queso that tastes like bacon, we're serving up stories and techniques that'll make your next cookout legendary. Do you dare to drizzle bacon grease into your next pot of soup? Join Dolores and me as we chat about the transformative power of this secret ingredient, the controversial yet comforting presence of cilantro in potato soup, and the absolute necessity of cheese and sour cream for creamy decadence. While we toss cilantro and jalapeños into the debate ring, we'll also sprinkle in tales of our poolside grilling fantasies. Will a deck be the missing piece to our swim-grill fusion dreams? Tune in to find out, and we'll make sure you're equipped with not only mouthwatering recipes but also a generous helping of fun and creativity that only the great outdoors can inspire. Don't forget to follow the Okie Smokin' Podcast for a front-row seat to our smokin' hot adventures.

OKIE SMOKIN LINKS

• Okie Smokin Newsletter - Weekly email of our latest podcast episodes, YouTube videos, and more surrounding the BBQ community.
• Twitter (X) - We share our latest podcast episodes and talk to the community! Great place to become part of the podcast show by sharing your own stories and thoughts!
• TikTok - Follow for lots of food content, podcast clips, live cooks, and more.
• YouTube - Cooking videos, tutorials, and product reviews.
• Facebook - Follow us and keep up with the community!

Visit our website at okiesmokin.com.