Flame Wars: Smoke Signal to Nowhere
BBQ Diary: Smoke Between the Storms
Dear BBQ: The Competition Couple
Advice, served medium-rare, with zero sugar-coating
The Letter
Dear Barbie Q,
My husband signed us up for a couples’ barbecue competition. It sounded cute until he turned into a drill sergeant. I can’t breathe without critique. Should I back out or bite back?
— Smoked Under Pressure
The Flame
Sweetie, contests test more than recipes, they test relationships. But remember, the judges aren’t the enemy; ego is.
The Smoke
ell him this: “You handle fire, I handle flavor.” Split duties like a truce line. When he starts barking instructions, nod once, then do it your way quietly. Success silences louder than arguments.
During judging, stand beside him, not behind. If you win, share credit. If you lose, share beer. Either way, you both come home smelling like teamwork.
The Plate-Up
Winning together beats being right alone.
Stay patient, stay spicy — Barbie Q
Ask Barbie Q
Got BBQ drama, smoke disasters, or life questions that need some flame-kissed honesty?