So, while it's no secret to some of you that we're on a competition BBQ team with my brother, Chad and his wife Nicole, there are some of you who wanted more information on this subject, so here ya go..........

This is where the magic happens

A few years ago, Chad started to develop an interest in smoking meats which turned into an interest in building smokers, which led to mass amounts of delicious food being cooked over at the Backerman house. Soon, it was decided that a team needed to be formed in order to begin to compete around our region. The name Caveman Cuisine was created after we all were sitting around after feasting on ribs, pulled pork and brisket- my husband said we had eaten like cavemen (all meat, no veggies!).... and the name Caveman Cuisine was born. It's kind of turned into a "family thing" and we all go to as many comps as our schedules allow. This year we're trying to go to at least 10 events over the spring and summer....and we've launched the 2009 season in a BIG way!


Our first competition of the year was in Pleasant Hill, Missouri (near KC) where there were 47 teams. We won the Grand Champion!! Individual category rankings were: 4th in chicken, 2nd in ribs, 7th in pork, and 15th in brisket.Here are some pics:

(Keep in mind we were all looking a little "rough" around the edges because we'd been cooking all day, it was cold and windy, and we were exhausted!)

The next competiton was in Rogers, Arkansas where we placed 2nd overall, snagging the title of Reserve Grand Champion! Our individual rankings in each category were: 1st place in chicken, 3rd place in ribs, 3rd place in pork, and 3rd place in brisket. (Note to Nicki: I need a pic of the trophy to post on here!!)

Our 3rd comp was this past weekend in Bixby, Oklahoma where we placed 5th out of 89 teams.....(for those of you who were told 5th out of 91, sorry....my mistake. There were a few teams that must not have showed up.) We placed 1st in pork and 3rd in chicken- and here are a few photos from Bixby...

(Nicki accepted the award for 1st place pork!)

Brett and Nicki on the trailer

As of last week (the results from this past weekend aren't included yet in overall rankings...) Caveman Cuisine was 54th in the State of Missouri out of close to 1300 teams! Not shabby for a team that's only 3 years old! Our next competition is the first weekend in June in Sallisaw, Oklahoma. Anyone up for a road trip? If you would like to check out the Caveman website, go to www.cavemancuisinebbq.com .

Here's our tentative schedule for 2009:

1. Pleasant Hill, Missouri (Smokin' on Big Creek)
2. Rogers, Arkansas
3. May 8-9 Bixby, Oklahoma (Bixby BBQ & Music Festival)
4. June 5-6 Sallisaw, Oklahoma (Diamond Daze Festival)
5. June 12-13 Joplin, Missouri (2nd Annual Braggin' Rights)
6. July 18 Fort Smith, Arkansas (Bordertown Bash)
7. July 31-August 1 Iola, Kansas (Riverside BBQ Classic)
8. August 14-15 Springfield, Missouri (Cattleman's Ozark BBQ Challenge)
9. September 11-12 Butler, Missouri (Bates County BBQ)
10. October 1-4 Kansas City, Missouri (American Royal)
11. October 9-10 Golden City, Missouri (Rock n' BBQ)
12. October 23 Lynchburg, Tennessee (Jack Daniels Invitational)-- if we qualify

We'd LOVE to have you join us if you're looking for something fun to do and enjoy great BBQ!