or at least, I am my own worst critic. I don't know any of you personally, but I am willing to wager that after every cook there is that moment when you decide to dig in and taste what you've just worked on for hours. And you are a bit disappointed. Too dry, Too moist, Too spicy, Not enough bark, etc. I am a fan of BBQ. I am a fan of SV. I am a fan of grilling. Regardless of how the food is cooked, which rubs (if any) were applied, which method was used, I always feel like it could be better. Note, this is not striving for greatness... this is me just thinking that something got missed, something could have been done better, timing is off, etc. The others at the table, wether it be family, co-workers, or friends at a big get together always rave about how good things are, but I often feel like they are just being polite. I would also wager that most of you have come to terms with your very own self doubt. Is there a magical potion (other than some type of alcohol) that one can prescribe to help people that haven't solved this dilemma yet? Deep down, I know that every person is an individual, and that what Bob likes may not suit Jim. I want to put out a good product, not perfect because I don't know that there is a "perfect". I just find it hard to sit down and enjoy what I have prepared when all I do is criticize it internally. How do you measure your cooking 'successes'?
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I agree with you 1000%!!!!
My wife says I am never happy, but I also have tiny little criticisms for almost every cook. I've had a few I thought were "nearly perfect", but there is always a little thing.
I think it comes back to us being nitpicky and because we put so much time and effort into the research and actual execution, it's just natural for us to totally pick it apart, for me, to make it better next time. My guests always rave, but I am seldom ecstatic, mostly just happy everyone else is happy.
I'm still working on it, hoping to get to that "perfection" state where it always comes out just how I wanted it! lol -
Ya can try really hard to do what I'm perpetually tryin really hard to do:
Cut yerself a lil bit o slack, once in a while...
It ain't easy, but work at it, from time to time...Comment
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I have the same affliction. I try not to share it with the others at the table. When they tell me how good it is
I think about what they are comparing it too form local BBQ joints and I have to agree with them. The pursuit of
perfection is what I am always chasing and the goal post seem to move further away. When I praised my Mother's
great cooking she would respond 'I know it is good, I cooked it to please me' with a big grin on her face. I miss her.
If it came out perfect every time I might get bored with it. Naah who am I kidding. Keep on cooking.Comment
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I am happy with the results most of the time, but I have never once been satisfied, and I don't really see it ever happening. As I get better, I just get more demanding. My family thinks I'm nuts when I zero in on the one or two things I'm going to try to do better next time. Not that I don't find bbq to be a relaxing and rewarding hobby, but I am definitely my own worst critic. I think this is why I'm going to really enjoy my first backyard bbq competition in May. It will be socially acceptable to obsess over the small stuff!
Last edited by Steve R.; March 24, 2018, 07:40 AM.Comment
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The fact that I am almost never totally satisfied with what I cook is why I keep getting better. It provides the desire to "make it better". Otherwise I wouldn't analyze and try to improve, and tinkering is a lot of fun for me.
And it drives my wife crazy - another plus...
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Dis be me, since time immemorial:
82.. 82.. 82..
246!
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I think part of the problem is that when we have a really good cook it becomes the standard that we expect ourselves to exceed on the next cook. We keep upping the anti.Comment
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Absolutely! I think part of it is you can't help thinking what you would do different next time. Plus you can't unsee a mistake. Just gets bigger in your mind.
Aparently when someone made a comment, I would start telling everyone what I did wrong. I wasn't aware to the extent I was doing it until at some meal... one of our guests started saying, that I was crazy... it was fantastic. And my brother in-law quickly said "Quiet! You are absolutely right Dave, this isn't quit right you'll have try again." It has been a running joke now for over a year. However, I am no longer fessing up to what is wrong. Progress?
Ok, we need to be careful before we turn the forum into a BBQ self help group. LOLComment
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I measure my cooking by people's reactions to it. (If they think Applebees's "has the best ribs in the world." I might have trouble trusting their opinion. Hehehe)
If they love it, then I am a happy camper. I will always be critical of my BBQ, because I can see/taste the little things that I could have done different to make it a little better, more balanced, more aroma, more flavor etc. I think it can be tough when you notice those little things.
I always try to remember that most of the time, I am cooking for other people. If they are happy, I TRY to be happy too.
I feel you on this one, but this is also how we ultimately get better.Comment
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It's like playing a musical instrument - always room for improvement!Comment
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Do you go out for BBQ (and not a chain). If you are truly honest with yourself. I'm positive you would have to admit yours is just as good, if not better. I wish I could offer you a true answer to your question. But I do my best to be happy with everyone's enjoyment, it isn't all about the food. Your friends and family also came to hang out with you. That is pretty special. I make my notes, and try not to worry about it until next time.Comment
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Well, you covered my first prescription so we will skip that one! Nothin’ wrong with constant improvement, it’s a way of life! On my recent journey in Qing, I keep a log of my cooks and look at it next time I cook that slab (it’s a CRS thing too....). I try not to get overly complicated, maybe tweek 1 thing at a time. Ok, I’m ADD and I came out ok without all the drugs they give kids these days for it! (hope thats not a political statement that earns me a demerit!!! (don’t feed the troll!) see, told ya, now where was I....? Oh yes, I am my worst critic unless of course my wife chimes in, then I shut up and listen....
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I got ruined by first eating top notch Texas hill country bbq....been trying to replicate it ever since. Getting close, maybe I get there before I die !!!!Comment
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