Thinking a lot about barbecue lately...The Market at Birch Bay is hosting the first-ever Whatcom County barbecue cookoff, with over $10,000 in prize monies awarded to teams.  The cookoff, sponsored by the Pacific Northwest Barbecue Association (www.pnwba.com) will feature over 20 teams.

What will they be cooking?  Pork butt, brisket, chicken, ribs, dessert and a surprise "to be announced" category.  All good stuff, and tasting tickets for the public at just $1 for a generous helping of hot and spicy bbq.  (Proceeds go to the Whatcom Day Academy).

What can't you cook on a barbecue?  What is the most unusual thing you've cooked over a grill?  The usual stuff:  burgers, steaks, chicken...easy.  Have you ever grilled pineapple or made a banana split over a flame?  What about a quesadilla or a roasted veggie stir-fry?  Berry pie?

What would you like to see barbecued?  Check out the competition.  It's Iron Chef gone local, and it's going to be terrific eating and terrific food theatre.  It all begins on Saturday, July 18 around noon and continues through Sunday. 

Let me know what your favorite food is to cook outdoors...and do you agree that everything tastes better when it's cooked outside?