(BPT) - Summer grilling season is here, and barbecue enthusiasts everywhere are firing up their grills. Whether you're a seasoned pitmaster or just starting your barbecue journey, there's never been a better time to learn from the best.
Two legendary barbecue champions, Myron Mixon and Rodney Scott, are not only sharing their beginner-friendly barbecue wisdom but also bringing their award-winning flavors to the canine world through Beggin's new Battle of the Beggin' treats, giving dogs a chance to experience authentic barbecue flavors.
For those new to barbecuing, both pitmasters offer approachable starting points that won't overwhelm novice grillers.
"I would suggest taking any of the smaller meats like pork chops and getting really comfortable working on them," advises Mixon, who has appeared as a judge on TV shows "BBQ Pitmasters," "Smoked" and "BBQ Pit Wars."
Scott — who has been cooking whole-hog barbecue over wood coals since he was 11 years old — recommends "a shoulder or a ham. These are not very hard to cook at home. If you maintain your temperature, you can balance your time with the slow cook going on."
The secret to great barbecue, according to these experts, lies in the seasonings.
"I personally recommend my rub recipe, which is salt, paprika, sugar, pepper, along with garlic powder, onion powder and cayenne pepper," says Mixon. For keeping meat juicy, he emphasizes equipment: "One piece of equipment you should invest in is a good meat thermometer. That way, you won't ever undercook your product."
Scott, who in 2018 was awarded the James Beard Foundation's award for Outstanding Chef: Southeast and has been featured on Netflix's "Chef's Table," has his own approach.
"I use a mop sauce technique with a string-headed mop to apply a thin sauce that's supposed to help keep the meat moist while bringing out the essential flavors."
Bringing barbecue to the canine world
These same principles of flavor mastery that make great human barbecue have now inspired something special for four-legged family members. Mixon and Scott have partnered with Beggin' to champion specialty treats that capture the essence of authentic barbecue flavors for dogs.
"There's nothing quite like the joy of barbecuing. I take great pride in crafting deep, smoky flavors that unite people," said Mixon. "With Beggin's Bacon & Beef Brisket treats, you can extend that same delight to your dog. My dog Roxie absolutely loves the Beggin' Bacon & Beef Brisket treat, and I know your dogs will too."
Scott is going head-to-head with Mixon, as he champions Beggin's Bacon & Pork Spare Rib flavor.
"Barbecue isn't just a cooking method; it's a passion and a way of life for me," he said. "There's nothing like the satisfaction of creating rich, smoky flavors that bring people together. With Beggin' Bacon & Pork Spare Rib treats, you'll be able to share that same love and joy with your furry friends."
The Battle of the Beggin' treats are available now. Which flavor will your dog prefer — Bacon and Beef Brisket or Bacon and Pork Spare Rib? Let your dog be the judge and vote for their favorite Beggin' flavor at BattleOfTheBeggin.com until Sept. 30, 2025.
