I used to think the best brisket was all about the rub, but a trip to Lockhart changed my mind.
I was at Smitty's Market last month and got talking to the guy running the pit. He said something like, 'The fire is the real seasoning.' I watched him and he barely looked at his rub jars. He was way more focused on the wood, moving pieces around to keep the heat just right. It made me realize I'd been putting all my effort into the wrong step. Has anyone else had a moment where the cooking process itself clicked for you more than the ingredients?
Oh man, I feel that. I spent years trying to make the perfect chili powder blend before I realized I was just burning it on too high heat, lol. The process is everything.
Wait, but sometimes the heat is the whole point though. I mean, I've had chili where you get that deep, almost smoky char on the spices and it's amazing. Maybe it's not "burned" but just pushed really far. Different vibe for sure.