We are All Americans! 2019-2021 Pandemic Recap

Big Fat Daddy's Famous Pit Beef 

Well, we hadn't posted on this blog in awhile, and we also just found out that our auto-update service was bugged, and all this time we thought you were able to see our Instagram photos for a nice little smile, but the pages were blank, and we are so sorry for that.  Here we are sending you a little photo love. 

Big Fat Dsddy's From our Instagram

Good help is hard to find these days, but it's a little scary that even digital apps stopped working properly LOL and we apologize for that. As for us, a victory as business we survived through the pandemic, but it has been bittersweet for us, as so many things have changed, and we don't often take time to write our thoughts, This year IS the big 40. Big Fat Daddy's 40 Year Anniversary is fast approaching and what we hope is the start of our final chapter.   We survived the pandemic with the help of our local community, as we were forced to morph our food to curbside pickup in lieu of many of our usual 30+ year events having to be cancelled.. We thank all of those who stood by us during that time and got us over the hump.  We came up with odd menu items just to make our customers smile. The pizza porker below, had a unique taste, but we ask you what's better than pizza and pork?  

We came up with funny meals just to make people smile, like the Pizza Porker!

Sadly, the pandemic has wrecked so many things. The financial impact has been devastating on the small business during the past two years.  We've seen so many of our friends in this industry, lose their businesses, bars and restaurants forced to shut down (in some states) never able to regroup. It is sad to see people lose everything they worked for all those years. Not to mention the cost of food and shortages, they exist because of lack of workers to move the product.  At one a food company could not deliver to restaurants, because they were trying to fill hospital orders first and did not have the drivers.  We had to run to the Restaurant Store, which was limited quantities of items.  Even Walmart was out of bleach and almost all of their Dawn, essential items for foodservice. 

Who can forget these days?  Location: Walmart, Newberrytown PA Pandemic 

Due to lack of workforce, many larger companies now being able to pay top dollar to just get people to show up for work, which leaves small mom and pops doing everything themselves.  Larger companies like the Big A are probably doing well considering most things we order form home.  We urge the small business owner to try to reinvent themselves and ask that you support them in their struggle, because it's real.  

Suffice to say, what we can't understand is how some states never shut down at all.  Companies were a victim of the state in which they lived. For instance, in Pennsylvania, they may have not survived, but in Florida, they stayed open and are still thriving. Why are the two states so different?  

Curbside Caboose : We had to morph with the times.

We've seen the pandemic and subsequent shutdowns impact and break the minds of many people we know, including children. Children who come to the stand are real talkative. They then tell us their story. They told us how they weren't allowed to see their best friends, or others who missed out on graduations, dances, etc.  These events are supposed to be some of the happiest times in their lives. How can you make up for this?  One child told us his parents were fighting with his teachers about parental rights whether to have control over their children wearing a mask or not. Wow. Out of the mouths of babes. He should be worrying about what game to play, what sports to sign up for, or how good his burger is, but instead his mind is on things he cannot understand.  It was heartbreaking to hear the stories.  What a mess the whole ordeal has been. Kids have told us that they are having issues with the distance learning and have failed classes because of it.   We tell them to stay positive, things will get better. We hope that is the truth. 

Vegan Salad, for a catering job.

It kills us to see HOW PEOPLE BROKE.  Even the strongest somtimes, the recovered alcoholics who took a tumble off the wagon, ex-smokers start smoking again and the people who used to be straight are addicted to hard drugs. Covid has broken so many people during this pandemic it's not funny.  Mentally it is taxing on the mind to wonder if life will ever return to somewhat normal?  We sure hope so.  Depending on where you live, it has been normal the whole time. More importantly, many have lost loved ones during the pandemic.  We hear stories from friends and customers that their loved ones went into a hospital or into a nursing home, and they were not able to visit, only to wonder if they had visited and cheered them on to get better, would the outcome have been different.   Many deaths Covid related, and our hearts go out to you.   

God Bless America!

We don't have the answers here, we only can tell you that when we go state to state and see the difference in rules and regulations, we can tell it does not make any sense.  Some places are living in restricted controlled zones and have had so many mandates on gatherings, masks, etc such as the state our business is in, whereas other states have had nothing to this magnitude.  Maybe Dr. Oz has a point...

Which is right, and which is wrong?  Perhaps it's up to your personal opinion.

The one big mistake we are all making is hating each other for having different beliefs.  

Our hope is you think long and hard about this. We are all Americans. That guy down the street used to come to your cookout, but now you hate him because he has a (insert political candidate name) sign on his lawn.  WHY?  Because the media wants you to? You should respect his opinion, shake on it, and never talk politics again. Because we are all Americans.  One big family here in the USA, and we will have different beliefs.  We should not let anything divide us, not color, not race, not religion and not voting preferences or the type of steak we eat (blue, rare, medium, well, burnt to hell, or none at all....)

We do not think the media helps at all.  Back when we were starting in business maybe before some of you were born, the TV stations had news which all showed the same events, in full, not edited, often LIVE reported events.  In this case, if the President give a speech, you watched the whole news and nothing else, and then you made up your own mind. 

America is supposed to be the home of the free, land of the brave. We are made up of all walks of life here, and many people's grandparents came from other countries, moved to America, and now are Americans. 

So today we ask that you be brave and call your friend you haven't talked to in two years because you disagreed on something.    Be free and stand united with those who don't agree with the same things you do, respect the fact they can have an opinion different than your own. Talk about this fact to each other and your kids, that's it's okay to be different sides, but in the end of the day, WE should stand tall together as you are all Americans.   We look forward to the 2022 year in business with lots of changes.  We aren't as young as we once were. We welcomed a grandbaby <3 and some of our priorities have changed.  We are doing limited events but to look forward to the smiles on your faces.  Please remember, we love you all, red, green or blue, and we hope that perhaps in 2022 strengthens the unity of America. 

God Bless America!  For as f***cked up as some things seem right now, don't be fooled, The United States of America is still the best place on Earth!

Please see our full schedule at BigFatDaddys.com/curbside

Recently Wayne went to Los Angeles to discuss possible franchising of Big Fat Daddy's as shown here in the LA Journal!  Currently founder Wayne Schafer retains all rights to Big Fat Daddy's and there are no franchises....yet....

In case you didn't know,  Big Fat Daddy's spent 30 years in Baltimore, originally starting as a roadside restaurant specializing in Pit Beef....soon taking the show on the road. Now Wayne Schafer's enterprise is located in Manchester, PA. Unfortunately, t closed to the public!   This multi acre property encompasses a private catering kitchen, pit master compound and office space tucked quietly away in a countryside setting.  Wayne does fairs, festivals, food vending, special appearances, pit master classes and catering events.

Specializing in :
Barbecue
Pork BBQ
Texas Beef
Ribs and Platters
Roasted Corn
and everything you need to make your guests smile!

Need to book us? Text or call today!  410.908.9241

10 Great Football Party Ideas BBQ Time

Big Fat Daddy's end of season.

It's that time of year when the fairs and festivals wind down on the East Coast. I know when the football season is here, it's time for me to relax and kick back enjoying some great football parties with my friends and family. When I get asked of things to "bring" or "cook" for the party, I often find myself often thinking of what I was serving at the fair. Here's my ideas for a football party!

Big Fat Daddy's serving traditional Fair food!

Ten Easy Things to Have At Your Football Party (Game Time):

Main Entrees: 

1.  Angus Burgers:  Instead of going with regular old ground beef, find some great quality Angus and pat those patties thick. Sprinkle yoru favorite seasoning on them and top them with barbecue sauce, fried onions and peppers for a texas taste! Buy potato rolls or small size buns, to make the burgers appear even larger than life!

2. Buffalo or Bison Sliders:   Bison is much more expensive but yield is pretty true to size.  Grill up some Bison mini sliders and have your friends wanting more. I love to sprinkle real crumbled blue cheese on top and throw a dash of hot sauce on for a differnet taste.  I use small slider buns for these.

3. Pork BBQ:  Prepare this your favorite way using whatever cut you desire. Add your own touch by adding your favorite sauce!  This is quick and easy to reheat for the party, and if you have leftovers great to take to work the next day!  Small to medium sandwich rolls will help you guests sample a bit of everything!

4.  Beef BBQ:   A different version of a tradional dish, try making your favorite pork bbq recipe but by using beef. If you don't have time to grill or broil, you can simmer down a chunk of top round or rump roast to pull for this!  Serve with small to medium rolls so your guests may not fill up on just one thing!

5.  Dinner Roll Sausages:    We love getting Hatfield's rope sausage and pre cutting them into portions, and tossing in fresh grilled onions and peppers.  We slice these in 3" strips diagonally so they are just about long enough to hang off of a dinner roll.  Why fill up on steak or sausage rolls when you can use dinner rolls and get a great taste of sausage without all that bread?  Small enough to eat a few and big enough to satisfy your craving for sausage!

Football grilling aprons are a must. Get them here DomesticDivaz on Etsy, $35.

Drinks, Desserts and Sides Items: 

My team colors are represented here by the Party Fairy, 30 straws, $5

6.  Straws:  Attention to small details will get you big points with the kids and ladies in your party. Anyone who isn't drinking beer will want to try a team straw.  These are easy to find on Etsy, and you can stock up on your favorite team colors. The set above, is for the Baltimore Ravens! 

These Ice Ball Molds are here on Amazon! I love them!

7.   Ice Balls are a must-have at a winter Football party!  These are made ahead of time from easy to use molds, then individually sat into a team ice bucket. The balls are 2.5" across and bob around in your favorite team glass. This keeps the need for ice down in drinks.  Get the Ice Ball Molds here. Did I mention this is a great conversation piece?

TulleandTwig on Etsy offers these download the pattern  for $2.99

8.  Chips, Peanuts, Pretzels:  To cut back on overeating of snacks, try serving them in  these little "football" snack trays. You can download the pattern to your computer on Etsy and have your wife and kids making them up ahead of time! Buy Download here.

Sweet Stephanies offers 9 chocoloate covered football cookies for $9

9.   Football Cookies :   Simple Oreos have been transformed into footballs then dipped in chocolate. If you don't want to make your own you can find them, special order 9 for $9 at SweetStephanies on Etsy.

Football cupcake toppers, you can eat them, $20 at KonopaseksKrazyCakes

10. Cupcakes:   I love to cheat on these and if we don't have time to whip them up simply get store bought, but the kicker here is that you can eat the footballs. Unlike the plastic picks, these are actually made of edible fondant and available at the store above!

 You will be the talk of the party, even if your team does lose.....

You may also enjoy reading my BBQ Party Ideas. 

Did you hear that Hogging Up is coming to West Virginia?

Virginia Festival Uses BBQ To Raise Money and Awareness

Barbecue is magical to me.

Barbecue: What Does It Mean to Me 

I've not  talked to you all about what barbecue means to me. Barbecue is something more than just a past time, hobby or career for me. I choose barbecue when I was still young and dumb, not sure where I wanted to go in my life.  I experimented with rubs and smokers and open pits, different woods and different methods. In Baltimore, back then, dry rubbing was not as familiar as it is now. After the little barbecue shack my brother and I had made the papers, and Pit Beef was deemed Baltimore's BBQ, the rest for me was history.


However, for me a life in barbecue takes a lot of work.  I took the hard road. Barbecue in my world means an old stick pit, feeding the fire with hardwood,  turning my beef , pork, turkey legs, chicken or ribs tirelessly for hours.  I don't have a fancy smoker, and no electronic devices to keep my pit going. It's 100% my manpower and I'm an old dog now, gonna be the big FIVE-O this year.   After a long day at the fair feeding the masses, I can barely walk, my hands are swollen and I'm a burnt up mess. All in a day's work for me.

Look how purdy. Wouldn't change a thing.

I don't want to change my way of doing things, even though I wish I could sometimes.  What's really important is the things I've learned along the way.  For one, I learned to follow your dreams. Sooner or later you will succeed.

I've also learned you can make some of the best friends in Barbecue. Some of my pals are my fellow food vendors--we can sit right next to each other at a fair, sell the same items against each other, and still talk at the end of the day.   They eat my beef and I eat their ribs. That's how it is in Barbecue.  You can eat twenty different kinds and they all taste different and all taste good.

I eat at other barbecue guys' restaurants when I'm not selling my own and I buy their spice and barbecue sauces to use at home on my own food.  The Barbecue competitors wow me, and I've met some great people along the way.  Eric, the Hess brothers, and Myron Mixon gave me some tips on competing but I'm too darn busy selling each weekend to try.  Retirement for me will mean competing although I never see that day coming. I'll probably die with tongs in my hand, at least that's how I envision going to barbecue heaven.  You see, barbecue is in my blood.

What BBQ Really Means to Me  : Raising Awareness

Two years ago, something I don't like to think about, was when my wife's mother beat cancer. At least that's what the doctors said.   I saw her fight for her life with the chemo and I had to go back to Maryland while my wife, her brother and stepfather drove back to Maine for her routine operation to remove a small intrusive tumor in her rectum.

It was that day at the hospital the doctor said he removed her tumor successfully, and surrounding lymph nodes just to be safe, and they tested negative for cancer. My wife, her brother and stepfather were celebrating her success that day, while my mother in law recuperated in the hospital.  They left her about 7pm, to get some rest.  I was so happy she was okay.

They would never see her again.  A call from the hospital at 1am would put everyone in shock. Calls from my wife in Maine to Baltimore to wake up our whole family, she was gone. Just hours after they celebrated her life--she was dead.

Even an autopsy would not explain just why. She didn't appear to have a blood clot or heart attack.  Was her system depleted from worrying for months about it?  Did the chemo drain her?  Was it just her time?  Only God knows I suppose. We will never figure it out.

What's worse than that?  After 33 years of marriage, my wife's stepfather would die only months later.  He took off his wedding band and wrote a note.  Suicide, you may say so, but a broken heart, for sure.

The family was immobilized by all of this. There were no funerals or viewings. Everyone was in shock. That's when my wife said, "Mom always said if she died to throw a big party and celebrate her life. Why not try to raise money for cancer awareness?"

Raising Awareness Through BBQ  Find a Cure and Stop Procrastination

If you ask my wife about Cancer she is very jaded.  Perhaps because it's taken her whole family from her. Her mom (colorectal), her grandfather (lung), her grandmother (colorectal and pancreatic) and of course had a direct result on killing her stepfather.  She complains that  Cancer is all about the research and chemotherapy when in fact it should be about truly finding a cure.  Is it impossible because there are so many toxins on our food, in our water, and in the very air we breathe? Or  is it possible and just simply a money maker and form of population control?

So, when something bad hits you it's time to move in a different direction. The Hogging Up BBQ & Music Festival started out of an idea that we can make a difference. I can use my voice in BBQ to do something GOOD.  The first festival is in Winchester, Virginia. This location is because it's one of my very first fairs (ever.)

First and foremost one benefactor will be CancerCare.org, who wish to thank for helping my mother-in-law when she was so stressed about her bills. They gave her options, ways out, free counseling and loopholes to get some of her excessive copays and coinsurance paid.  They aren't into the drug end of it, or the treatment end of it, but all about the patient and their families. That's why we are doing it.

Let's not forget how we will be helping three area non profits :

• Beer & Wine 100% profits the Winchester Exchange Group
• Some of Gate: Clear Brook Volunteer Fire Department
• Some of Gate:  Local Church

 If that doesn't tell you what BBQ means to me, I don't know what does.  I'd like to thank all my supporters of this festival, but will do that in another post. Stay tuned. 

What Does BBQ Mean to You?
Shoot me an email and tell me for a feature.

 

Pancakes Now Pit Beef Later Weight Loss for Big Guys

Breakfast of Champions.

Pancakes Now - If Breakfast if your Big Meal of the Day

I'm piggybacking on how I told you I ate low carbs and lost 100 pounds. They key is not to skip breakfast by any means. If you are 350 pounds and trying to lose weight a nature bar is not going to cut it, sorry!   I am really a firm believer that it's pointless to starve yourself. The body will trick your system into thinking it must store the fat and will make it harder for you to lose weight. In fact, I ate the biggest meal of the day either at breakfast, or at lunch. For breakfast,  I whipped up these pancakes with a recipe from Chef John found here but I modified and cut the sugar in 1/2. I sprinkled a pinch of brown sugar on top to add sweetness, and used lite syrup.  Now, my suggestion is to use a non stick pancake pan like the one here  Perfect Pancakes.This makes it easy to regulate the size of your pancake and whip them up fast!

No time for Pancakes?

 Make Eggs in the Morning or read why Beef and Pork for breakfast is a good idea.

Pit Beef tends to have a lot of bread. Skip the bread or eat only half the bun.

Pit Beef For Lunch

If you didn't have a huge breakfast and eat a lot of carbs, then by all means eat that pit beef sandwich for lunch. This will be your fill up meal.  However, remember when eating these type sandwiches you have as much bread as you do meat (This one is on a steak roll .) 

Solution? If you have a big breakfast don't eat the roll, or eat only some of the roll.

Train Your Stomach

Train your stomach into expecting some sort of meal several times a day. I also ate two small snack type meals in between lunch and dinner and one after dinner.   They were generally carrot sticks or celery.  I know it doesn't sound as beefy or manly as you'd hoped, but the truth is, I lost 100 lbs making these changes in my diet. Once you get down to your goal weight then eating this size breakfast above is all you can manage to do!  If you want a giant rack of ribs, eat them for lunch.  You can do it !

Beef BBQ Cube Stew Que Recipe

This delicious BBQ you can make with Beef Cubes!

The Best Beef BBQ Made from Cubes? 
 
Here's a recipe for what I call BBQ Cube Stew Que.  You can use any type of aged brisket, top round, bottom round, or beef flat.  It's ideal if you are entertaining and making beef kabobs, and have a lot of leftover cubes.  Here is what you will need to make a decent sized pot, feeding a family of four for a day (with leftovers.)  You will have to prepare your beef cubes a day ahead, but here you go -- enjoy!

INGREDIENTS:

*About 3 lbs beef cubed and fat trimmed.  (I prefer beef bottom round)
*2 Tablespoons Dry Rub or Kansas City Steak seasoning.   (See my dry rub guide here, or buy my rub in my store. )
*1 Tablespoon Worcestershire

1 Large Can Whole Tomatoes
1/3 large onion (or 1/2 of a small)
2 stalks celery
3 small or two large carrots

2 tablespoons Sugar
1/3 cup Apple Cider Vinegar
1/2 cup Light Brown Sugar
3 tablespoons Ketchup
1 Tablespoon Butter
8 cups of water plus additional water on hand.
1/2 cup Sweet BBQ Sauce of Choice (Sweet Hickory)

You will need:  6-qt. Covered Stockpot, ample prep area, and Glass Bowl

Prep Time:  30 minutes total (15 to cube Day #1, 15 to dice veggies Day #2)

The Day Before Cooking:


Cube beef into 1" square chunks into a glass bowl, removing visible fat.
Hand toss into your dry rub and worsesterchire, coating well.
Refrigerate over night.  (You can actually keep for up to 36 hours.)

Cooking Day:   (Cook Time: 1 1/2 to 2 hours.)

Step One
Dice your onions, carrots and celery fine to medium.

Step Two
Adding the butter and one cup water and simmer in stock pot on high for about 15 minutes--veggies will start to become tender.  

Step Three
Once tender,  add the remaining 7 cups water and add beef cubes.  Cook for 1 hour on medium heat, covered.  If you need to add more water, do so in small quantities to avoid beef cubes from burning, you want some water in the mix, which will cook off.


Step Four
Beef cubes should appear tender by now, but not falling apart yet. Add large can of whole tomatoes, (squishing them somewhat as you go.)  Mix in brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, and regular sugar.  Simmer on low checking often. Stir occasionally and check.

Note the cubes are still somewhat together, and not falling apart. It's not done yet. Add tiny bits of water until they do fall apart.

Step Five 
Once the cubes start to fall apart with your fork, they are just about done. It should look like BBQ, and be moist, but not too moist as it must be able to put on bread or a kaiser roll! If there's too much liquid, keep cooking down--stirring occasionally. You can still see the carrots but they will easily fall apart.  If your cubes are tender enough to fall apart in your hand, turn the stove off.  Now stir in your BBQ sauce--this is just for a bit of added sweetness in the very end.

It can be eaten alone or on bread.

Step Six
Enjoy this sweet BBQ with a hint of Carolina twang, on roll or bread.

Sound Yummy? 
You can thank my sponsors in Hawaii who have the best Chocolate Covered Coffee Beans .  These beans are made from organically grown 100% Kona coffee in the islands of Hawaii. I prefer them in the morning to get me going (a nice mix of chocolate and caffeine ) but being they are made from Organic Coffee, what's not to love? Have them for dessert! A quick pick me up, or just a wonderful tasty treat.  Not to mention, Mountain Thunder is family owned and operated, and recipient of several delicious awards!  Check out their Chocolate Covered Coffee Beans today!

 Additional Tips for the Beef BBQ Cube Stew:  

• This recipe freezes well and can be easily reheated.  
• Cubes take much less longer than large hunks of beef to simmer down, so you can whip this up in under two hours.
• Many people will cube a larger piece of meat--say 5 lbs. You can use some immediately having kabobs and marinate the rest to have this BBQ Cube Stew Que the next day!
• Find other recipes on this blog!

Recipe Beef Tips on the Griddler Round or Rump Roast Oh My

You can tailor this recipe to eat it gluten free, or in a wrap with dressing. Depending on your diet, there are two ways to do it. It's low prep time and super easy. I suggest using a grilling surface whether it be a griddler or outside barbecue. I found this tasty recipe by accident.   My mother got me a Cuisinart Griddler for Christmas to do quick meals for lunch on at my warehouse.  Now I want to say this was a stretch for me, as I heard mostly they are for Panini's. It's just in my blood to grab a small pit and throw some wood in and toke it up. After looking at the Griddler for a week I tried to make friends. First I did a few things on it, first hot dogs (the buns and dogs came out perfectly grilled), then grilled cheese on Pita Bread (again I was impressed) then I graduated to real meals.  I have to say as a BBQ Guy this was a stretch for me to even try to use this thing, but I found it to be great for beef tips so I thought I'd share how I made them.  

MEAT:
I trimmed and cut up a rump roast, but for more tender lovin' use an eye round roast. For optimum low-fat, buy a hunk of Aussie beef or Organic beef which is usually grass fed resulting in less fat.

MARINATION: 
I marinated the cubes for two days in :

• A small bit of Worcestershire

• You may opt to use some fresh garlic at this step. I used some of my dry spice rub--which is a bit saltier and combines a lot of ingredients including garlic spice. Not if you are on a low salt diet, stick with garlic and move on, as the Worcestershire does have a salty base in it.  I do sell it occasionally but you can really make your own here from this NY Times Article it was in since my brother blabbed our recipe.

• Small Onion - white NOT yellow or red!

• Pinch of Cracked Pepper

You can use any grill but my Griddler was on medium and I slow grilled them until they were a nice medium rare. They will be full of flavor as the white onions are strong.

GLUTEN FREE OPTION : 
Eat cubes by themselves when done, or throw on top of a salad.  They will be delicious and a great way to get protein in your diet.

Gluten Free : eat it as it is!

RANCH PITA STYLE:
At the last minute I threw some pita bread on top to steam it up a bit--the pita became soft and flavorful from the onions.  I then served the onions and beef cubes in a pita with some low fat ranch dressing.  Add lettuce and tomato if you want it to resemble a GYRO. Wifey ate it minus onions and she said the meat had a strong onion flavor. from all the grilling and onion vapors So, I have to say, it was darn yummy and very low prep and cook time.

TIP: 
Now I want to be clear that I used the bottom round cubes but a lot of people say they are more on the tough side. The key is to grill them just right and not too much but let them marinade at least 48 hours marination.