By Erin Hansen

Now, there are people who know barbeque, and there are people who Know Barbeque. Dennis M. Sherman definitely falls into the latter category. In fact, it may be safe to say that “Denny M” IS barbeque ~ or “cue,” as he likes to call his authentic Texas barbecue rubs and sauces: at the 18th Annual National Barbecue Association’s (NBBQA) Conference & Expo, held February 17-21, 2009 in Austin, TX, five barbecue products from Sherman’s growing business, “DennyMike’s ’Cue Stuff” (dennymikes.com), earned winning “Award of Excellence” medals.

OK, reading about awards is all well and good, but I never believe any hype until I taste something for myself. Luckily, I got to do just that. But before I let you in on just how scrumptious the rubs and sauces are, I’ve got to give props to the labels and packaging ~ they are a riot! Designed by T.Doc Creative, they won top honors for DennyMike’s barbecue sauces at the American Package Design Awards presented by Graphic Design USA. My favorites are the “Chick Magnet” rub (“This Southwest rub makes all poultry come alive on the barbie, and is superb in the smoker.”) and “Fintastic” Savory Seafood Seasoning (“A curiously piquant blend with just the right hint of citrus”), but all the bottles and containers will make you chuckle: Hot n Nasty, Sublime Swine, Mesquit-O-Madness, Sweet n Spicy, Cow Bell Hell, Pixie Dust, and more. Just head to the website for descriptions (including the heat quotient) and suggestions on each product’s “taste mate,” be it pork, fish, meat or even (get ready for this one!) tofu!

Denny Mike

And now, as promised, a sneak peak at just two of the many delicious recipes that can be made with DennyMike’s ~ I figured I’d choose something with everyone’s favorite, BACON, and then throw in a yummy side dish, too ~ and yes, I did cook these amazing recipe, and yes, they got rave reviews from my ordinarily VERY picky family (and the house smelled SO delicious while everything was cooking)!

Bacon Wrapped Beef or Pork Tenderloin

Prepare the tenderloin by rubbing extra virgin olive oil or canola oil over the meat. Grind a bit of sea salt and black pepper all over and then sprinkle liberally with the DennyMike’s Cow Bell Hell rub, being sure to coat the edges of the meat.

Wrap with bacon and sprinkle more Cow Bell Hell rub on the outside of the bacon strip. Spray the grill with canola oil and grill on medium high heat until desired temperature. Tip: Use a moistened toothpick to hold the bacon onto the meat, turning the meat on all sides to crisp up the bacon. Drool, then serve and enjoy!

DENNYMIKE’S PIXIE DUST DUSTED CORNBREAD

• 2 Cups Flour
• 1 1/2 Cups Cornmeal
• 1 Tbsp. Baking Powder
• 1/2 tsp. Salt
• 3/4 Cup Turbinado Sugar
• 1 Egg Beaten
• 1 Cup Milk
• 2 Tbsp. Corn Oil
• 1 Can (14 oz.) Creamed Style Corn
• 1 Jalepeno Seeded and Chopped
• 1 Tbsp. DennyMike’s Pixie Dust Rub, Reserved

Preheat oven to 350° F. Grease a loaf pan. In separate bowls combine the wet ingredients and the dry ingredients. Add the wet to the dry and stir until just combined. Immediately pour into the greased loaf pan and sprinkle the top with the Pixie Dust. Bake at 350° F for 35-45 minutes or until cake tester comes out clean. Allow to let cool and slice. Serve as a side or under your ‘cue.

Now, if these recipes don’t have your mouth watering and your taste buds begging you to pick up some DennyMike’s ‘Cue Stuff, then it’s time to check your pulse…seriously.

Stay tuned for additional new products from DennyMike’s ’Cue Stuff: already are in sampling rounds and just about to be released are the Key West Key Lime Hot Sauce, Key West Shrimp Dust Rub, and Spicy Barbecue Pickles.

For descriptions of sauces and rubs, even more delicious recipes, cooking videos, and to order (there’s always one Featured Product at 10% off, plus you can buy items singly, in the combination of your choice, or already packaged in great gift arrangements!), visit dennymikes.com.

DennyMike’s is also available at Whole Foods Markets all over Massachusetts.

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THIS JUST IN AS WE WENT TO PRESS!!!

“DennyMike” emerged victorious from the 19th Annual National Barbecue Association’s (www.nbbqa.org) Conference and Expo in Memphis, Tenn., for the second year in a row, bringing home seven honors for his increasingly popular “DennyMike’s” line of barbecue sauces and rubs. Also, DennyMike’s will be featured at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences official New York Oscar Night Party on March 7 at New York Palace Hotel’s GILT. “Pixie Dust” and “Sublime Swine” rubs will be front and center with guests including previous Oscar winners and nominees as well as Academy members.

CONGRATS, DENNY!