Cook with Rock: 2023 Year in Review

What. A. Year.

2023 was one of those years where the smoke never really cleared — see what I did there. Between testing out gear like Messermeister knives, my custom RoseWood Blocks cutting boards, and the brand-new Traeger Flatrock, I felt like a kid on Christmas morning every other month.

Add in events like Ribfest in Fort Wayne and my trip to the American Royal World Series of BBQ in Kansas City, and it’s safe to say this past year was packed with flavor, fire, and a whole lot of fun.

Here’s a quick look back at the blog posts from 2023 — the reviews, the competitions, and the stories that made it one of my favorite years yet.

Getting Fired Up for 2023

I kicked things off with some good old-fashioned optimism in Get Ready for 2023. I set the tone for a year of bold flavors, backyard feasts, and plenty of recipes to keep the smoker (and stomachs) busy.

Playing with New Flavors: Heath Riles BBQ Spices

I’ve always got room on my shelf for another spice blend, so when I got my hands on some Heath Riles, I had to share my thoughts in Heath Riles BBQ Spices. Spoiler: they pack a punch and definitely found a spot in my rotation.

Talking BBQ at the 2023 Home & Garden Show

BBQ at a Home & Garden Show? You bet. In 2023 Home & Garden Show in Fort Wayne, IN I wrote about meeting folks, swapping stories, and proving once again that you can talk BBQ just about anywhere.

Introducing the Summer BBQ Spice Blend

This one was fun — I introduced a brand-new rub, my Summer BBQ Spice Blend, in New Spice Blend from Smoked Q. It’s got those sunny-day vibes and became a quick favorite for savory cooks.

My Hands-On Review: Traeger Flatrock

Easily one of my most exciting gear tests of the year — Traeger Flatrock Review. This flat top grill turned my backyard into a diner. Smash burgers, breakfast, fried rice — this thing is the real deal.

Tasting My Way Through 2023 BBQ Ribfest

One of my favorite events of the year, hands down. In 2023 BBQ Ribfest: A Finger-Lickin’ Affair, I broke down the best eats, including Carolina Rib King BBQ’s unforgettable combo plate. Worth every bite.

Sweet and Smoky in a Bottle: Honey Chipotle Blend

Next came another spice release — the Honey Chipotle Blend. I shared it in Welcome Our New Blend and it quickly became a go-to for poultry and pork when I want that balance of sweet and smoky with just a little bite.

Messermeister Knives: My Go-To Blades

You can’t cook great food without great tools. In Best Chef & BBQ Knives Review, I laid out why Messermeister knives have become my daily drivers. Sharp, balanced, and built like tanks — they’ve earned their spot in my kitchen and out by the smoker.

Cooking Through the Traeger Game Day Challenge

This one was a blast. In Traeger Game Day Challenge 2023, I shared my weekly cooks and the recipes that kept me in the game — from wet wings to dairy-free spinach artichoke dip. Oh, and the swag wasn’t bad either.

Competing at the American Royal

Bucket list moment right here: the American Royal BBQ 2023. Kansas City is the mecca, and competing alongside so many pitmasters I respect was surreal. The cook, the crowds, the energy — unforgettable.

A Cutting Board That Stole the Show

Finally, I rounded out the year talking about one of the unsung heroes of the kitchen: a solid cutting board I’ve been using for years. In RoseWood Block Custom Cutting Boards I sang the praises of my custom end grain board — durable, beautiful, and just begging for knife marks.

Wrapping It All Up

Looking back, 2023 was a whirlwind of recipes, reviews, and road trips. From testing gear like the Flatrock and Messermeister knives, to releasing new rubs, to cooking at Ribfest and competing at the American Royal — it was one for the books.

And the best part? I’ve got even bigger plans for 2024. More recipes, more reviews, more events, and plenty of smoke. So stick around — we’re just getting warmed up.