Barbecue has always been a significant part of Alma Vera’s life, growing up near the border where her father owned Vera’s King O Meats in Edinburg, TX. However, it wasn’t until 2012 when she first participated in a barbecue competition, thanks to a friend who entered them into the Texas Cook’em barbecue competition. Since then, Alma and her friends caught the barbecue bug and have been competing ever since.
Alma Vera enjoys cooking a variety of dishes, especially when it comes to competitions. She typically cooks brisket, pork ribs, pork butt, and chicken, along with steak. While steak competitions are limited in South Texas, she hopes to see more promoters organizing such events in the future. Alma credits her father for her love of barbecue, having grown up around the meat market and enjoying carne guisada and barbecues with family and friends.
Despite initial doubts from her father, Alma has proven her skills on the grill. She had to earn her stripes with him, but now he shows his support through his actions, like putting in his order whenever she fires up the grill. Alma notes that more women are joining the competition circuit, with groups like the She Grillers emerging. She also mentions MadamBBQ from the Rio Grande Valley, who has made a name for herself in the barbecue world.
Alma believes that the number of women in barbecue competitions is increasing, although they may not be as prevalent as men. She expects to see more women participating and making their mark in the barbecue scene. Overall, Alma Vera’s journey in mastering the barbecue game showcases her passion for cooking and her dedication to honing her skills on the grill.
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