Talking BBQ With The Man In Black

Myron Mixon has won over one million dollars in prize money. He refers to himself as "The Man in Black" or "the winningest son of a bitch in barbecue." And he's been a winner right from the start; the first competition he ever entered, the Lock & Dam BBQ Contest in Augusta, Georgia, Mixon placed first in the whole-hog category, first in the ribs category, and third in the pork shoulder category. We think it's safe to say that the man knows his way around a grill.

Epicurious sat down with the big personality for a little chat on barbecue, tradition, and what it feels like to sit inside the winner's circle. At this point, Mixon is more than just a professional cook—thanks to the TLC show BBQ Pitmasters, he's also on his way to becoming a household name. Is he the most important man in barbecue history, as the site claims? Maybe, though he's certainly the most instantly recognizable, nicknames and all.

But even though Mixon's story is fascinating, the best part of the article is the inclusion of four of The Man's recipes, including his "World-Famous Cupcake Chicken" and pork shoulder. If you can't already feel your arteries clogging in anticipation, maybe these four words will set you off: bacon-wrapped chicken livers. Fire up the grills, I think we have a winner.

Of course, if none of those recipes sound particularly appetizing to you, Myron also has published a book on the subject. Check it out here.

Cooking With Barbecue Champ Myron Mixon from Epicurious