How did you get into being a BBQ champion?
I needed an outlet. I needed something that would take my mind off all the medical issues and stress that was going on in my life. I started to help my ex-husband compete in barbecue. We took a couple classes. I took pages and pages and pages of notes. I wanted to know what I was doing, how to do it, how to master it, and things to look for. I had pages of notes and jumped right into it and fell in love with it. I started competing on my own and I started winning and it kind of took off from there.
You're the 2021 World Food Championship state champion! How did that go down?
I started competing in steak and I won my second competition that I did on my own. I took first place against 78 other people. That got me a thousand dollars and a golden ticket into the world food championships.
In the opening rounds of the World Food Championship, it was against 50 other people in steak. I won that round. They take the top 10 into the finals. I honestly didn't think it was going to be me. It was unbelievable. I got to the top three and about fell over dead when I ended up winning. I was the very first person to win first place in all three rounds.
Tell us about your grilling classes at Energy Center-Manhattan Pool!
Friday night, we're doing an all ladies grilling class because I love to help women feel confident on the grill. I'm gonna teach you how to master a steak dinner complete with a dessert and a wine pairing. It’s only for ladies, sorry guys! Then on Saturday, we are doing a full-menu backyard class so that you can take your grilling skills to the next level. It's going to be complete with an appetizer, an entrée, side dishes and desserts.
World Food Champion Sunny Lynn Manning will be at Energy Center-Manhattan Pool on April 26th & 27th for two grilling classes. Call 785-776-5118 for tickets.
I want to show you all the versatility that you can do in your backyard. The more that I can help people, I just want to help them feel confident in their backyard and have fun flavorful food that they can share with family and friends.
