SL: What are a few of your top tips for grilling novices?
Shannon: Start by choosing the right grill. Using a grill with the latest technology is a great place to start. If you can flip a switch or swipe a screen, you’re fully equipped to grill. The technology helps you know the precise temperature, which means you can confidently approach your recipes and know that you don’t have to babysit the grill for great results.
Focus on finding recipes that look interesting. Grilling is all about experimenting. Trying new recipes will help you feel more confident when you are cooking for a group or even for yourself. Don’t limit yourself to just dinner and meats on the grill. I love the flavor that a barbecue gives veggies.
Breakfast foods are also great on the grill, and I can’t begin to tell you about all the great desserts I’ve made. One of my friends loves to make pizzas on their grill every Friday night, so they always have a crowd. There are great side dishes and even baked goods that are great cooked on a grill. I also love accessories like griddles to make eggs and pancakes.
SL: Do you follow or collaborate with other women in the industry?
Shannon: Since working at recteq, I have met some incredible women in the industry, including some TV chefs. From female pitmasters to grilling influencers, I love to watch their journeys and get inspired by what they make on the grill.
One of my favorite barbecue memories was with one of our lady pitmasters, Dianne Arocha, from Bull Horn BBQ, at the American Royal BBQ Competition. Dianne was so nervous. It was the first time she entered her dessert at this event, and she got a perfect score. Overall, she tied for first place with four other teams. I loved seeing a good friend compete and win.
SL: What are your favorite foods or dishes to cook on the grill? We’d love to share one of your go-to recipes with our readers.
Shannon: Homemade pasta sauce, grilled oysters, ratatouille, and buffalo chicken-stuffed zucchini boats are just a few things I’ve tried in addition to traditional barbecue. I have even cooked the entire Thanksgiving dinner on my grill. Something I have perfected is a seared rare steak, and yes, it could put a lot of restaurant/men’s steaks to shame!
My mom loves lamb, so I wanted to treat her when she came from Alabama to visit. I tested and tried every lamb recipe on the Internet, but I always returned to the Panko Crusted Lamb recipe on recteq.com. It is super simple, has minimal ingredients, and comes out perfect each time. Now, anytime I go home to Alabama to visit my mom, or she comes to Georgia to see me, I always fire up the recteq and cook lamb for her.
Feeling inspired? Try Shannon Mitchell’s favorite Panko Crusted Lamb and these delicious Southern Lady recipes: Grilled Steaks with Blue Cheese Dressing, Grilled Vegetable Crudité with Smoky Parmesan Dip, and Grilled Melon with Honey and Mint.
Discover delicious recipes, inspiring style ideas, and more by ordering your Southern Lady subscription today!
