I know firsthand how intimidating cooking meat can be.
I used to feel lost in the meat section of the grocery store, unsure of which cuts to choose and too nervous to splurge on expensive cuts in case I ruined them. While I loved eating steak and wanted to cook it more often, I simply didn’t know where to begin.
During a trip to Texas, I got to experience my first taste of real smoked barbecue, and it completely changed my life. I wanted to know everything about how it was made! As I delved deeper into the world of BBQ, I discovered that cooking and choosing meat wasn’t as difficult as I thought.
Over the years, I’ve dedicated myself to mastering everything about meat—especially beef. I explored live-fire cooking techniques, learned which budget cuts taste best, and when it’s worth spending more. I also delved into the differences between grass-fed and grain-fed meat, the effects of aging on flavor, and even visited ranches, butcher shops, and slaughterhouses, gaining hands-on experience and eventually harvesting meat myself. Now, with over a decade of experience and study, I’m passionate about sharing my knowledge of meat science, live-fire cooking, and how to cook the perfect steak.
Along the way, I co-founded the Australasian Barbecue Alliance, hosted my own show on the Outdoor Channel (amongst many other TV shows), and judged some of the world’s largest BBQ competitions. I’ve spoken and cooked at major events like SXSW, Southern Smoke, and Camp Brisket. With a Graduate Certificate in Meat Science from Iowa State University, I combine my passion and expertise to inspire others in the world of live-fire cooking. I’ve had the opportunity to partner with renowned brands like Lone Star Beer and Kingsford Charcoal, and have shared my expertise in live-fire cooking across four continents.
I’m the proud creator of Hardcore Carnivore, a globally available line of unique meat seasonings and tools. I’ve also authored a cookbook and collaborated with Pitts & Spitts to design my own signature edition smoker. Born and raised in Australia, I’ve found my home in Austin, Texas. Through the recipes, stories, and articles on this site, I hope to inspire you to unleash your inner carnivore!
Cheers-
Jess.
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