Help with a question about sharing recipe.

[jacob]

Over the past twenty years or so, I have cook a lot of bbq. I have always loved to cook and give away to friends etc. just for there replys. Good or Bad, I love to share. I have several unique recipes I have found along the way. I sure there are others who may have them as well. One dish I make is called texas style potatoes,very good.
I recently catered my co.'s Christmas dinner. I was later told it was the first time in twenty years the owner asked someone within the co. to do this. I was proud just to be asked. It was my first paying gig.
It was a big sucess, but many of the guest wanted my recipe for the potatoes and other sides I prepared.
I really want to share, but I have future plans of openning my own place no matter how small. I am thinking I should keep certain recipes my own that would maybe bring in the business. How do I do this without offending anyone? Or should I share all and just keep my rub and sauce secret? I care about other people's feelings, my wife says I care too much.
any suggestions

 

[Smokin Gator]

I have a few that I won't share... when someone asks I laugh and just say if I told them I would have to kill them.

I have never had someone press me past that.

I hope it works for you.

 

[gman]

I usually respond by asking, "What's a recipe?". Most people laugh until my wife tells them that I am serious and don't know how to follow a written recipe. Actually, this isn't too far from the truth. I can't remember the last time I followed a recipe with out making any changes.

If you're thinking of opening your own place, any recipes that you intend on featuring should be protected and not given out except to close friends (maybe). If people (customers, not friends/family) like your cooking, let them pay for it.

Best of luck....

 

[thillin]

Come up with a variation to give to friends. Make it close but not spot on.

 

[bbqjoe]

I have a few that I won't share... when someone asks I laugh and just say if I told them I would have to kill them.

Exactly what I do.

 

[Kevin]

That is a real personal question for you to decide. I love to cook and enjoy sharing techniques. Please note that I said techniques, not specific recipes. I don't often measure ingredients, just go by my mood. Sometimes it turns out good. Sometimes not so good, but still better than most others. That's how it is with me. A personal thing for sure.

Other members here are far more experienced and share their recipes freely. For that I am great full. I've learned a lot here on this site. If your into the competion aspect then that's a whole different ball game. I'm not a competitor. Just like to cook and eat.

 

[RichardF]

I explain that Q is as much an art as science and that I don't really go from a traditional recipe. If they persist, I give out ingredients, but not quantities. I tell them that they should play with the ingredients and make it their own.

 

[tumpedover]

I also,like some others here, don't share all my recipies......some of the ones that are just plain ...but not the "money" recipies" ....those are all mine:twisted:

 

[BBQchef33]

I usually respond by asking, "What's a recipe?". Most people laugh until my wife tells them that I am serious and don't know how to follow a written recipe. Actually, this isn't too far from the truth. I can't remember the last time I followed a recipe with out making any changes.

If you're thinking of opening your own place, any recipes that you intend on featuring should be protected and not given out except to close friends (maybe). If people (customers, not friends/family) like your cooking, let them pay for it.

Best of luck....

uh.. yeah, what he said..

 

[Plowboy]

It may depend on the risk of sharing. If its someone across the country that isn't going to tread on your turf, then you may have loose lips. If its someone else that caters or competes in your area or someone who may print it in a cookbook someday ... then screw them. I've had Brethren here share some of their comp secrets with me knowing that we'll never compete against each other and that I won't broadcast on my blog.

Like someone said, its a personal call.

 

[The_Kapn]

I explain that Q is as much an art as science and that I don't really go from a traditional recipe. If they persist, I give out ingredients, but not quantities. I tell them that they should play with the ingredients and make it their own.

Great answer!

"Come up with a variation to give to friends. Make it close but not spot on."

Another great answer!

Be polite, but vague.
"My recipies constantly change" works well too!

Feels nice to have a product they want!
Right?

TIM

 

[CarbonToe]

I don't see the big fuss unless:

a) You're a pro and it's your business.
b) It's your competition recipe.

If you're a back yard cook what does it matter that some other person might use your rub recipe etc etc?

They might make a change for the better that you'd never have thought of.

 

[kickassbbq]

I have nothing to hide. I share how I BBQ on my site. I get hundreds of emails each month from all over the world thanking me for sharing my BBQ experience. I have kept them all.
I presonally have never asked anyone for their recipe.
Smoke On!!!!!

 

[Q_Egg]

Why not keep your 'special' stuff private for as long as you feel you want to? Eventually each recipe will become less of a big deal and you will know clearly when it's time to share. You should feel no pressure whatsoever at this point in time, especially as you do your new venture.

Best of luck and success!!

 

[cmcadams]

I have the philosophy that I have nothing to hide... Either I can do it better than you or I can't. The recipe is only the starting point, and the technique that someone else uses will be different than mine.

So I don't mind sharing at all. Even my competition rubs are listed somewhere on my blog.

 

[tommykendall]

My philosophy... who the fark is gonna be put out of business if it's shared?

 

[kickassbbq]

Rachel ain't worried bout sharing her recipes. Neither is Giada, Bobby and Emeril.
If you have a recipe that you don't want to share with people, DON'T even let them eat your stuff. Then they won't ask.
Now ain't that special!!!!!!!!!!
Smoke On!!!!!!

 

[bittertruth]

As a relatively novice BBQ'er any recipe i have is just a variation of stuff that i learned here, and for that i am eternally grateful to the Brethren. whenever i cook anything for friends i am open with any recipes or techniques that i may have picked up in my Queing travels. If i was in the rarified air of the competition Queing world it might be a different story.

 

[brdbbq]

Rarified big word for a squirrel with nuts like that.

 

[bittertruth]

Rarified big word for a squirrel with nuts like that.

I am more than just tail and balls!8)