The Smoke Signals Are Telling Me…This Crossword Needs Solved!
Another day, another grid staring back at me, beckoning with its promise of lexical gymnastics and the satisfying
thunk
of a well-placed letter. Today’s conquest features a clue that’s got my taste buds tingling, but my brain working overtime: “Barbecue blend.”
Now, I love a good barbecue. The smoky aroma, the tender meat, the tangy sauces…it’s a culinary experience that transcends mere sustenance. But translating that love into the precise, concise language of a crossword clue? That’s where the real challenge lies.
“Barbecue blend” immediately conjures images of spice racks overflowing with paprika, garlic powder, onion flakes, and maybe a hint of chili. But crosswords aren’t about listing ingredients; they’re about finding the
essence
of the thing, the word or phrase that encapsulates the concept in a neat, tidy package.
The length of the answer is, as always, a crucial piece of the puzzle. Too short, and it might be a single spice used in barbecue. Too long, and it could be a description of the blend’s purpose or intended flavour profile. I’ve already started counting the boxes, mentally sketching out possibilities and eliminating options that simply won’t fit.
Thinking about blends in general often brings to mind pre-mixed combinations designed for ease of use. These often carry a proprietary name, a catchy marketing term designed to stand out on the shelf. But the crossword world often favours the more classic and readily recognised.
Of course, the ‘barbecue’ part is the anchor here. I’m thinking of words often associated with the process: grilling, smoking, roasting. Maybe the blend enhances one of these methods specifically? Or perhaps it is meant to impart a very particular taste common with barbecue, like ‘sweet’ or ‘tangy’.
Then there is a potential geographical angle. Barbecue varies greatly across the US (and the globe). Memphis, Kansas City, Texas, the Carolinas; each region has its own unique take on the process and flavour profiles. If this blend has a regional connection, it might be a clue highlighting a particular style.
But is it too obvious? Crossword compilers often delight in misdirection, leading us down a seemingly logical path only to yank the rug out from under us with a clever twist. Could the clue be referencing something entirely different related to barbecue that I am failing to recognize?
I’m staring at the surrounding clues, hoping for some much-needed illumination. The intersecting letters are like whispers, hinting at potential solutions, but refusing to give away the game entirely.
This “Barbecue blend” clue is proving to be a real brain teaser. I have a feeling it’s going to take a bit more digging (and maybe a few more mental images of ribs) to finally crack this one. Stay tuned, puzzle lovers! I’ll be back with my thoughts once I have this one solved. Until then, happy puzzling!
Available Answers:
RUB.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Washington Post Crossword -Friday’s Daily By Wendy L. Brandes / Ed. Patti Varol