Salsa & Shrimp

I also made homemade salsa this weekend, it was soooo yummy.  I'm not going to list the recipe, because I just threw it together.  I can tell you what's in it though. 
After I made the salsa, I took some cooked shrimp and added about 1/2 cup salsa and 2 tbsp ketchup to it, this is one of Matt's favorite dishes.

Ingredients in the salsa are;
tomatoes, onion, fresh garlic, bell pepper, jalapeno, cilantro, S&P, juice of a lime.

Kansas City Barbecued Ribs

We had a great weekend, cooked alot of good food and had alot of fun.  This was by far the best meal of the holiday weekend, top it off with a marshmellow roast and how could you go wrong??

We had Ribs, served with Jessica's Ranch Beans, grilled corn & cabbage cooked on the grill.
All recipes are listed.




Barbecued Ribs
2 - 5lb racks of pork spare ribs
1/4 cup paprika
1/4 cup brown sugar
4 tbsp chili powder
4 tbsp pepper
4 tsp garlic powder
4 tsp onion powder
2 tbsp + 2 tsp salt
Your favorite BBQ sauce ( I used Sweet Baby Ray's Original)

Mix all dry ingredients together to make rub. 
Rub ribs on both sides with mixture making sure to cover entire area, then place on large cookie sheet covered with heavy duty foil.  Refrigerate for 3 hours or overnight.
Cook ribs in oven, heated to 325* for 2 to 2-1/2 hours on cookies sheets.
After 2 hours start basting with BBQ sauce.
If desired place on grill to finish and let "crust" build.
Rub recipe courtesy of Cook's Country Magazine.









Cabbage Cooked on the Grill
1/2 head of cabbage, cut in two
2 slices good bacon, cut in half
Olive Oil
Salt & Pepper
Place cabbage on sheet of heavy duty foil, sprinkle lightly with olive oil and S&P to taste. Place bacon slices over cabbage.  Wrap in foil and place on grill.  Cook until desired doneness, about 10 minutes.

Grilled Corn on the Cob
Good Sweet Corn, husks removed and washed
Olive Oil
Salt & Pepper

Lightly cover corn with olive oil and sprinkle with S&P to taste.  Grill 5 minutes turning constantly to get an even "char".  (I let the corn sit on top rack while cabbage cooked to stay warm).

Marshmallow Roast!!!

This is the first time the kids have roasted marshmallows, and they had such a good time.

Yum ... Smores .........

Easy Strawberry Pie

The hardest part to making this pie is waiting to eat it .... It took me all of 20 minutes to make this pie and it was soooo yummy.

You will need;
2 lbs strawberries, rinsed and quartered
1 tub of strawberry glaze
1 pre-made pie shell
1 can whipped topping

Bake pie shell according to package instructions.  Let cool. 
Set aside 3 tbsp glaze.
After rinsing berries, dry and quarter, mix with glaze.
When crust is cool, coat bottom with 3 tbsp of glaze, add berry mixture.
Add whipped topping as desired.
Refrigerate for 30 minutes to set.
ENJOY!!

Jessica's Ranch Beans

Sometimes when I'm putting a recipe together, I amaze myself.  And these beans are one of those times.  I was very happy with the way they turned out, and I have to say are some of the best beans I've every tasted. Oh, and to warn you, these can be spicy depending on how hot your pepper is.  If you don't want spicy beans, use a green pepper.

You will need;
1 - 15oz can Baked Bean
1 - 15oz can Great Northern Beans, drained & rinsed
1 - 15oz can Black Beans, drained & rinsed
2 tbsp BBQ rub (see Kansas City Rib recipe)
1 tbsp brown sugar
1/4 cup BBQ sauce (I used Sweet Baby Rays Original)
1 medium sweet onion, chopped
1 small poblano pepper, seeded & finally chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced

Saute onion, pepper and garlic for 3-4 minutes.  Add beans and remaining ingredients.  Cook for 15-20 minutes on low heat.  Makes 4-6 servings.  Enjoy!!

Grilled Bratwurst w/ Caramelized Cabbage & Onions

This recipe will make 4 servings.
You will need;
4 bratwurst sausages
4 slices bacon, cut into small pieces
1 tbs spoon butter
1/2 head cabbage, shredded
1 vandalia onion, thinly sliced
2 scallions, thinly sliced
4 buns
mayo

In a large pan cook bacon until crispy. Remove bacon pieces.  In same pan, melt butter in bacon fat, add cabbage and onion.  Cook on medium heat until caramelized.  When done, remove from heat and add in cooked bacon and scallions.
While cabbage and onion cooks, grill brats.
Dress buns with mayo if desired, add brat and top with cabbage mixture.  Enjoy!!

Juiciest Hamburgers Ever!!

These hamburgers are unbelievably juicy, and the trick is not over-cooking them and a little butter hidden in the middle.

For 4 burgers you will need .....
2 lb ground beef, 80/20
4 tbsp butter
your favorite spices

There are two ways to do this, you can either;
Mix beef with your favorite spices (fastest way)  -OR- 
Mix spices with softened butter, make into a log and let chill (longer method)
After you decide which method to use;
Divide beef into 8 equal size patties.  Take 4 of the patties and top with 1 tablespoon of butter each.  Top with another remaining patty, making sure to seal all the way around the edges. This will give you 4 butter stuffed patties.
Sear patties on a hot grill for about 2-4 minutes on each side.  Watch carefully not to burn the patties.  Once perfectly grilled on each side place on heavy duty foil  and let remain on grill with heat off for 10-15 minutes, depending on the wellness you desire.  If you are using a charcoal grill, remove from grill altogether and put on a plate to rest.
Add whatever condiments you desire and enjoy!!

Family Inspiration - 30 May

Whenever we build our lives on values and principles that contradict the time-honored wisdom of God's Word, we are laying a foundation on the sand.

The Lord's promise is sure. He speaks no careless word; all he says is purest truth, like silver seven times refined.
Psalm 12:6