Celebrating with Food

Memorial Day was spent in the kitchen, hanging outside, grilling and feeding lots of hungry boys lots of barbecue ribs. We splurge on ribs twice a year – Memorial Day and July 4th. I hate to admit I love barbecue ribs. Maybe part of my love is that the preparing, cooking and eating with family and friends is such a symbol of these two great Holidays. Or maybe it’s just that they taste darn good!

I also splurged on making my grandmother’s Potato Salad. This is another summer food that is a splurge and it aways makes me think of her. I even make it in an old bowl that she used for the very same thing. So, here are some food pics and two good recipes! (You don’t have to wait for a Holiday for either of these. They are perfect for a summer cookout anytime!)

(Bigmama’s) Potato Salad

2 Tb. vinegar
1 tsp sugar
1/4 tsp pepper
1 Cup celery, chopped
4 Cups cooked, peeled and cubed potatoes
1/2 Cup chopped onion
2 hard boiled eggs, chopped
1 Tb yellow mustard (secret ingredient!)
1/4 Cup (or more) sweet pickle relish (another secret ingredient – if you have homemade pickles it is even better!)
1 Cup Light Mayo (or plain Greek yogart to be healthier)
Salt to taste
Paprika

In a large bowl stir together all ingredients saving Paprika for a sprinkle on the top.
Mix well; cover and chill.

I love lots of celery for the crunch

I used Spring Onions rather than regular onions. I love a little mustard and the sweet pickles.

The finished product – with a little paprika on the top.

Now to the ribs. We trimmed the fat and rinsed them well. Sprinkled them with garlic powder, Season Salt and Pepper, covered and let chill for a few hours. Then we put them in the oven at 250 degrees for three hours. Then they were ready to put on the grill and basted with great BBQ Sauce.

Here’s the recipe:

BBQ Sauce

32 oz low sodium ketchup
16 oz water
1 beer
6 oz brown sugar
6 oz white sugar
1 T black pepper
1 T dry mustard powder
2 oz lemon juice
2 oz Worcestershire sauce
8 oz apple cider vinegar

Combine all sauces in a large pot and bring to a boil over high heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Reduce to low and simmer uncovered for at least 30 minutes. Baste the ribs as they cook frequently.