BBQ PORK & (Bacon, Bacon Cowboy) BEANS

Certain meals are not simply digested for nutritional value; some were in fact legendary memories.

You know, that memory of my sister making the best Liver & Onions with Gravy. That was so good, I had to lick the plate clean. Or my Aunt Forestine making, well anything, such as Green Rice, BBQ Sausage or Beans.

Everyone in our family made Beans. Back then, a package of dried beans was less than $1.00. Boil it with some Neck bones, Ham Hocks or Bacon, and you have a cheap meal that could feed a lot of hungry kids.

Forestine’s Beans were different. They were creamier than the normal Beans (gasp, which Mom made).

I asked her for the secret to her creamy Beans. The answer was Bacon Fat.

Emeril Lagasse did not lie when he said: Pork Fat rules!

Bacon can add that punch to most meals. Bacon is the star in my most memorable meal: Potato Digger Fritters!

You know your meal is popular when it is often requested.

I made my Bacon, Bacon Cowboy Beans last week, and had the final bowl on Monday. I love an All-in-One meal that has a protein, vegetable and side dish that fits inside one bowl. Instead of having everything spread out. Because I tend to eat more, when it is spread out.

Yesterday was busy, yet I had planned to make my Naan Puttanesca Pizza. Perhaps, I will blog that soon?

I was bagging some make a-head meals. BBQ Country Ribs and Greek Lemon Chicken, using Stubb’s Marinade. I put the chicken in the freezer.

I was going to freeze the ribs, but since it was so late, I decided to cook the ribs, because the pizza required more prep time.

And with ribs, I only had to cook them for 5 minutes per side in olive oil, then cover and cook slowly for 30 minutes with broth and BBQ sauce.

It was delicious with a side salad and toasted bread to sop up the BBQ gravy.

I also de-glaze the pan, before adding the liquids. But like a “Baby Chef” I remove the pan from the fire for a few minutes, before adding Vinegar and or Cooking Sherry. I made a mistake last year by adding the Cooking Sherry too soon, and my pot flared up. That looks dramatic, when a chef does that on a cooking show. But if you cooking alone, that could turn scary, if a fire were to happen.

This blog is a shout out to my Aunt Forestine, who was a fantastic chef, ahead of her time! She bought flavor, seasoning and style to all of her dishes. Her cooking went beyond just cooking the meal. She created a “gourmet” delight that you would never forget.

BBQ PORK INGREDIENTS:

1. Pork Ribs or Country Ribs, 1 lb.

2. Stubb’s Pork Marinade: Chili, Lime & Ginger 1 oz.

3. Stubb’s BBQ: Hickory Bourbon, ½ to 1 cup

4. Liquid Smoke, ½ teaspoon

5. Beef Broth, 1 cup

6. Olive Oil, ¼ cup or less

7. Apple Cider Vinegar and/or Cooking Sherry, ¼ cup

8. Garlic, diced, 1 clove

9. Onions, Frozen, Diced, ¼ cup

BBQ PORK INSTRUCTIONS:

Marinade the Pork with Liquid Smoke. Garlic and Stubb’s Marinade package for at least 30 minutes. I did this before, for 3 days and it was better than the 30 minute marinade. More tender, more flavor. I use a Ziploc Gallon bag.
Heat the skillet for a few minutes, and then add the Olive Oil then Pork. Reserve the Garlic.
Turn 5 minutes per side
De-glaze with Vinegar and/or Cooking Sherry (I remove the pan from the heat for a few minutes, so I won’t get the flare up, LOL)
Add Onions, Garlic and Broth
Cover and simmer for 30 minutes on low
Chow down with some toasted bread and pickles!

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Check out the sample and get your copy here: Audible.com The Vampire Dancer Saga Part 4 Audiobook

The Vampire Dancer Saga Parts 1, 2, 3 and 4 are all Audiobooks now available at Audible.com and iTunes (click the word Audible or iTunes to open link to store).

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