MARTIAL ART MANIA

You heard right.  Martial art craze embraced the Spalding family.  It all started a few months ago with Luke taking classes at the martial art school a few blocks from their home.  Soon Jacob joined him and right after Brian made his debut.  From there it accelerated to 7 days a week with training, practicing, fund raisers, playtime and tournaments.

I personally admire the dedication they put into this Sport, but there is one downside, it has cut tremendously into our time of enjoyment with our grandchildren. This sounds a little selfish, but I guess that's life. 
At this time Luke and Jacob are proud owners of a yellow belt and Brian will test next week to receive his.
2 months ago they went to a tournament in Canada receiving a few medals and 4 weeks ago they had a tournament here in St Louis where their school won the grand price.

Let the tournament begin

Fully concentrated Brian

Ready for action

Gold medal for Luke

Gold medal for Jacob

Car wash fund raiser

Fun Day at 50* Fahrenheit: sliding into mud as team building

a not very happy Jacob

Group picture at Fun Day

Part of Jacobs test to receive his yellow belt

We just got word that Windy will also join them in the practicing of martial art in the near future.

O well, so much for seeing our grand children.

EVERYBODY IS GRILLING

  

  I would like to attempt to help all master grillers arrive at a constant, high quality product.  I am talking about         

Barbecue Pork Ribs

I have tried a lot of barbecue pork ribs prepared entirely on the barbecue grill and you guessed it,  some good, some bad, some barely eatable, but nothing outstanding.

There is a pressure smoker available for commercial use for about $5000, which produces the best ribs in the world !!

This brings me to share my version of cooking delicious ribs and making all the master griller's lives easier.

It takes 90 minutes preparation time and only  20 minutes grilling time.

Mise en place

Baby back ribs

Roasting pan, icing grate (grill rack), aluminum foil

Onion, celery, beer of your favorite flavor ( I recommend Heineken)

Seasoning rub, your choice of barbecue sauce ( I recommend "Sweet Baby Ray`s)

You can buy seasoning rub in any grocery store or you can shine by making your own. (your secret)

I use:     Paprika, black pepper, Jamaican jerk seasoning, very little salt, hacomat, garlic powder, cayenne, chili powder and fresh finely chopped herbs ( rosemary, thyme, cilantro )

You can make a large amount of this rub, just leave out the fresh herbs adding them every time you make ribs or even any kind of roast.

Preparation

1,   Chop onion and celery in large pieces and place in roasting pan

2,   Top with icing grates (grill rack)

3,   Rub ribs and place on top of grate

4,   Pour beer over ribs

5,   Cover pan tightly with aluminum foil

6,   Place in  350 degree oven for 90 minutes

7,   Remove and let cool

Step 1 to 7 can be prepared in the morning or even the night before.

8,   Cover ribs with barbecue sauce and place on low heat charcoal grill for about 10 minutes

      on each side or until barbecue sauce is caramelized.

Serve and enjoy the reaction of your guests.