Rib Dry Rub and BBQ Sauce

Pork ribs

Friends of ours hold an annual rib cook off where we all compete for first place and bragging rights!  The dry rub and BBQ sauce that we came up with this year only got us 2nd place at the rib cook off, but 1st place at our family table.  They work perfectly for both pork and beef ribs - so if you are a lover of a traditional BBQ sauce flavour with your ribs, this is for you!!!

Beef ribs

RIB DRY RUB & BBQ SAUCE

Ingredients (Dry Rub)

3 tbsp Kosher salt

2 tbsp chili powder

2 tbsp packed, dark brown sugar

1 tbsp smoked paprika

1 tbsp hot paprika

1 tbsp garlic powder

1 tbsp onion salt

2 tsp ground mustard

1tsp black pepper

Ingredients (BBQ Sauce)

3 tsp oil

1 finely diced cooking onion

2 finely diced garlic cloves

1 cup ketchup

1/2 cup apple cider vinegar

1/4 cup maple syrup

1 tsp liquid smoke

1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp blackstrap molasses

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

2 large racks of beef or pork ribs

BBQ sauce prior to pureeing

Pureed BBQ sauce - YUMMY!

• Pat ribs dry with paper towel.  Flip rack over so back side of the ribs is facing up.  Using a butter knife, gently ease the thin silverskin from the back of the bones.  Using a paper towel, grasp the silverskin and pull off of the bones and discard.  This will ensure your ribs are more tender and cook evenly.
• Combine all ingredients for the dry rub and rub the back, front and edges of the ribs thoroughly.  Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 to 24 hours (24 hours is recommended)
• Remove ribs from fridge and bring to room temperature. Tightly wrap ribs in foil and place in a 250F oven on a cookie sheet, for 2 to 3 hours (pork ribs), or 3 to 4 hours (beef ribs).
• Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat oil and saute the onions for the sauce over medium low heat until golden brown.  Add garlic and stirring constantly to prevent burning, saute for approximately 5 minutes longer.
• Add rest of ingredients, combine and simmer for 10 mins.  Let cool slightly and put into a blender.  Puree until smooth.
• After the ribs have cooked in the oven for the desired amount of time, open the foil and brush ribs all over with the BBQ sauce.
• Place on a BBQ grill over medium heat, or back into the oven.  As the sauce caramelizes, brush more on and remove from heat.  
• Let the rack rest for 10 mins before cutting into either one or two bone servings.  
• Serve with a side dish of the BBQ (in case anyone wants saucier ribs!!)
• ENJOY!

*I have found that stating the ribs in the oven and finishing on the grill provides not only the best flavour, but fall off the bone ribs!

Cobb Salad with Vinaigrette Dressing

I think my favourite salad is a Cobb Salad simply because it has so many ingredients that I love all put together in such a colourful and beautiful display!  Traditionally this is served with a creamy dressing, but this lighter vinaigrette is so delicious that you won't imagine putting anything else on top of your salad!!

COBB SALAD WITH VINAIGRETTE DRESSING

Ingredients:

DRESSING

1/4 cup red wine vinegar

2 tsp salt

1 tsp lemon juice

1 small garlic clove, minced

1 tsp coarsely ground black pepper

3/4 tsp Worcestershire sauce

1/4 tsp sugar

1/4 tsp dried mustard powder

3/4 cup of grapeseed or avocado oil

1/4 cup olive oil

SALAD

1 large container of mixed greens (choose one with 'sturdier' leaves like romaine, kale and endive)

2 baked chicken breasts, diced

2 medium tomatoes, diced (I used a mixture of a small yellow,red and orange tomatoes for colour)

3 hard boiled eggs, sliced

1/2 cup blue cheese, crumbled

6 strips of bacon, cooked and diced

• In a blender combine the first 8 ingredients for the dressing.  Slowly add the oils in a steady stream.  Place in a serving container and set aside.
• Cover a large serving platter with the mixed greens.  Arrange the chicken, tomatoes, eggs, cheese and bacon over the greens in rows. Grind black pepper over top.
• Serve with the dressing and ENJOY!

Giant Yorkshire Dinner

This is a fantastic meal to make whenever you have leftover pot roast with gravy, onions, potatoes and carrots!!!  Easy, delicious and economical.  (I used the recipe from my Slow Cooker Roast Beef post for the original pot roast meal)

 GIANT YORKSHIRE DINNER

Ingredients:

1 cup cooked beef, shredded or cubed

1/2 cup cooked diced potato

1/2 cup cooked diced carrot

1 cooked diced onion

1/2 cup water

1 1/2 cups leftover beef gravy, divided

4 tsp Worcestershire sauce

1 1/2 tsp onion powder

3/4 tsp garlic powder

2 tbsp. butter (or margarine)

1 cup milk

2 eggs

1 cup flour

1/4 tsp salt

1/8 tsp black pepper

• Combine meat, vegetables, water, 1/4 cup gravy, Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp onion powder and 1/4 tsp garlic powder.  Set aside.
• Put butter in a deep dish 10" pie plate and place in a cold oven.  Turn heat to 425F.
• Puree milk, eggs, flour, salt and pepper in a blender container at high speed for 45 seconds, or until thoroughly combined.
• Remove pie plate from the oven and pour the batter in the plate.  Spoon meat and vegetables into the centre of the pie plate.
• Place casserole in the oven for 30 minutes being careful not to open the oven door at that time as it will cause the Yorkshire to drop like a souffle!
• While casserole is baking, heat remaining 1 cup gravy with remaining 1/2 tsp onion powder and 1/2 tsp garlic powder until hot.
• Serve casserole topped with gravy and ENJOY!

Winter Squash, Sausage & Feta Bake

I found this recipe in "Taste of Home" magazine (it actually won 1st place in their Oct/Nov 2012 edition!!)  and since I had a butternut and acorn squash I decided to give it a whirl...it was delicious! The kids weren't big fans as they don't love chunks of squash, but Greg and I thoroughly enjoyed it!

WINTER SQUASH, SAUSAGE & FETA BAKE

Ingredients:

1lb Italian sausage meat

2 large onions, chopped

1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, divided

1/4 cup olive oil

2 tsp minced fresh rosemary

1 1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp black pepper

1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded and cut into 1" cubes

1 medium acorn squash, peeled, seeded and cut into 1" cubes

2 cups crumbled feta cheese (ran out of goat feta so used grated goat cheddar instead)

2 small sweet red peppers, chopped

• Heat oven to 375F.
• In a large skillet over medium high heat, cook sausage, onions and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes for 8 to 10 minutes, or until sausage meat is no longer pink and onions are tender.  Drain off fat.
• In a large bowl combine the olive oil, rosemary, salt, Worcestershire sauce, pepper, and remaining pepper flakes.  Add butternut and acorn squash, cheese, red peppers and sausage mixture.  Toss to coat.
• Transfer to an ungreased large shallow roasting dish.  Cover and bake for 35 minutes.  Uncover and bake 10 to 15 minutes longer or until squash is tender.
• ENJOY!          

Kale Caesar Salad

As you know I'm always on the look-out for recipes that are not only quick and tasty but also nutritious, so when Greg saw this in his "Men's Health" magazine I pounced on it!  All the family loves Caesar salad and by adding kale the nutritional quality of this salad goes through the roof!  Kale is very high in beta carotene, vitamin K, vitamin C, lutein, and rich in calcium.  It also contains potent anti-cancer properties and chemicals that boost DNA repair in cells.  Since cooking kale does somewhat reduce all these nutrients, eating it raw in this recipe ensures you receive the maximum benefit..all good stuff and a great way to start off the new year!!!

KALE CAESAR SALAD

Ingredients:

1 egg yolk*

Juice of 1 lemon

2 garlic cloves, chopped

2 tbsp red wine vinegar

1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

1/2 tsp anchovy paste (optional)

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)

1/4 cup grapeseed oil

1/4 cup grated Parmesan or Romano cheese

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

2 - 3 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled (optional)

1 large bunch of kale

• In a food processor, blend the egg yolk, lemon juice, garlic, red wine vinegar, Worcestershire sauce and anchovy paste;  gradually add the oils with the food processor running, until the dressing becomes thick and creamy.  Stir in the cheese and season with salt and pepper.
• Holding the stem of the kale leaf, pinch the stem with your thumb and forefinger of your opposite hand and run it from the bottom to the top of the leaf, stripping the leaf from the stem.  Do this for each leaf.  Roughly chop or tear the leaves to bite-sized pieces and place in a large salad bowl.  
• Toss the kale with the dressing, top with more cheese and crumbled bacon, if using!  

*Ensure when eating raw egg yolks that you get your eggs from a trusted source to minimize your risk of foodborne illness.     

Slow Cooker Beef Stew

I am having a bit of a love affair with my slow cooker lately!  I just enjoy being able to plop all the ingredients into it, covering the dish and leaving it all day.  When it is dinnertime, VOILA!  Dinner is ready and I'm not spending tons of time in the kitchen (instead I am using it much more effectively by helping the kids do their homework...sigh!) 
This is one of my go-to easy peasy beef stews which has a changeable recipe depending on what root vegetables I have.  Sometimes for kicks I throw in parsnips, sweet potatoes, and turnips!  Experiment with whatever you have in your vegetable bin and try it for yourself!

SLOW COOKER BEEF STEW

Ingredients:

2 lbs stewing beef, in 1/2" cubes

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

 1 1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1 tsp paprika

1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

2 cups beef stock

1 garlic clove, chopped or minced

1 bay leaf

4 carrots, diced (or 1 lb bag of whole baby carrots)

2 onions, diced

1 rib celery, diced

3 potatoes diced in 1" cubes

2 cups tomatoes, diced

• Place meat in the slow cooker. 
• Combine flour, salt, and paprika in a small bowl.  Stir into meat until coated well.
• Gently stir in remaining ingredients, combining well.
• Cover.  Cook on low for 8 to 10 hours, or high for 3 to 4 hours.
• Stir well before serving and ENJOY!

*I generally prepare this in the morning so I can cook it on low - I just find that this low and slow cooking style makes the beef far more tender than cooking it on high!*

Slow Cooker Roast Beef with Carrots & Potatoes

With the cooler weather upon us, I decided to bust-out my slow cooker and give it a work out!  Since I still had quite a few carrots and potatoes from my CSA share, as well as a lovely cross-rib roast of beef in my freezer (also from Cooper's CSA Farm & Maze), I decided roast was on the menu!
The cooking time may seem excessively long, but trust me - even though the roast is technically cooked perfectly after 7 or 8 hours, leaving it to cook until the full 10 really makes it super tender and produces an amazing gravy!

SLOW COOKER ROAST BEEF WITH CARROTS & POTATOES

Ingredients:

2lb cross rib roast

2 to 3 tbsp all-purpose flour

Salt & pepper

1 tbsp EVOO

2 cups of good quality beef stock

2 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce

1 onion, sliced into 1/4" thick slivers

20 small carrots (I approximate 5 per person)

4 - 6 medium sized potatoes scrubbed and cut into 1" chunks with the skin on

• Wash and pat roast dry.  Combine salt and pepper (to taste) with flour in a bowl.  Heat the extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) over medium-high heat in a large skillet.  While you are waiting for the oil to get to temperature, rub the flour all over the roast.  Place the roast in the skillet and brown all sides.  Remove from heat.
• In a slow cooker, set on low heat, place the carrots on the bottom of the pot, the roast on top of the carrots and onions all around the meat.  Pour the beef stock and Worcestershire sauce over top. 
• Cover and set to cooking for 8 hours (resist the temptation to open the lid as this dramatically lowers the temperature...but the aroma is incredible!)  Check periodically to ensure there is enough gravy.  If it seems it is evaporating, add more beef stock in 1 cup increments.
• Immerse the potatoes in the stock around the roast.  Place the lid back on and cook for another 2 hours.
• After 10 hrs of cooking on low, switch off the slow cooker and remove the roast. Place on a cutting board to rest.  With a slotted spoon remove the vegetables and keep warm in a serving dish.  Pour the gravy into a small saucepan.  Place over medium-high heat and reduce by half so the gravy thickens a little.
• Carve the roast and serve on a bed of the roasted vegetables with the rich gravy drizzled over top!
• ENJOY!

*What we like to do with leftovers is make beef dip sandwiches for dinner the next evening, with sauteed onions!!!  YUMMY!

*For the Brussels sprouts I simply trimmed and sliced them in half, tossed them in olive oil and lemon pepper and placed them on a rimmed baking sheet.  Then they were baked in the oven for 20 mins at 375F,  and turned once halfway through to ensure even roasting.  This is simple and quick (and I have had several requests for my 'recipe' for these Brussels!  LOL!)

Meatballs with Pepper Sauce

Unfortunately I don't have a photo of this dish (I promise to take one the next time I make these!), but so many people requested this recipe be posted I decided to do it immediately so as not to upset my friends!!!

Meatballs with Pepper Sauce

Ingredients:

1 cup milk

1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

1 envelope of onion soup mix

2 lbs ground beef

SAUCE:

1/2 lb sliced fresh mushrooms

1 -1 /2 cups ketchup

3/4 cup packed brown sugar

3/4 cup water

1/2 cup chopped green peppers

1/2 cup chopped sweet red or yellow peppers

2 tbsp chopped red onions

1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• In a large bowl, combine the milk, Worcestershire sauce and soup mix. Crumble beef over mixture and mix well. Shape into 1" balls.
• Place meatballs on a rack in a shallow baking pan and broil 4-6" from the heat for 5 to 8 minutes (or until meatballs are browned).
• In a large pot or slow cooker on high, combine sauce ingredients. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat; add meatballs and stir gently.
• Simmer for 1 hr or until meat is no longer pink.