July 4th BBQ

July 4th is a huge day for us, two of our four children have Birthday's in July so we always decorate and celebrate for the 4th. This 4th Kelly threw out her back and could not make her pork ribs first made famous by Chris Schlesinger of East Coast Grill. Our resident Chef R.D. stepped up to the plate and took on this daunting task.

After reading the recipe several times, R.D. got to work on the rub. We only had one guest this year (Grandma Connie a great chef in her own right) so only 3 slabs of ribs were needed. In the past Kelly has made 9 to 12 slabs, which were never served, the family stood around the BBQ and ate with out plates (savages). Even though I knew R.D. would be fine with the recipe, I think he took comfort in having Grandma with him in the kitchen. Every question he asked, R.D. knew the answer, I think he was just looking for reassurance. Soon Grandma became the sous-chef and R.D. put her to work chopping cilantro. Of course I eavesdropped on them in the kitchen, Grandma said that once RD makes it to television she will be his garden angel and go behind him cleaning up. R.D. said, "he would never have that, I will have "people" for that... like mama (ME!). Listening to them was very entertaining.


R.D. does well in the kitchen, like all the chefs on Food Network, he measures out all the ingredients and puts them into prep bowls. When doing this, more dishes for the dishwasher (Mama), but thank goodness we have a dishwasher. By doing this he really does not mess up many recipes. Which really helps me relax and I often do not think twice when having to purchase expensive ingredients.

R.D. had complete control of the food processor as he added ingredients and hit the pulse button. Once the rub was complete it was time to put it on the ribs. This was fun for R.D. and Grandma, it gave them a chance to laugh at his Aunt Mary Jean and myself, because the two of us do not like to touch raw meat. Once the slabs were ready into the oven they went for 3 hours.

After the hours upon hours of waiting and the house smelling of delicious melt in your mouth ribs, they were done. The next step is outside to the BBQ. They do not take very long on the grill, it is just getting the sauce to caramelize. For this step R.D. has to pass on the ribs and the sauce to his Dad. But, honestly I am not sure if he fully trusted Dad with the ribs. I am sure soon he will be taking command of even the outside kitchen.

All in all they were very good and R.D. was very proud of his work!