Weekly Cooking (and related issues) Thread

[Jamestown1630]

We were scheduled to attend a luncheon-function last Saturday; but we woke up tired to a very gray day, and weren't feeling terribly sociable; so we decided to ditch our plans, and go off on our own :-)

First, we were hungry. Someone on last week's cooking thread had mentioned pulled pork, and I was hankering for it; so we thought we'd check out a new eatery in the neighborhood: Mission Barbecue.

Decent BBQ places are few and far between in our area - the best local one was bought-out by a larger firm a couple of years ago, and we felt that the quality of food and service had deteriorated; so we were curious about this new 'Mission' place.

Almost as soon as we arrived at Mission and were standing in line to place our order, an announcement came over the PA system: everyone was asked to stand for the playing of the National Anthem. Apparently, Mission Barbecue, which is dedicated to celebrating the work of our Armed Forces, plays the Anthem every day at 12 noon. Everything in the kitchen stops, and everyone in the house stands. It was gratifying to see this take place - almost everyone stood and placed their hands over their hearts, and some were saluting. (I appreciated this very much, because I had begun to worry that respect for the flag and anthem were waning - the last time I attended a large ceremonial function, many of the older adults didn't even place their hands over their hearts while the anthem was played! But our experience at Mission was very different, and most of the people there were young adults - hope for the Future!)

The walls at Mission are covered in photographs of the exploits of the various Services, and a special area of wall is dedicated to September 11, and the FDNY and others who responded to the crisis.

Now: to the Food!

Living in the Mid-Atlantic and not traveling much, I've probably not been exposed to the best BBQ; but the pulled pork at Mission was wonderful to this untrained palate, very moist and well-flavored, and they give very generous servings; and the Mac-and-Cheese is also very good. But what amazed us was the cost: all of that food was very reasonably priced, and even though we bought two sturdy and reusable 'Wounded Warrior' drinking cups (proceeds go to the Project) we got out of there for less than $25.00 dollars for two people. An excellent meal for two, a good price, and a great community experience. (And I can't recall when I've been in a little eatery like this, where all of the employees were so friendly and engaging.)

I have no connection to this company; it's just a new chain restaurant that opened here not long ago, and I really enjoyed the food, and the ambience. So far, they seem to be only in the Mid-Atlantic and SE; but I predict that they will go far. If there's one in your area, try it out - and try to get there a little before noon, for the playing of the Anthem. Here is a link to their website:

http://mission-bbq.com

*********************************************************

Next stop was the Dollar Tree, where we shop about twice per year, basically for storage items. We found these cheerful cylindrical containers, with red screw-on tops and nice 'grippy' indentations on the side. I bought two, for storing whole wheat flour and powdered milk in the fridge, but will be going back for more. They are marked as BPA-free, dishwasher safe - and cost $1 each! They actually come in two sizes, one slightly smaller than this:

www.dollartree.com/Food-Snacks-Drinks/food-storage/Plastic-Canisters-with-Red-Twist-on-Lids-4-qt-/1149c512c512p359079/index.pro

*******************************************************

Our last stops were the drug and grocery stores, where all the Christmas stuff was also on sale for 50 to 75 per-cent off. We bought all the ribbon, wrapping paper, gift card containers, and some great ornaments that we will need next year, for less than twelve bucks, at the drugstore. DO NOT BUY this stuff new every year! Buy it after the holidays for next year, and save a bundle! I've been doing this for decades, and haven't had to pay full price for any Christmas decor, wrapping, cards, etc. You just have to have the energy to get out there, after the holiday, and beat all the rest of the knowledgeable horde :-)

The grocery store also had Christmas specialties at great reductions. A few weeks ago, some of us got to talking about Fruitcake - which isn't very popular nowadays, but there are lots of us who still like it - and I promised to post my old-fashioned recipe.

Since my husband and I are the only ones in our circle who really like this, I usually buy the fruit and nuts AFTER the first of the year, when they are on sale at a great discount - and those dried fruits have a shelf life of a couple of years, so buying them AFTER Christmas gives you all the fruit you need for next year, if you still make fruitcake 'in season' ;-).

I make our cakes in January, and cut them into slices that are then vacuum-packed, and we enjoy fruitcake all year. But if someone might really like a fruitcake for next year's Christmas, I've got all the fruit I'll need.

Here is a link to the recipe that I've used for years - it comes out just like the fruitcakes that I remember from the 1950s and '60s:

http://www.paradisefruitco.com/candied-fruit-recipes/90-holiday-fruitcake-recipe

All in all, a pretty productive weekend, if not according-to-plan :-)

-JT

[Liz]

Trisha Yearwood makes a deelish pineapple tea w/ pineapple ice cubes.

Drain canned cubed pineapple. Add the juice to a pitcher of tea.
Freeze pineapple cubes in ice cube trays filled w/ water.

SERVE Fill mason jars w/ pineapple tea and pineapple ice cubes.

[Trillian]

I just put pork in a slow cooker and add the following:
Garlic, onions, a touch of white wine and salt. When done, shred pork and add Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce, mix well and cook a touch more.
Serve over your favorite buns with or without provolone.

[samiam1972]

Could you add me to your ping list? I’m trying to feed an army over here and get sick of the same thing over and over. Too tired to be creative! Thanks!

[Jamestown1630]

I’ll add you to the list. You’ll definitely get a lot of ideas from the Freepers here!

-JT

[Jamestown1630]

Everyone seems to like Sweet Baby Ray’s. I’ll have to try it next time.

-JT

[nascarnation]

Here in midwest they even sell it at Menards.

[Jamestown1630]

My favorite is the Devil’s Spit at Famous Daves; but it’s very hot-spicy and different:

http://www.amazon.com/Famous-Daves-BBQ-Devils-Spit/dp/B00474N5N4

-JT

[Trillian]

I tasted it for the first time at a state fair about 18 years ago and have been hooked ever since. I wasn’t much of a BBQ sauce fan until then.

[nascarnation]

Probably a bit too high octane for my old gullet, but may give it a shot just to see. Thanks

[Marcella]

Report on Johnny (JRandomFreeper)

I just had a call from Patience, Johnny’s niece, and there is now a VA nurse at his house 24 hrs. a day. He has not eaten since last Saturday and cannot swallow, except for liquid. He is now being given liquid meds to control pain. He is totally bedridden now and sleeps most of the time and seldom can speak words.

She says he is calm and peaceful. Johnny is leaving us now. He lived a life of action and fought for his country in the military in two wars.

Let us pray his passing continues to be peaceful.
Marcella

[Jamestown1630]

Thank you, Marcella; I am so grateful that Johnny is peaceful. I have an elderly friend going through the same thing now, and it is such a blessing that she is comfortable and not in pain.

-JT