Rib Cook Off

Great weekend!
If you read my previous post you know that we were involved in a friendly rib cook off up at a friend's cottage this weekend.  It was hot and sunny and full of wonderful people.

Unofficially, we won from the chatter throughout the night. 
There are no "official" winners, we only go by who gets the most people going back for seconds and thirds.  We go by "everyone is a winner" attitude!!

But boys and their testosterone....
They turn into whiny little boys really.

I heard a few "that's not fairs" and "man, he won last year" and "we really should have ballots and trophys"
But it was all in good fun!

This year we had less people at the party, less people cooking ribs but the deck was still covered with bbqs and lots of full bellies.

To the newbie it is rather a funny site to see.
6 barbecues lining the deck and a few crock pots.  20 men brushing, grilling, shooting the breeze while throwing little jabs in about how their ribs are the best, not to mention the pre sampling.

I went along and snapped photos of each of the contest entries but strangely enough when I asked "so, what is your secret" I received little information.  Tight lipped men!

No one wanted to give up their recipes!?
Maybe because I suggested I was going to blog it - they didn't want someone stealing their ideas for next year.

I am not allowed to post Mr. BM's secret recipe either but I will tell you that he doesn't smoke them, which a few people did do.
I just couldn't tell what type of wood chips used.  They were whisked away quickly as I approached HAHA.

It's ok boys, I don't need your recipes, we have the winning one anyway ;)

Thanks to the host and hostess for opening up their home and property for the great time and amazing food as always.
Thanks to the men and women who partook in preparing wonderful pieces of deliciousness for all of us to try.
Thanks to my running shoes who now need to be laced up to get rid of the weight I just gained because of one night!!

Here are a few pictures from the weekend.

Outta Commission for a Few Days

HIYA!
or should I say LATER!

We are off this weekend to the cottage.
I am not sure our plans of returning home yet but there's no internet access so I won't be around to see all your comments on how much you miss me and the tunes I share.  I just know there will be many upon my return ;)

This weekend happens to be a long weekend for us Ontarians, one my extended family embraces to the fullest.

For the last 8 years (could be more) we've engaged in a big ole party by the lake.
It started off small, just close friends and some family.

It grew, quickly. 
People around the area started hearing about it (and the free food) and started flocking like seagulls.
It has been known as "The Jimmy Buffet Party".
Of course we serve "cheeseburgers in paradise", margaritas galore and everyone must wear Hawaiian shirts!!
We've had a live band play a few years as well - and when on break the Buffet is blasting on the ipods.

Then we moved.
The cottages that were rented for seasons past were a thing of just that - the past.
A few couples bought near the area and so the party moved.
It also changed slightly.

We still have burgers, we still have a bunch of people (back to friends and friends of friends and of course family), we still call it Buffet weekend but the newest tradition is the rib cookoff!

Each year it grows too.  Some years we have only had a few entries, this year we are hoping for at least 10!
Some are low and slow, some are baked, some are pork and some are beef.  But everyone who wants to sample gets some.

Of course Mr. BM is entering (I don't cook ribs - unless its crock pot because he's the master).
He doesn't disclose the ingredients either - ever.
But we won the last year entered!
I say we because I bought the ribs ;)

So, my next post after the weekend will be all things Jimmy Buffet party.
I'm hoping to get a few recipes to take home, some great pictures and to share our family tradition with you.

Whatever you do this weekend, be safe and have fun!
Peas Out


I'm Listening to: Cheeseburger in Paradise - Jimmy Buffet
Heaven on earth with an onion slice!

Ode To Green Beans Continues

I picked up more beans at the market on Friday.
Que'll surprise.
I'm obsessed.

Wanting to change things up a bit I went southern style.

BATTERED
FRIED

Got your attention?
Maybe this will.

We don't deep fry much (anymore), we don't even pan fry that often either, so this was more of a treat.
A delicious, crispy, side treat.
We paired this with chicken fingers which was first marinated in HeluvaGood dip and milk - uh YUM.

I'm Listening To: Hella Good - No Doubt  Thanks for the recommendation Learn, Laugh, Cook!