Barbecuing Memories

Several years ago, Bob, my son Mikey and my nephews Rob and Larry decided to have a cook-off. (I told you we were all competitive in the kitchen!) It was August and about 105 in the shade here in the city of the sun – El Paso. We set up a couple of grills and the BBQ competition began.

This post is really about my son Michael, Mr. BBQ, Jr. He loves to barbecue, just like his father. I love looking at pictures of him when he was just a baby. Look.

Now he’s all grown up. He got his degree from UTEP, has an excellent career, is married to my wonderful daughter-in-law Jennifer and has a love of video games, cars, all gadgets of a digital nature, and Barbecuing.
Back to the BBQ Cook-off. Da Boys grilled their hearts out – then jumped into the pool to cool off. We invited some family and friends to judge the entries. These guys were serious.

Surprisingly, Bob won for his now (family) famous Ribs and Homemade BBQ sauce. Mikey came in second for his BBQ Chicken. I declared them all winners, the food was fantastic. As you can imagine Lily and I supplied the sides and desserts.

We took a picture of the four smoky-hot grilling maniacs.
Not long after I had this picture up for all to see, I got an email from my son with a picture back.
He said I had messed up the photograph and had just “cleaned it up” for me. Well, what he did was switch faces all around so that he would be shown as Mr. BBQ. I tell you, these kids don’t have anything better to do!

But it didn’t stop there. I’m always putting up pictures of my kids on the computer, just like you guys do. Here's one I had of the two of them. He looks like a giant next to Lily.

Sometimes I alternate between them. So, my son said he had the solution.
Half him...half her!!!

Am I sad that he and Jenn moved to Dallas? Yes a little. Am I sad that Lily is moving to Dallas to finish school? Yes a little. But both my children will be in the same city and they will be able to watch over each other. PLUS, when I go visit, I can see them both at the same time. I was feeling a little guilty about always posting about my daughter while making few references to my son. If you haven't gotten the idea yet, I adore my kids. Bob and I are very blessed to have them.

May your relationship with your children be strong and loving. May it last as long as you do. Hugs to everyone. Here is a photo and the recipe for the real Mr. BBQ Winner...Bob.
Ribs with Bob's BBQ Sauce

Ribs, ribs, ribs, as many as you want, beef or pork
1 recipe Bob's BBQ Sauce, recipe follows

Bob's BBQ Sauce

1 medium onion, finely chopped
¾ cup tomato sauce
¼ cup ketchup
3 tablespoons brown sugar
3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
½ tablespoon vinegar
½ tablespoon apple cider
¼ cup water
Dash of pepper
3 tablespoons pineapple juice
1 tablespoon pineapple bits
Juice from ½ a lemon
2 teaspoons mustard
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Sauté onion in unsalted butter until soft but not brown, about 5 minutes on low medium heat. Add remaining ingredients one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Simmer on low heat for 20 minutes.

Prepare the night before barbecue and allow to thicken overnight in refrigerator.Ribs:Boil ribs in beef broth or seasoned water for one hour (that's one hour after the water starts to boil), covered, over medium low heat. Prepare grill 15 minutes before ribs are done boiling. Boiling the ribs does three very good things for the meat: it gives it flavor, it tenderizes it and it then takes much less time on the grill and avoids burning the meat.

Place ribs on medium heat on the grill for 5 minutes on each side. Then, put heat to low and generously mop barbecue sauce over tops. Turn frequently and each time you turn them over, add more barbecue sauce. Cook until desired doneness of meat and the barbecue sauce is just moist. Serve with anything...and lots of napkins!

Here's a picture of the second place winner...Mikey's BBQ Chicken.