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How to Prepare For a BBQ Festival
Over the long weekend, while many of you were hosting barbecues of your own, I headed over to Sparks, NV, for the Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-Off, one of the country's largest outdoor barbecue events. I was more than stoked to chomp down on award-winning ribs all day long, but — given the scope of the festival and its four-hour driving distance from my house — I wanted to maximize my first experience there by being as prepared for the event as Michael Phelps was for the Summer Olympics. If you're planning on heading to a major barbecue festival (or any food extravaganza, for that matter), I've got some tips to share with you.
Racking Up Ribs at Nevada's Best in the West Cook-Off
How much do I love ribs? I'd say that I was probably born with one in my hand, that's how much I love them — and grilling up a distinctive ginger-infused batch of my own recently only heightened my desire to indulge more.
I've always had the itch to go to the Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-Off in Sparks, NV.
I Want My Baby Back Ginger-Glazed Ribs
Summer is not Summer without enjoying a finger-licking good rib dinner where you go through numerous napkins. Although I'm a sucker for traditional ribs covered with barbecue sauce, after seeing the cover of a recent Bon Appetit, I was dying to try their Cambodian rib variation. Rather than the traditional tomato-based sauce, this recipe uses a combination of fish sauce, soy sauce, honey, and a lot of fresh ginger!
Chow Down on Pork 'n' Mango Skewers
Skewers are quintessential Summer food. They cook quickly on the barbecue, keep the house cool, and bring everyone outside to enjoy the wonderfully warm weather! This recipe for ancho-chile-marinated pork skewered with mangoes is a perfect combination of spicy and sweet.
Sunday BBQ: Sirloin Salad With Cilantro
Lately I've enjoyed vegetables as the focus of my meal in dishes such as Caprese and corn and cotija salad. But I spotted sirloin steak on sale at the supermarket, so this weekend, it's going to be all about the beef.
Since my steak and pineapple salad was so well-received, I'm lighting up the coals for another salad tonight.
Sunday BBQ: Grilled Squid With Ginger, Celery, and Apple Slaw
After eating my way through the tasting tents at SF Chefs. Food. Wine this weekend, I'm looking forward to sitting down to a dinner that's light and healthy, but still full of flavor.
Stovetop Beans Two Ways — Beginner and Expert
Although these legumes were traditionally cooked low and slow in the oven, today's baked beans, as they're often called, are actually cooked on top of a stove for a faster preparation that doesn't compromise flavor. Shed even more cooking time by using canned beans — or save cash by rehydrating dry beans instead. Regardless of how you prepare this dish, bacon plays a crucial part in achieving a pronounced smokiness, while molasses and dark brown sugar add a sweet flavor and pleasing caramel color.
Noteworthy Nibbles — July 7-14, 2009
July's biggest holiday may have come and gone, but there's still so much to celebrate in the realm of Summer eats — whether it's salmon, sandwiches, or super-sized ketchup. Next Tuesday, don't forget to raise your glass to France's independence day. I plan to hightail it straight to my nearest French bistro to enjoy some moules frites.
Noteworthy Nibbles — June 30-July 7, 2009
You may feel like Summer is already almost over, but there's still plenty of time to get in some quality food festivals. This week, that would include the classic Taste of Chicago (full of reliable Windy City staples like the Rainbow Cone and Vienna Beef hot dogs), the Naperville Ribfest (hands-down, the best ribfest I have ever been to), and the ultimate celebration of tart cherries, the National Cherry Festival in Traverse City, MI. For those of you who can't attend one of the food festivals below, just remember: every 4th of July party is, indirectly, a celebration of food in itself.
Noteworthy Nibbles — June 23-30, 2009
It's almost July, and the palatable parties just keep coming. If you're a wine enthusiast, head over to Pinot Days or the Telluride Wine Festival. Beer more your thing?
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