My D is an incredible cook and everything he does, he does first class.  When he says that he is going to slow roast ribs for Sunday dinner, the process starts the night before.  He pulled out a half dozen full racks of ribs from the freezer to defrost overnight in the sink. In the morning he mixed together this dry rub:

1/2 c paprika
1/4 c garlic powder
1/4 c mild chili powder (use medium or hot to kick up the heat)
3 T salt
3 T black pepper
2 T onion powder
2 T celery seeds
1 T brown sugar
1 T dried oregano
1 T dried thyme
3 t cumin
2 t dry mustard
2 t ground coriander
2 t ground allspice

Mix together all ingredients until well combined.  Approximately 1/2 was used for 6 racks of ribs.  Store the rest in an airtight container.  May be stored for up to 6 months.

Liberally rub the spice mixture all over the surface of the ribs. Place a variety of loosely chopped vegetables like carrots, celery, onions, etc. into the bottom of a roasting pan that has a bottom rack.  Pour in enough water to cover the veggies but not exceed the height of the rack.  Insert the rack over the veggie mixture and then place the ribs in a standing position onto the rack.  Cover with lid or aluminum foil.

Place in a preheated 350 degree over for at least four hours or until a rib bone comes loose from the meat when jiggled.  Cool completely.  Place on a hot barbecue grill and brush with your favourite barbecue sauce.

Kath’s quote:   “Was I catching the contagious enthusiasm of this Canadian? Was I truly euphoric at the sight of fresh-grilled pork?”-Professor M. Aronnax in Jules Verne’s ‘Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea”

I met Stella while I was teaching up in Thompson, Manitoba.  As is often the case, my students teach me as much I teach them.  I learned a great many things about living in the “north” and about perseverance when times are less than opportune. 

Stella has a catering business called Laurayne’s Catering Services and she was willing to share this prized recipe with me.  I have not had a chance to make it since I arrived home this past weekend but wanted to post it here, in case it turns to summer again soon.

I understand that the bannock can also be grilled on the barbecue or it can be skewered and cooked camp fire style.  We often have late night snacks around the campfire at the lake and I am going to for sure make these for the May Long weekend.

Kath’s quote: “A Hamburger is warm and fragrant and juicy. A hamburger is soft and nonthreatening. It personifies the Great Mother herself who has nourished us from the beginning. A hamburger is an icon of layered circles, the circle being at once the most spiritual and the most sensual of shapes. A hamburger is companionable and faintly erotic. The nipple of the Goddess, the bountiful belly-ball of Eve.” –Tom Robbins

From post: Daughter #2’s Favourite Salads

 

I loved sitting across from the BB-Q and watching the chef grill the meals to order. We enjoyed our conversation with the chef who told us lots about the varying cuisine found across Mexico. 

Earlier this year when the beach club at Playa Sol closed with no plan to reopen, I was sad to see it go and wondered what operator Sergio would do next. Well like a Phoenix, Limón has risen and Sergio looks healthier and happier than ever. It was great to see him in this location, where he can be close to his family and even tuck Max into bed everynight  

We had a really good visit with Sergio. We could see the passion he has for this place as he showed us photos of various menu items. The menu features some classics but also gets inventive featuring things like hibiscus tacos and offering a wide range of vegetarian items.

Limón is located on calle Lizeta just up the hill from the Super Epress in las Gloria.

Kath’s quote: “Appreciation is a wonderful thing; it makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well.” –Voltaire

D and I had both spent the day visiting our Moms.  I had plans that evening to attend a neighbourhood wine and cheese party.  In between though, D and I met for a quick supper and to watch the first period of the Jets game.

I have enjoyed lunch at The Grove Restaurant and Pub but never dinner.  We positioned ourselves side by side as couples sit in French cafes.  We were not feeling particularly romantic, we just both wanted a good vantage point of the TV screen.   The evening started with a couple of Rock Creek ciders and we had barely begun to quench our thirst when our dinner of appetizers arrived.  We were pleased with the kitchen’s timing.

The chevre and roasted pepper croquettes were milder than I imagined they would be.  I could taste a well blended bechamel but could not detect the sharpness of the goat cheese.  This was not because the pepperiness over powered the goat cheese (because the taste of a pequillo peppers is closer to a bell pepper than a chili pepper, despite their small size).

We really enjoyed the fish bites especially the haddock nuggets coated in panko flakes.  We prefer our salmon a wee bit rare and these were quite well cooked.  Happily, the accompanying curry sauce moistened the morsels for us.

The scallops were absolutely sublime!  Perfectly seared to our liking so that the surface was slightly crunchy but the inside was still almost translucent.  Topping the scallops was candied pork belly, and they were nestled upon caramelized apple & onion purée and a drizzle of lavender port syrup-oh my!

We met another Winnipeg Chef as they were leaving.  The sign of an exceptional restaurant is when other chefs choose to eat there.

Kath’s quote: “Scallops are expensive, so they should be treated with some class. But then, I suppose that every creature that gives his life for our table should be treated with class.”-Jeff Smith