We had one of those weekends where everything went wrong. It happens to everyone, and it was our turn. We had planned to go to an auction in Mississippi at a plantation that was filled with antiques. Instead, after getting a business phone call about a problem, we spent all day running errands and going back and forth to the factory. By nightfall we were pooped and in a sour mood. My wife suggested a backyard cook-out. We grabbed some boneless country ribs, an assortment of veggies, and a few shrimp. A new discovery of ours is the Golden Flake “Sweet Heat” BBQ seasoning. A visit to the Golden Flake site (CLICK HERE) is interesting, but the new seasoning hasn’t made it online yet. This company has done a great job of promoting their products using the “Southern Flavor” angle.
Here is a shot of the lazy man’s quick cook-out. I am using some pecan wood from my back yard to add flavor by smoldering small branches on top of the elements of my cheap electric smoker. The ribs were seasoned with a 50/50 mix of Tiger seasoning (check old posts for details) and Sweet Heat. They developed a nice color, which can be seen in this poorly shot camera phone pic. We had great luck using the disposable expanded aluminum grill topper for cooking our zucchini, onions and mushrooms before we cooked the ribs.
We also used our backyard fire bowl to make things more festive. I am still amazed at the way this thing causes the wood to burn down to pure ash. Works great and gives off a soothing glow.
The heat was well into the 90s, so the dogs were eager to cool off. We gave them a chance to play in their kiddy pool—I guess that makes it a doggy pool—earlier in the day, and rewarded them with popsicles before bedtime. Although our Saturday plans were shot, the dogs were mighty happy with the extra attention. Under the circumstances, things ended up being cozy and fun.
