Doubly Delicious Grilled Chicken

While I realize barbecue season is over, I have yet to throw in the tongs. 
This is one of my favourite recipes because it's fairly versatile. I've made this sauce countless times (occasionally without all of the ingredients) and have never been disappointed. If you don't have a grill, you can make it in the oven instead - I've done this when I run out of propane!

Double-time Barbecued Chicken

Inspired by "Triple Play Barbecued Chicken" from Weber's Way to Grill

Your Shopping list:

SAUCE

2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
½ cup finely chopped white or yellow onion
2 tsp minced garlic
1 cup ketchup
½ cup lemon-lime soda 
¼ cup fresh lemon juice
¼ cup packed golden brown sugar
2 Tbsp dijon mustard

RUB

2 tsp paprika

1 tsp kosher salt

Finely grated zest of 1 lemon

½ tsp garlic powder

½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

8 chicken drumsticks

What to do with it:

1. Prepare your grill for both direct and indirect cooking over medium heat
2. Cook oil, onion and garlic for about 10 minutes, or until golden over medium heat in a medium saucepan
3. Stir in the remaining sauce ingredients and bring to a boil
4. Stirring often, reduce heat to low and simmer until slightly thickened, about 10 to 15 minutes.
5. Meanwhile, mix together the rub ingredients and coat the chicken pieces evenly
6. Place chicken on the grill, skin side down, over direct medium heat
7. Grill for 8-10 minutes, with the lid closed as much as possible, turning occasionally
8. Move to indirect heat for an additional 25 minutes
9. Brush chicken with the sauce and grill over direct heat for approximately 10 minutes. Continue turning and brushing the chicken until juices run clear and the meat is no longer pink at the bone
10. Heat remaining sauce so that it is safe to serve alongside the chicken and your favourite salad!

The Tastiest Taters

Have I mentioned that I love barbecuing? Pretty much everything I eat tastes better on the grill, and this recipe is no exception. That being said, if you find yourself grill-less, this tasty potato salad can also be made in the oven. The great thing about this recipe is that it tastes delicious hot, warm, or cold. It can be made ahead of time which will save you the effort of timing your meal perfectly (something I fail at).

Pistachio Pesto Potatoes

From Weber's Way To Grill
Serves: 4-6
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes (half boiled, half grilled)

Your Shopping List:

1 garlic clove
1 cup tightly packed fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup shelled unsalted pistachios
1/2 cup mayo
2 tsp white wine vinegar
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

8 medium potatoes (the original recipe calls for yellow potatoes, but I've used various kinds)
kosher salt (if you don't have kosher, regular will do)
2 large red or yellow pepper
2 Tbsp olive oil
freshly ground black pepper
2 Tbsp torn fresh basil, optional

What to do with it:

Pesto

1. In small food processor, mince garlic cloves
2. Add basil and pistachios, and pulse until they are finely chopped
3. Mix these ingredients together with the mayo and white wine vinegar
4. Set aside until your vegetables are cooked 

Veggies

1. Cut washed, unpeeled potatoes in half lengthwise and then in thirds and place in a large pot
2. Cover potatoes with water and bring to a boil
3. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook potatoes for 5-10 minutes, or until barely tender
4. Cut peppers into 3 inch chunks
5. Drain water and toss the potatoes and peppers in olive oil and salt
6. Pre-heat the grill and a grill pan to medium
7. Grill the potatoes and peppers over direct heat for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the potatoes are nicely seared
8. Remove from heat and return to the pot or a new bowl
9. Toss veggies with pesto and garnish (optional)
10. Eat them now or wait until later!

Ribs Worth Rubbing

This one time I made ribs and they were absolutely disgusting. I spent all afternoon making them and they were so gross even Matt wouldn't eat them -so into the garbage they went. That was about three years ago, before I knew how to find a good recipe and alter it to suit my tastes. I've made this rib rub & sauce combo a handful of times and it has been a hit with everyone who has tried it. I must admit I've toned down the heat to suit the tastes of a friend! 

Without further ado, I present:

The World's Best Ribs

Inspired by: My Life as a Mrs cooking instructions and rib rub, and this guy's sauce.

prep time: 10-15 minutes
cook time: 6.5 hours max (includes slow-cooking and making sauce while cooking ribs)

Your Shopping List:

A package of two racks of ribs

Rub:

1/4 cup cumin

1/4 cup packed brown sugar (optional because I've omitted it twice and they were still delicious)

1/2 cup paprika 

1/4 cup chili powder

1 Tbsp cayenne

1 Tbsp garlic powder

1-2 tsp salt (original recipe calls for wayyy too much)

freshly ground pepper

Sauce:

1 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup sriracha sauce
1/2 cup white rum
1/2 cup ketchup
1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
2 cloves of garlic, crushed or very finely minced
1 tsp ground dry mustard
ground black pepper to taste

What to do with it:

Rub it on!

Ribs

1. Spray slow cooker insert with olive oil/non-stick spray
2. Rinse ribs and pat dry
3. Coat ribs evenly with approx 1/2 cup of dry rub
4. Place ribs in slow cooker insert bone-side in - You may need to intertwine the racks so that it all fits
5. Cook on low for 5-6 hours

Sauce

1. Heat all sauce ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat
2. Stirring occasionally, simmer for 30 minutes (reduce heat as needed)
3. Set aside to cool, and refrigerate until ready for use

Sauce & Ribs

1. Spray grill with olive oil, or other non-stick spray and preheat to medium high heat
2. Coat ribs with bbq sauce and placeon the grill, meat side down
3. Cook for 2-3 minutes and then flip, rib-side down. Baste the meat again, close the lid and cook for another 2-3 minutes
4. Repeat three or so more times and then remove
5. They will fall apart. They will be delicious!
6. Serve with green beans & potatoes, or whatever you so choose.

Don't judge my photography skills - these are amazing.

The best tomato recipe in the entire universe.

If I could pick one recipe to eat for the rest of my life, I think it would be this one. My dad is a huge fan of cooking on the barbecue and loves to try out new things from his various Weber cookbooks. This recipe is one of those! 
You can tell a lot about what a person likes just by looking at their cookbooks. The best recipes are always the ones that are barely intact, spattered with food, and oil-stained. I just described the page that contains this recipe:

Roasted Tomatoes Stuffed with Grilled Ratatouille

from Weber.com by Jamie PurviancePrep time: 25 minutesMarinade time: 2-4 hoursGrilling time: 8-12 minutes

Steak, spinach, mushrooms, THE BEST TOMATOES & Corona :)

Your shopping list:

4 large ripe (but not too ripe) tomatoes
Ratatouille:
1 medium red onion, cut crosswise into 1/3-inch slices   (It will fall apart on the bbq regardless)
1 red bell pepper, stem and seeds removed and cut into flat pieces
1 medium zucchini, cut lengthwise into 1/3-inch slices
extra virgin olive oil
2/3 cup grated mozzarella cheese or 2/3 cup Fontina cheese (Optional - I've made it without for my momma)
1 tablespoon finely chopped basil (I've used 1tsp of dried and it worked fine!)
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar

What to do with it:

1. Cut a 1/2" slice off the top of each tomato and discard tops. With a small knife cut around the inside of the fleshy part of the tomato to within 1/2" of the skin, being careful not to cut through the bottom. With a teaspoon, scoop out the flesh, leaving about 1/2" of the flesh attached to the skin.
2. Discard the juice and seeds to make room for the ratatouille. Lightly salt the inside of the tomatoes and turn them, cut side down, on a plate lined with paper towels while you prepare the ratatouille.
3. Lightly brush the onion, zucchini and pepper with oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. I've forgotten the S&P and it was fine
4.  Grill over Direct Medium heat until tender, turning once, about 8-10 minutes.  Transfer to a cutting board and cut into 1/3 inch pieces. I don't ever pay attention the size of them in the end. I basically dice it all so I can fit more in the tomatoes.
5. Combine the vegetables in a medium bowl with the cheese, basil and vinegar.
6. Spoon ratatouille into the tomatoes and grill over Indirect Medium heat until the cheese is melted and the vegetables are warm, 8 to 10 minutes. 

They tell you to serve it immediately but I've definitely mistimed my meals and had them sit for a few moments. These are delicious reheated leftovers, but there will be liquid everywhere so reheat it in a bowl!