Friday night recipes, looking for inspiration for tomorrow's cookout...

Last night's menu had a southwestern theme, as evidenced by the pictures previously posted.

There were three items on the menu, I tried to keep things simple and focused on a fresh taste, although things got a little salty in the meat department...

1. Short Ribs

I did a very simple dry rub for these, they came out well but would have profited from a longer marinating time, (perhaps overnight). For 4 lbs of ribs, I used
1/3 cup Tony Chachere's
1/4 cup coarse sea salt
1 tbsp lime peel (dried)
1 tbsp dried ancho chiles
Vigorous grinding of black pepper

If you can't find Chachere's, you can substitute salt and cayenne, about 1/2 and 1/2, but I suggest the real deal, it's essential in my kitchen.

2. Veggie Skewers

2 yellow squash, 3/4 inch slices
1 yellow, 1 red and 1 orange bell pepper, cut into large chunks
1 large onion, yellow or white cut in about 8 pieces
15 garlic cloves, cleaned and whole
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup soy sauce, (I use braggs liquid aminos most of the time)
1/4 cup cilantro leaves

Toss all ingredients in a bowl, marinate 1-3 hours in refrigerator. Soak wooden skewers prior to use. I like to let guests make their own, especially fun trying to skewer the garlic cloves...


Once the above items are marinating, it's time to make the guacamole. This will give you something to accompany the beer you are no doubt drinking. Once this is complete all that's left is to set fire to things, so you can put away the knives and enjoy a nice IPA (Smuttynose) or a Vienna style ale like Negro Modelo.


3. Fresh Guacamole

1 whole bunch of cilantro - dried is not an option - no fresh cilantro, no guacamole!!!
1 red onion, diced
8 cloves garlic, diced
4 avocados, chopped (if you want to see the quickest way to get chopped avocado let me know - I'll post a video)
2 small to medium tomatoes, chopped
1-2 jalapenos, chopped, seeds included
Juice of two limes

All ingredients go in a bowl - you can mix with a fork if you like, or use your hands for a great tactile experience. Just remember to wash your hands before and after - jalapeno juice rubbed into an eye is not an experience to have if it can be avoided!!
I won't enter into the perfect chip debate, but whatever is your favorite that can stand up to some weight - as you can see below the Nana's strips were a bit fragile....



Finally, I am looking for ideas for a cookout tomorrow. I might be on unfamiliar turf, so the menu needs to be portable, and adaptable to whatever tools are available. I'll let you know how it goes!!!!