Ready for the Weekend Recipes: Tips for Making Great Baby Back Ribs

Weekend Recipes:  Tips for Making Great Baby Back Ribs:
from:https://www.yahoo.com/food/how-to-smoke-perfect-baby-back-ribs-bbq-master-tim-93421472779.html

For a showstopping main course, there’s nothing like a smoky, juicy rack of ribs.

"Ribs are awesome for a backyard barbecue because they smell and taste like summer," says Tim Love, co-host of CNBC’s new show Restaurant Startup and the chef/owner of Lonesome Dove, Queenie’s Steakhouse, Woodshed Smokehouse, Love Shack, and White Elephant Saloon in Texas. 

Love is a true barbecue expert and thinks that anyone can learn to make ribs that have the ultimate combination of a crispy crust and succulent meat. Here, the BBQ guru shares his rules for smoking perfect baby back ribs, and his favorite foolproof recipe.

1. Don’t forget to remove the underbelly membrane. ”You need to do this before anything else,” says Love. ”If you don’t remove it, the smoke won’t penetrate the meat properly on the bottom side of the ribs. Also, the membrane will get caught in your teeth.”

2. Use rub, not sauce. ”My ribs don’t see any sauce! All you need is a good, savory rub with plenty of flavor. If you want your rub to be sweet, use granulated white sugar. It caramelizes better than brown sugar and produces a great crust.” 

SEE MORE: 8 Finger-Lickin’ Wing Recipes 

3. Shut the smoker and do NOT open it until time is up. ”Calculate how long the ribs should take before you place your ribs on the rack. The average baby back ribs should take about three hours and 15 minutes. Your ribs will be exponentially better if you maintain the internal temperature at an even 225 degrees and you keep the door closed at all times.”

4. Never boil ribs. Ever. ”We are making ribs, not corned beef. Boiling the ribs would make them tender but dry. Simmering the ribs would make them juicy and tender, but wouldn’t give them that delicious smoky flavor.”

SEE MORE: How to Throw the Ultimate Hot Dog Party

5. If you’re short on time, use an oven bag. ”There is no ‘quick’ way to make ribs properly. If you have to, season the heck out of them, put them in an oven bag, and then bake them. They will be ready in less than an hour and super flavorful.”

6. If you need sauce with your ribs, start over. ”Sauce is great but should not be required!”

CHEF TIM LOVE’S BABY BACK RIBS

Ingredients:

1/2 rack baby back pork ribs

For the rub: 
1 cup guajillo chile powder
1 cup kosher salt
3/4 cup black pepper, cracked
1/2 cup ground cumin
1/4 cup fresh rosemary, finely chopped
1/4 cup fresh thyme leaves, finely chopped
1/4 cup garlic powder
1 cup white sugar

Special equipment: hardwood chips or chunks, preferably whole pecan wood

Directions

Prepare the grill for indirect heat: If you don’t have a smoker with an offset box, you can build a fire on one side of your grill and then put a piece of foil on the opposite side of the grill. This will create indirect heat.

Prepare the ribs: Remove the thin, papery membrane skin from the back of each rack of ribs by pulling it off in a sheet with your fingers, using the corner of a kitchen towel to gain a secure grip, or with pliers.

Prepare the rub: In a bowl, whisk together chile powder, salt, pepper, cumin, rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, and sugar.

Generously season ribs with the mixture, rubbing onto both sides of the rack.

Place the ribs, bone-side down, on foil to cook with lid closed. Cover the grill and keep the temperature of the grill at a constant 225-degrees. Cook the ribs for about 3 to 4 hours or until tender.

For the Kiddos: Science Project ~ Tornado in a Jar

Science Project for the Kiddos:  Tornado in a Jar

from:  http://elliemoon.typepad.com/blog/2012/02/tornado-in-a-jar-diy.html

TORNADO IN A JAR DIY

kai saw this in one of his textbooks last week and immediately went into production mode when he got home from school. very simple and very impressive. a tornado in a jar.

you will need: a jar, water and a small squeeze of DISH soap, thats it::

now get ready to shake::

needless to say this was the talk of the town! and there's no wrong way to shake it really. SIDE TO SIDE is my preferred method but the boys have come up with five different shakes that they favor. raid your recycling bin and give it a whirl!

Tuesday's Jewelry Spotlight is Featuring Kathy Carroll of Simply Beaded Treasure

Tuesday's Jewelry Spotlight is Featuring Kathy Carroll of Simply Beaded Treasure
https://www.etsy.com/shop/SimplyBeadedTreasure?ref=shopsection_shophome_leftnav

Beaded Treasures to Wear

I have been creative and doing crafting since I was a little girl.
My grandmother taught me embroidery and simple beading. I have been "making things" ever since!
I started designing and making jewelry in 2007. A co-worker showed me a catalog for Fire Mountain Gems and I was hooked. I started learning all I could about beads, beading pattern and jewelry making. I discovered so many wonderful ways to express myself with beads!
My favorite type beadwork at this time was bead embroidery. I entered the Fire Mountain Beading contest in 2008 with a piece called "Vintage Sparkle" and I was a Finalist! It was such an honor to be a finalist in the first contest that I had ever entered! I opened my Etsy shop that same year!
I love to create beautiful pieces that make people happy! I spend most of my day working on one project or another. I just love the feel of the beads, the colors, textures, the patterns!
I would design and make jewelry even if no one ever bought any of it. I just love the process!
Check out my blog to see behind the scenes work on my jewelry!
http://beedtales.blogspot.com/
I also have a Facebook Fanpage for my shop. I can use all the likes I can get! Thanks!
https://www.facebook.com/SimplyBeadedTreasure

FYI ~ 9 Reasons Why You're a Mosquito Magnet

FYI ~  9 Reasons Mosquitos Choose You Over Others

by:https://www.yahoo.com/health/9-reasons-youre-a-mosquito-magnet-91764600447.html

9 Reasons Why You’re a Mosquito Magnet

Ryan WallaceJul 14, 2014

Mosquitoes are picky creatures — unsurprising if you’re the one always ducking for cover under a swarm of bloodsuckers while your friend remains unscathed. Good thing scientists are on the hunt to discover what makes certain people especially attractive to the tiny insects. Here are nine reasons they’ve come up with so far.

You Breathe

In many ways, no one is immune. The fact that humans breathe makes us all mosquito targets to varying degrees. More than 30 years ago, researchers discovered that carbon dioxide is one of the main reasons mosquitos seek us out. The insects will fly to higher concentrations of CO2 (i.e. - large groups of people at sporting events and backyard parties), then use other sights and smells to narrow down their target.

You’re Tall

Because larger people produce more carbon dioxide and more body heat, they’re naturally more attractive to mosquitoes. This is why, when in groups, adults usually get bitten more than children, andmen are targeted more often than women.

You’re Pregnant

Along with swollen feet and morning sickness, pregnant women are also nearly twice as likely to get bitten than those who are not expecting, according to one international study. Two reasons: Pregnant women produce excess amounts of carbon dioxide and body heat. 

You Exercise Regularly

During a workout, the body produces a chemical called lactic acid, which is released through sweat glands on the skin. And one German study confirmed that mosquitoes can detect and are attracted to lactic acid at close range.

Your Feet Stink

One study published in the journal PLOS ONE found that people with a higher abundance but lower diversity of bacteria on their feet are highly attractive to mosquitoes. The bacteria, which is pungent, is also found in Limburger cheese and is so effective at attracting mosquitoes, that scientists are using the cheese to trap and control the flies in Africa.

You’re Wearing Perfume

Mosquitoes suck the nectar of flowers for energy, so they’re attracted to floral scents. And certain floral odors are effective enough that researchers are figuring out how to use them to lure mosquitoes with their sweetness.

You’re Genetically Predisposed

Your genes are responsible for your body odor, so scientists are starting to test how genetic makeup could affect one’s susceptibility to mosquitoes. For example, one study published in the journal Infections, Genetics, and Evolution found that people with a particular HLA gene are more likely to be bitten. 

You Drink Beer

Downing just one 12-ounce beer can increase the risk of being bitten, says the Journal of the American Mosquito Association, although it’s unclear why. Just make sure that backyard beer is worth it.

You Have O Blood Type

This one is debatable. Several studies, including the most recent published in the journal Experimental Parasitology, show that people with blood type O are more likely to get bitten. However Joseph M. Conlon, a technical adviser to the American Mosquito Control Association, has disputed some of the research, blaming “bad statistics.” 

CAMPING WITH THE KIDDOS  ~  GREAT IDEAS AND TIPS

 

from:  http://inspiredbyfamilymag.com/2012/10/19/camping-with-kids-packing-check-list-and-tips/

Camping with Kids: Packing Check List and Tips

I married into sweet tea and camping when I said “I do”, to my amazing husband.  Before marrying him I thought I loved camping but after going camping with his family for the first time I realized I was only a nominal fan of camping. His family knows how to camp and they love doing it.  One of our wedding gifts from his father was an enclosed white trailer filled with camping gear.

I told you they love camping. I hope that this list is helpful even though I am sure my father in law would add 50 other things to it. Also, if you’re looking for other helpful camping post here are some of my faves:

Camping Crafts & Activities For Kids you’ll want to check out our fun ideas here.

Camping Hacks Series go here.

Stay tune for more  great articles or you can follow us via your favorite social network to get our updates:Twitter,Pinterest or Facebook and our readers preferred way via email.

This Camping with Kids: Packing Check List does not cover all types of weather camping. It’s the basics for your average camping trip and not your “roughing it”, off the trails camping. Honestly, I am not a list maker, in fact, I like to brag about how I don’t need to make list but for camping and traveling I have found that it’s better to be safe then sorry.

Make a list and check it twice. Also, if you are camping for the first time do a trial run in your backyard or short drive from home.

Here are some of the details that I didn’t have space to add to our Camping Check List printable above (just right click image and copy and paste into your document):

If you are camping with a baby: I would add to bring along:

• diaper rash cream
• tarp or shower curtain to lay on the ground for them to play
• if bottle fed:extra bottles
• pacifier
• extra onesies
• baby carrier
• stroller
• extra diapers
• pack and play (those are great for indoor sleeping and to set up outdoors to let them play)
• johnny jumper
• bedtime story book
• Stuffed animal- If they have a blankie or special stuffed animal make sure to bring it along.

Camping with a toddler – I would add bring along some of the things mentioned above plus:

• Bright/noticeable string or tape to set boundaries for them to know where they can’t go pass.
• Lots of toys -For extra entertainment if they get bored with dirt, rocks and branches.
• healthy treats and snacks (apples, carrots, oranges, cheerios, trail mix)
• Let them pack a back pack with whatever toys, coloring books, books they want to take once it’s filled that’s it.
•  Once again don’t forget that comfort sleeping blanket or stuffed animal they need to fall asleep.

Extra Tips:

• Let them get dirty. Camping is all about getting dirty, so let them. Seriously, if there is ever a time to wander around with dirt on your face and no one thinks twice about it, it’s at a camp site.
• In a large ziploc baggie -place their clothing for the day so they don’t have to dig everything out of the duffel bag to find socks and undies.

• Whatever you do don’t forget extra clothing. The picture above is exactly why you should pack extra clothing. We have regretted each time we have forgotten to pack extras.
• Make sure to pack the medicines you need, plus extra.  I always get headaches on car rides so it’s a must that I have some Advil when I get out of the car.  Don’t forget that first aid kit.
• We forgot toilet paper this last time so we were rationing out the napkins.  Pack extra just in case it gets dropped in the toilet.

Equipment Tips:

• We have a nice big family size tent, all 5 of us fit comfortably in it and there is even room for a pack and play.  It’s an affordable one we got as a gift, you don’t need a big name brand to keep the water out. The features I really like: room divider, the mesh around the sides of the tent that zip up, the tent cover, little hooks inside to hang things, pockets to store stuff and it’s easy to put up even though it’s big.
• My father in law likes to take hay and place it under the tents for padding. You can also by inflatable pads (not to be confused with inflatable mattress, though this also works) these are easy to store and not as big. The picture below my son is laying on a sleeping pad.

• If it’s cold in your neck of the woods purchase good sleeping bags we have down feathered sleeping bags and I will never go back. When I was in college I camped in a cheap sleeping bag, in North Carolina mountains, in the winter, it was the biggest mistake of my life. Our boys sleeping bags are cute Transformer bags but they are not warm at all. So we usually have to take their down blankets with their sleeping bags. When purchasing those cute sleeping bags make sure you check out how warm they will keep you based on the weather you camp in.
• It’s important that you pack a camping chair and a flashlight for EACH child.  Otherwise, you will spend your whole time breaking up arguments on who gets to use it next.
• 
• Fun things to pack: binoculars, compass, insect jars, hammock, family outdoor games like: bocce ball, frisbee, bicycles. We have a bike trailer so we put our baby in it and enjoy the paths.
• Ice chest is good if you have lots of food that needs to stay cool. Place ice in large baggies (for a large cooler) and freeze to avoid a mess. This way you can also reuse the water.
• Plastic trash bags are great to use for trash, dirty and wet clothes and for those little ones who can’t stay dry at night. We place the bags under them so if they have an accident at night it doesn’t get everywhere.

• We have a single burner camp stove that is small and we have used at outdoor concerts and camping. It’s a great little light weight piece of equipment. We use it a lot for heating hot water for hot drinks when camping or other outdoor fun. We have made all sorts of meals on it with our little metal cooking pans. Our new favorite for cooking is the Hobo Pie Iron I bought one for my husband for fathers day, such a great gift idea for my camping man. They are amazing to cook breakfast, lunch and dinner on. Make sure to bring cooking spray. The above picture is french toast, roasted apples with berry sauce all made in our pie iron (not the sauce).
• Kindling: There are lots of things you can use to start a fire-newspaper, lint, twigs, pine needles, potato chips (I read this but never tried it), pine cones…. just to name a few.
• For mom: I take a good book, running shoes, my bible, magazines and yummy tea!

If you forget toys don’t worry they will figure out how to play with nature.

What are some of your camping with kids tips?

Other articles you may like:

Camping with toddlers

Pine cone crafts

Nature hike craft: Tree frame

Camping Activities for Toddlers

Crafty Wednesday ~ Fabric Ribbon Flower Tutorial

Crafty Wednesday ~ Fabric Ribbon Flower Tutorial

from:  http://bobunny.blogspot.com/2011/07/its-tutorial-time-today-i-want-to-show.html

Ribbon Tutorial

It's Tutorial Time!

Today, I want to show you how to use your Double Dotscraps to make really fun and easy flowers!  These are really quick and after the first one, you won't take more than a few minutes to make one. 

Here is a card that I made with Double Dot Scraps. 

I decided to make my tutorial using several pictures so that you could see each step clearly and be able to refer to it, if needed.  The first thing you need to do is cut a 9 1/2 inch strip of Double Dot Ribbon.  You are going to fold it accordian style, as shown.  You need to end up with 5 equal folds for 5 petals.  Each fold is approximately 1 3/4 inches.

Run your fingernails along each fold line.  When you open the ribbon, you will be able to see each of the 5 petals.  It will look like this.

Now, you are going to make each of the petals by stitching, as shown. 

I have used blue thread so that you can clearly see the shape.  You will want to use thread that is more closely matched to the ribbon if possible.  You also want to make sure that your thread is a strong one.  I just used regular thread, so I doubled it.  Do NOT use embroidery floss.  It will break, trust me! 

Here is a picture so you can see how to do the stitches.  All of the stitches start and end on the top of the ribbon.  Except...

The Trick!

Here is the trick to making each petal shape.  When you get to the bottom of the stitches on one petal, you need to go 'under' the ribbon with a stitch before you start the next petal.

After all five petals are stitched, your ribbon will look like this.  (same picture!)  Notice that this is not an exact science.  Close to this is good enough!

Now... the final step...

GENTLY pull your thread from both edges to gather it.  As you are gathering, you will see your petals start to appear.  After it's gathered, simply tie the ends of your thread together.  That's it!  You have an easy ribbon flower!

Note:  I didn't gather this one tightly so you could see how it pulls together easier.

Here is a close-up of the finished flowers. 

 (You might want to do a bit of shaping with your fingers to make the petals more even.)

For the centers of these, I just tied a little knot in a small piece of ribbon, tucked the ends under and then glued it to the center of each flower.  You could also just add a brad or trinket to the centers.

Did you notice the little ribbon leaves?  They are even EASIER! 

All you need is about 3 or 4 inches of Double Dot Ribbon.  Fold and stitch as shown.  All stitches start and end on the top of the leaf.  Be sure to catch the fold into your stitches.

Now, pull up the stitches to gather.

Wrap the thread around the stitched area a couple of times and then knot it in the back.

Trim the excess ribbon from the ends.  Be sure to leave a bit of ribbon to attach the leaves underneath the flower.  Just use glue dots to hold them in place.

That's it!  Super Simple!  Now it's your turn to give it a try! 

One more hint before you go... I like to glue my flowers and leaves to a little punched circle.  Then I can move them around to my heart's content.  When you have them where you want them, just use a glue dot to attach them to your page!

Tuesday's Jewelry Spotlight Features Barbara with Hot Dog Crafts

Tuesday's Jewelry Spotlight is Featuring Barbara with Hot Dog Crafts

https://www.etsy.com/shop/hotdogcrafts?ref=pr_shop_more

I Love Graphics ~ Scrabble Tiles, Button Earrings and Glass Dome Necklaces

Living is so expensive now. I like to make items that will work well as a gift , a party favor or a stocking stuffer. My earrings, Scrabble Tile Necklaces and Glass Dome Necklaces make great party favors for tweens, teens, bridesmaids and friends and YOU.

I love searching for graphics. I have thousands on my computer and have access to millions more. 

If you can think of it I am sure that I can create a an item just for you.

I also love color and I love making treasuries. You'll see that most of my treasuries feature bright colors.

I hate to admit it, but I am kind of a techo rebel. I spent over 10 years working as the Computer geek at a college campus. Loved the problem solving and teaching users and the interactions. Now I can not convince myself to blog, tweet (I do once in a while) or facebook.

If you have read this far, I would like to invite you to visit my shop, check out the selections and contact me if you would like a custom order.  
I am happy to personalize any item in HotDogCrafts. Convo (contact) me any time.  

I am a farm girl from Indiana, but have lived in Texas for almost 25 years so I am now a Texan.
I served on active duty in the U.S. Navy for 15 years. (I love red, white and blue Treasuries).
I am hooked on crafts. I like to try all kinds of crafts but mostly paper based now. I make paper mosaics (my husband says the paper is much nicer to step on than when I used colored glass.)
My husband retired from the U.S.Navy and just recently retired from a job as a college network engineer.
We are both very happy that he is home all the time. 
We are both ham radio operators and crafters.