Barbecue Afternoons

One thing I absolutely love about summer... and If I'm honest, the only ting I truly love about summer... is a good BBQ. Summer just isn't Sumer without it. Ok, So it doesn't have to be summer for you to truly enjoy the deliciousness that is BBQ.

I've got a cheat, you know for those of us who don't have a grill readily available, that's guaranteed to make you lick those chops. The only thing better than some good BBQ... some really great Mac n' Cheese. oh yeah. Cheese? Pasta? Extra cheese? Yes. sign me up immediately. i love everything about it. When I make my BBQ, I always go for Ribs. it's, to me anyways, the best part. Sure- a Brisket is equally as good... and I highly recommend it, but some good ol' fashion RIBS? With my Baked Mac n' Cheese on the side? Phew. Toot.. TOOT.

So, let's get to some good Ol' comforting BBQ shall we?

Creamy Baked Mac n'Cheese

Prep Time: 20 mins

Cook Time: 40 mins

Ingredients

1 Package of Macaroni (1lb)

4 tbsp Unsalted Butter

1 tbsp Bacon Fat

3 tbsp Flour

2 tbls Dijon Mustard

2 tsp Granulated Garlic

1tsp Onion Powder

1 tsp Paprika

1tsp Salt

1tsp Black Pepper

3 cups Warm Whole Milk

1 Cup Heavy Cream

4 cups Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese

1 Cup Shredded Parmesano Regiano Cheese

1/2 cup Breadcrumbs

Olive Oil

Directions

1. Cook your Macaroni according to package directions. I like to slightly undercook the pasta as we will be baking it.

2. In a Large Sauce Pot melt 4 tbs of Butter and 1 tbls of Bacon fat. in a bowl gently whisk together 4 tbls of Flour, 2 tsp Granulated Garlic, 1tsp Onion Powder, 1 tsp Paprika, 1tsp Salt, 1 tsp black pepper. Once your Butter and Bacon fat is melted down add flour mixture. stir and cook down for about 1-2 minutes until the flour is cooked down, Should resemble a paste like consistency.

3. Gently add your warmed 2 cups of whole milk. Continue to stir your paste and milk together. Switch to a whisk and gently whisk any remaining clumps of flour out of your sauce. Once everything is smooth allow to gently come to a slight simmer (about 3 minutes).

4. Gently whisk in 1 cup of Heavy Cream. Let it come to a soft boil (about 2 minutes). You'll notice the sauce has started to thicken up, it should coat the back of a spoon.

5. Lower the heat, and whisk in 3 cups of Sharp Cheddar Cheese. Do this in 2 batches to allow the cheese to melt and incorporate fully into the sauce. Once the cheddar is fully melted into the sauce, add 1/2 cup of Parmesan and stir to combine. Sauce is done.

6. In a large bowl add your drained and cooked macaroni. Add 2 tbls of Dijon Mustard and your sauce. Gently stir everything until fully combined.

7. In a large baking dish (use a 10 inch one) apply a layer along the sides and bottom of your pan. Add your macaroni to your baking dish. Top with 1 cup of Cheddar Cheese and 1/2 cup of Parmesan. Add your breadcrumbs over the top and a drizzle of olive oil. Bake for 20-30 mins at 350f or until top is nice and golden brown.

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Duchess Ribs

Prep time: 15 mins

Cook Time: 4 hours

Ingredients

1 rack of Ribs

For the Rub

2 tsp Cumin

1 tsp Cayenne Pepper

1 tbls Onion Powder

1/2 tsp Coriander Powder

2 tbls Garlic Powder

1 tbls Paprika

1 tbls Kosher Salt

1 tsp Black Pepper

1 tbls Adobo

For BBQ Sauce

1 cup Ketchup

1 tsp White Vinegar

1 tsp Worcestershire Sauce

1 tsp Liquid Smoke

2 tbls Brown Sugar

1 tsp Garlic Powder

Directions

For the Rub:

1. Gently whisk all ingredients together.

2. pat ribs down dry, then rub in half of the rub mix on one side of your ribs. Flip and repeat on other side.

3. Allow to sit for 10-15 minutes.

For the BBQ Sauce:

1. Whisk all ingredients together. Set aside

For Ribs:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

2. Place Ribs, already seasoned with the rub Mixture, into a baking tray. Seal tightly with aluminum foil. Place into your oven for 40 minutes.

3. Rotate ribs & recover before placing back in oven for 30 minutes.

4. Uncover & rotate.

5. Brush/ pour on 1/4 of the BBQ Sauce. Place back in oven for 10 minutes

6. Flip and brush on BBQ Sauce. Back into oven for another 10 minutes.

7. Flip again and pour remainder of glaze over ribs.

8. Set oven to BROIL for 5 minutes.

9. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes.

Enjoy my loves!

With Some Type of Love,

The Duchess