Righting On The Wall: BBQ

by Kim D.

The only real disappointment I've experienced with Texas culture since my move here from the Carolinas in 2000 is the BBQ sauce which is ketchup based and too sweet for my palate. At first I imported bottled sauce from home until I finally came up with a recipe that my family loves. Enjoy!

North Carolina BBQ Sauce

On the stove top, smoke in a saucepan the following seasonings, on low temperature, for about 5 minutes:

1 t chili powder
1/4 t ground red pepper
1 t ground black pepper

Then add and melt

2 T butter

While whisking, add

1 cup apple cider vinegar
at least 1 cup prepared yellow mustard
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1 t Worcestershire sauce

Simmer on low for about 10 minutes, whisking occasionally, then add to your favorite, grilled pork dish.

by Kim D.

Just in time for the BBQ season, the EPA rears its ugly head and sets its sights on another American institution: backyard grilling. According to the study "Technology for the Reduction of Particulate Matter Emissions for Residential Propane BBQs," those of us who love our grilled delicacies are contributing to global pollution. The proposed study offers solutions which are more globally friendly.

We expect to limit the overall air pollution PM emissions from barbecuing and to alleviate some of the acute health hazards that a barbecue pit master can experience from inhalation. The particulate matter present during cooking with and without the grease diverter and PM2.5 filters will be tested and compared to that of current data using a conventional propane barbecue using a fumehood chamber with detectors at CE-CERT. Personal exposure of PM2.5 will also be monitored throughout the experimentation period to determine the degree of acute exposure of particulates to the cook.

I think its fair to say there is nothing big government with a Progressive mentality won't go after these days; however, one state senator from Missouri is speaking out and calling for a #PorkSteakRebellion to counter this new overreach into American's lives and backyards.

The EPA may soon be coming for ur backyard BBQ. RT if u support our #PorkSteakRebellion #moleg http://t.co/vS8P6pOcPd
— Eric Schmitt (@Eric_Schmitt) March 17, 2015

Once he learned about the EPA's targeting of backyard grills, Senator Schmitt introduced legislation to discourage this latest nanny-state liberty grab:

“The idea that the EPA wants to find their way into our back yards, where we’re congregating with our neighbors, having a good time, on the 4th of July, barbecuing pork steak or hamburgers, is ridiculous and it’s emblematic of agency that’s sort of out of control,” Schmitt said.

And, needless to say, it didn't take long for the Twitter rebellion to trend:

@Eric_Schmitt These are minutes away from GRILL . . . OUTSIDE. #PorkSteakRebellion pic.twitter.com/qGsXIPdaEU
— Clay Degenhardt (@claydegs) March 14, 2015