0090 - You *can* take it with you

Mike is officially 40 now. To celebrate, we went to see Willie Nelson at Floore's Country Store in Helotes, TX.  I figured a) Willie is something of a hero to Mike, b) Willie is not getting any younger, c) Helotes was "only" two hours away and is a somewhat smaller, more intimate venue and d) 40 is a special year. It's interesting to be in close proximity to an icon, they just sweat charisma, and yet you recognize that they are still human. It was almost less like a concert than a backyard barbecue, very relaxed. People around us were cool and we all watched out for each other and defended our little area, but eventually it gets crowded and you have to go to the bathroom (Mike this time - not me!), so we decided to give up our little oasis and walk around.

The opening band really impressed us. They are that blend of bluegrass and Celtic rock that I really enjoy. And it was cool to see young people (god I feel old saying that) playing a mandolin, a banjo, an upright bass, a harmonica... In short, Dirty River Boys might be my new favorite band.

I've finally succumbed to Pinterest. I've heard people talk about it, I've even considered the fact that it could be a useful tool, but I was damned if I was going to become part of another social networking fad... sigh... After we found the house we are hoping to buy in TN it suddenly seemed sensible to browse ideas and have a way to keep them organized. And so... I am on Pinterest, and... I am an addict. That's the first step to recovery right? Admitting that you have a problem? So on top of home decorating ideas and eye-catching recipes I've found, I've also started pinning some of my own interests. One of those is food that won't be available in a nearby restaurant anymore... Carrabba's... Outback... Chuy's. So I've found some copycat recipes that will hopefully help with those cravings. Murfreesboro has most of the restuarants I love, but it's 90 miles away, so whenever I want Pollo Rosa Maria it's probably best if I just make it myself.

We ate at Salt Lick yesterday and their bbq sauce was unique, spicy, tart, sweet, thick. I had a  difficult time finding a copycat recipe, much less one that looked right. So I have to post it here in order to pin it to Pinterest (I know, I'm pitiful). I found it here, but it's mired down in forum posts so I'm making it easier on myself:

Salt Lick: Lauren’s Spicy Recipe Bar-B-Que Sauce

• 1 cup finished sweet and sour dressing (recipe below)
• 1/3 cup prepared mustard
• 1/3 cup Worcestershire sauce
• 1 Tbs Vizcaya brand Habanero sauce (red NOT the orange)
• 1 tsp sea salt
• ½ tsp black pepper (fresh cracked if possible)
• ½ tsp cumin
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp Chinese 5 spice
• 1 Tbs Honey
• 1 Tbs brown sugar

Place sweet and sour dressing, mustard, Worcestershire, and all spices (from salt to Chinese 5 spice) in pan and simmer over medium-low heat for 10 minutes. Take off of heat and add 1 Tbs of honey, 1 Tbs brown sugar, and 1 Tbs Habanero sauce.  Stir until well incorporated. Cool to room temperature then store in a squeeze bottle or any other container in the fridge. Bring to room temperature before use.

Sweet and sour dressing

• ½ cup apple cider vinegar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 6 oz Dole 100% pineapple juice
• ¼ tsp ginger
• ¼ tsp garlic
• 1 Tbs cornstarch
• 1 Tbs water
• ¼ cup oil

Place all ingredients, except cornstarch and water, into a pan over medium heat. Allow mixture to simmer about 10 minutes. While this simmers mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl. Add this to the sweet and sour mixture and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and allow to come to room temp.  Put in sauce in blender and while running drizzle oil until dressing thickens.

And with the sauce recipe, I can make the potato salad which was also very tasty.

My Pinterest boards are here: http://pinterest.com/kleblanc1313/. And now you know the extent of my problem. :)