Tastemakers: Smoked ribs/ Belgium beer me!

Aug. 24, 2008

From: ads2@northernexpress.com
Subject: taste
Date: August 22, 2008 2:59:32 PM EDT
To: lynn@northernexpress.com

smoked ribs

For years Labor Day has ranked as the second biggest BBQ day of the year (Fourth of July is number one).  But grilling year-round even during winter months has become more and more popular. I grill as much outside in the winter as I do in the summer. One of my favorite dishes to make is smoked ribs.
Now, there are a lot of ways to smoke ribs successfully, and trial and error is how you will eventually find what works best for you. Here are tips that have been passed on to me by masters of the grill:
First: “24-hour marinade.” A good friend of mine told me this is the best rule for anything smoked. He said he would follow smoked fish and rib recipes that called for marinating for four hours and that just is not long enough. Of course I have other friends who do not believe in marinades and prefer rubs. The secret here is lightly coat your ribs with olive oil before applying the rubs. I like both ways, so it really is  a matter of preference.
The second key to success is “low and slow.” Smoke those ribs at a low temperature around 225 degrees and for about six hours for a five pound slab of ribs.
The third secret to success is good wood. Apple, cherry and mesquite are best with ribs.
The final secret is make sure you have some good local wine or local craftbrews to pair with your ribs. Enjoy and Happy Labor Day.


Belgium beer me!   

Comedian and beer enthusiast Stu Stuart loves to tell his audiences (including those at his comedy shows and those who come for his Belgium beer classes): “I learned to drink beer at Boy Scout summer camp. Of course, they don’t offer that merit badge -- anymore.” Stuart spends his summers and early falls performing comedy shows on Mackinac Island at the Lilac Tree In and the Murray Hotel, and when he is not busy making people laugh, he leads several seminars on Belgium Style beer classes.
This Labor Day he will host his Belgium Beer Me class in Grand Marais. Stuart developed his appreciation for Belgium style beers during the craftbrew movement of the ‘80s in Seattle.  His girlfriend bought him his first Belgium ale and he became hooked. After that he started reading everything he could about one of the world’s best brewing regions. Stuart is now one of the leading authorities on Belgium beers and his class will be enjoyed by both novices and experts alike.
But Stuart’s knowledge of beer doesn’t end with Belgium. He typically drives across the United States a couple of times a year, stopping at several craftbreweries. He also offers guided tours of Belgium beer country, with his next trip scheduled in October and another one in December that will give travelers a chance to experience Belgium “Christmas Ales.”
Stuart’s comedy shows have been drawing sold-out crowds for several years on Mackinac Island. He will remain on the Island till mid-October. For additional information on his Belgium Beer Me classes or tours, or for information on his comedy nights check out stustuart.com or call him directly at 231-215-0173.