BBQ made simple

Let's face it. As much as we all like to read about the people curing their own meat or slow roasting barbecue, most of us really don't have the time to do this. That's especially true at my house. On a Friday evening, when I'm actually home by 6pm,  the goal is to serve something easy and delicious, but I'm not so crazy about takeout. I'm even less enthused by the idea of slaving to get something on the table by 8pm. At the end of the week (and on most weeknights), I vote for simple and easy.


Thanks to Jim 'N Nick's BBQ, I now have several summer-spirited items to 'invent' in a short amount of time. The taste is incredible, and the want-to-be-healthy side of me feels good about what I'm serving. The sweetest part, very little prep required.

The easiest salad....EVER!

I now send Tim out to get a pound of (each) pulled pork and chicken on a Thursday. From this, I can create all kinds of things. I can whip up a frittata or tacos in a pinch, and have plenty for friends that stop by. But, there are a couple of standbys that round up end of week lunches and dinners. In less than 10 minutes, I can put a pleasing meal on the table-- and all centered around what comes out of two affordable containers from Jim N' Nick's I've do like several other BBQ joints, but this one consistently offers the most flavorful (and lean meat) for pick up available near my neighborhood.

Saturday and Sunday lunch....

SLOW ROASTED CHICKEN SALAD

Several pieces chicken, pulled to size

1 bag butter lettuce

1 heirloom tomato, diced
2 hard-boiled eggs, sliced

1 small red onion, sliced

1 medium cucumber/ chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

Squeeze of lemon juice and dash of olive oil

This is super simple. Just dice up whatever you have on hand and mix it up. Not adding dressing keeps the calorie and fat count low and lets the flavor of the chicken be the focus. Since there's no oil,  it keeps well in the refrigerator overnight.

The best BBQ sandwich-- at home

Late afternoon snack or Friday night dinner poolside....

TIM'S FAVORITE BBQ SANDWICH

1 lb pulled pork

1/3 cup Sweet Baby Ray's sweet and spicy sauce (at Publix)

1 small red onion, very finely diced

Sliced dill pickles

Whole wheat or multi grain buns

Pre sliced swiss cheese

Sauerkraut

(makes 4 sandwiches)

Heat the pork in ceramic bowl for 30 seconds in microwave. Add in the sauce and onions. Stir. Place mixture on bottom buns. Top with pickles and cheese, pop back into microwave for 20 seconds to melt. Top with sauerkraut. and bun toppers. Then, you're DONE! Serve with a salad, chips, or left-over vegetables from the week. Anything goes! 

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