My husband set up this blog for me over Memorial Day weekend in 2008, while visiting his parents and having one heck of a BBQ at the homestead. We’re planning to do it all again this year.
We haven’t seen most of Jim’s family since we moved away over a year ago so it’ll be nice to go back for a few days and visit. We usually see Jim’s dad’s side of the family, but his mom’s side is coming up on Memorial Day so we look forward to that as well.
Last time we were together, Jim’s uncle towed up his custom smoking rig behind the pickup and made 13-hour briskets and probably five hour ribs. Don’t know what’s planned for this year but after talking to my mother-in-law for quite a while on the phone last night she seems to have a lot of cooking planned, for her as well as me!
I’m hoping Jim can spend some time with his dad, brother and grandmother. His mom and our nephew are coming out here the following week to visit. Maybe we’ll be able to take off the snow tires by then.
My tasks include spiced nuts to have on hand for guests, and probably several salads. I’m thinking fresh corn salad that I’ve been working on lately, perhaps an Italian white bean salad with red onions and sausage. We only have four full days and two are already booked solid so I don’t want to over-reach.
One good thing about having all the cookbooks I own (many) in storage is that I don’t rely on the old favorites and if I’ve an idea I look up http://www.epicurious.com or http://www.foodnetwork.com or check out chowhound and other sites. But I do think I’ll make up the spice mix for the spiced nuts and take it with me in a zip bag because I definitely have all the stuff I need right here and Jim’s mother doesn’t. But she’s growing a plethora of fresh herbs this year.
We have a dog-sitter, need a fish-sitter (one betta) and I’ll water the plants, pack and go. We travel so seldom now that it’s a chore. When we first married Jim could call and say “let’s go to XYZ” and I’d pack a bag and fifteen minutes later we were on the road. Now with 9/11 and TSA and dog et al, it’s more complicated. Oh well, it’ll be good to see family again and perhaps more guests will visit this summer to get some fresh, cool air. Cheers, Dee
Cooking with Dee 