Cook and Clean

15/07/2025

🍽️ All-American BBQ Platter (Serves 4)
🍖 1. BBQ Pork Ribs

Ingredients:

1 rack baby back ribs (about 1.5–2 lbs)

1 tbsp brown sugar

1½ tsp smoked paprika

½ tsp garlic powder

½ tsp onion powder

½ tsp black pepper

½ tsp salt

Pinch of cayenne (optional)

½ cup BBQ sauce

Instructions:

Prep ribs: remove membrane, pat dry.

Rub with spice mix and wrap in foil.

Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 2–2.5 hours.

Unwrap, baste with BBQ sauce, then grill or broil until caramelized.

🍗 2. BBQ Chicken Thighs

Ingredients:

4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

½ tsp each salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika

½ cup BBQ sauce

Instructions:

Season thighs, grill over medium heat 6–7 min/side.

Brush with BBQ sauce and grill another 5 min until internal temp is 165°F (74°C).

🌽 3. Grilled Corn on the Cob

Ingredients:

4 ears corn

2 tbsp melted butter

Salt and pepper

Optional: chili powder, lime, grated cheese

Instructions:

Brush with butter, season.

Grill for 8–10 minutes until charred, turning occasionally.

🫘 4. Baked Beans

Ingredients:

1 can (15 oz) baked beans

2 slices bacon, chopped

¼ onion, diced

1 tbsp brown sugar

1 tsp mustard

1 tsp molasses or maple syrup

Instructions:

Cook bacon and onion, add remaining ingredients.

Simmer 15 minutes.

🥬 5. Coleslaw

Ingredients:

3 cups shredded cabbage mix

1 small carrot, grated

¼ cup mayo

1 tsp apple cider vinegar

½ tsp sugar

Salt and pepper

Instructions:

Mix slaw and carrot.

Combine dressing, toss, and chill 30 min.

🍞 Optional Add-ons:

Cornbread (buy or bake a small skillet)

Pickles & sliced onions

BBQ sauce on the side

15/07/2025

15/07/2025

🥩 All-American BBQ Platter Recipe
🍖 1. BBQ Pork Ribs

Ingredients:

2 racks baby back ribs

2 tbsp brown sugar

1 tbsp smoked paprika

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

1 tsp black pepper

1 tsp salt

½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite)

Instructions:

Remove the membrane from the ribs.

Mix dry rub ingredients and coat ribs generously.

Wrap in foil and bake at 300°F (150°C) for 2.5 hours.

Unwrap, brush with BBQ sauce, and grill or broil for 5–10 minutes until caramelized.

🍗 2. BBQ Chicken Thighs

Ingredients:

8 bone-in chicken thighs

Salt and pepper to taste

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp smoked paprika

1 cup BBQ sauce

Instructions:

Season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.

Grill over medium heat for 6–7 minutes per side.

Brush with BBQ sauce and grill for another 5 minutes per side until internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C).

🌽 3. Grilled Corn on the Cob

Ingredients:

6 ears of corn, husked

4 tbsp butter

Salt and pepper

Optional: chili powder, lime juice, or grated parmesan

Instructions:

Brush corn with melted butter and season with salt and pepper.

Grill over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until charred (8–10 minutes).

Add toppings as desired.

🫘 4. Classic Baked Beans

Ingredients:

2 cans (15 oz each) baked beans

4 strips bacon, chopped

½ onion, diced

2 tbsp brown sugar

1 tbsp molasses or maple syrup

1 tsp mustard

Instructions:

Cook bacon and onion in a skillet until bacon is crispy.

Add beans, sugar, molasses, and mustard.

Simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

🥬 5. Creamy Coleslaw

Ingredients:

1 small cabbage, shredded (or pre-shredded mix)

1 carrot, grated

½ cup mayo

1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

1 tsp sugar

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Mix cabbage and carrot in a large bowl.

In a separate bowl, combine mayo, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.

Toss the dressing into the slaw. Chill at least 30 minutes before serving.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions:

Serve with toasted buns or cornbread.

Add pickles, hot sauce, or grilled jalapeños for extra flavor.

Pair with iced tea, lemonade, or your favorite craft beer.

15/07/2025

🧀 Thanksgiving Cheese Board (Serves 6–10)
🍂 Cheese Selection

Aim for 3–5 types, balancing textures and milk types (cow, sheep, goat):
Style Example Description
🧀 Aged Aged Cheddar or Manchego Nutty, sharp, firm
🌿 Soft Brie or Camembert Creamy and spreadable
🐐 Tangy Goat cheese log Tart, soft, often rolled in herbs or cranberries
🧈 Blue Gorgonzola or Roquefort Bold, salty, creamy
🥛 Fresh Ricotta or Burrata (optional) Mild, milky, soft
🥖 Carbs & Crunch

Artisan crackers (multigrain, sesame, or fig & olive)

Thinly sliced baguette or crostini

Grissini (thin breadsticks)

Spiced candied nuts (pecans, walnuts, or almonds)

Maple-roasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas)

🍐 Seasonal Fruits & Produce

Fresh: Sliced apples, pears, red grapes, figs

Dried: Apricots, cranberries, dates

Roasted butternut squash cubes (lightly seasoned)

Pomegranate seeds for sparkle

Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme) as garnish

🍯 Spreads & Accents

Fig jam or cranberry chutney

Honey (or hot honey)

Whole grain or Dijon mustard

Apple butter or pumpkin butter

🥓 Optional Charcuterie

Prosciutto

Soppressata

Smoked turkey slices (for Thanksgiving twist)

Duck or turkey pâté (luxury option)

🧺 Assembly Tips

Use a large wooden board or slate.

Place cheeses first — spaced out by texture and color.

Fill gaps with fruits, crackers, nuts, and spreads in small bowls.

Garnish with herbs, cinnamon sticks, or mini pumpkins for fall flair.

🍷 Pairing Ideas

Wine: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, or dry Riesling

Mocktail: Apple cider (spiced or sparkling), cranberry spritz