Calling All Big Backs: Dub Shack BBQ Presents Hots and Buns

This is it. 

After today, Tailgating For Everyone is closed. 

Just make sure you take your medications after eating this one because even though my recipes are generally good for you, this one is going to be ridiculously good to you. For my healthier friends, followers, supporters of the movement, etc., hot links and honey buns are definitely what the friendly pitmaster has ordered.

But first, what is a big back?

"Big back” is a fatphobic term that is used to refer to people who are fat or who are associated with stereotypes of fatness. It is often used interchangeably with other terms like “fatty” and “biggie”.  Its origin is derived from TikTok referring to someone poking fun at his/her own large appetite and unfortunately, another one of those sayings that should have never left the community (see: woke) have been turned into fat-shaming slurs. Bullying a child based on size is always wrong, and as adults, if we condone it, shame on us.

But...we are here for the final countdown and what some creative citizen has come up with. Credit to Matt Groark for the original bacon wrapped honey buns recipe, and wrapping those desserts in bacon is normally a wave due to the fact that bacon makes the world go 'round. In a twist, this one combines both the hot links and the bun into one sweet and savory bite.

INGREDIENTS 

Hot links

Honey buns

Brown sugar

Honey

STEP ONE. Light your grills or smokers and bring them to 250 degrees via an indirect fire hence the preference for the offset smoker (you can go indirect on a regular grill as long as you have the space and charcoals banked off to the side). For any prep time, open a box of honey buns and give them a light coating of honey and brown sugar.

STEP TWO. Once the cooker reaches optimal temperature, open the package of hot links and place them on the grates. The honey buns are suggested to be a bit further away from the fire so they do not burn; to add an additional pop of flavor and color, use a few chunks of cherry wood. Let them cook until the buns are dripping in the sweet honey and glistening with the brown sugar before pulling off the smoker; as for those hot links, let them ride until they pop or 160 degrees whichever comes first. Grab them up and get your small paper plates ready!

I'm not going to tell you how to eat them but making one good bite has never hurt anyone.

Before I put down my tailgating pen and pick up another one for holiday cooks; social, religious, and political commentary from my Afrocentric worldview; and of course, the Dad Chronicles  I'd like to take the time to thank all of you near and far, those who have had the pleasure of eating damn good barbecue and enjoying some of the most known unknown sauces in the local barbecue game, and those who have opened doors for me that otherwise would have been nailed and bricked shut. Doing T4E the past four years has been one of those ways of bringing people of diverse walks of life together for only a moment or two, and the ensuing friendships are truly invaluable to both pitmaster and consumer. I'm trying not to get overly emotional as it is time to move on to a new season none of us have witnessed. 

Before I close it out for good, here are a few words I want to leave you with:

Y'all be safe, be blessed, be good to each other, and tell everyone that every day is a GREAT day for Dub Shack BBQ!

Was It Worth The 30 Pieces of Silver?

I guess we'll find out eventually. 

I seldom have feelings over most elections beyond the local level primarily due to my pro-Black sensibilities and what can be done to positively impact my family and community alike as well as ensure that my ancestors are proud of me, but what happens when we put faith in a system that has continually failed us is a result that looks a lot like Stockholm syndrome. As Black people, we have the tools to be fully self-sufficient [that's the Garveyite in me] yet tap dancing around for a tacit approval reeks of a desperation knowing full well that as long as we receive the butter biscuits and honey, we are lulled into complacency. That being said, athletes, entertainers, and some pastors have no right being anywhere a megaphone due to their misuse of their expansive platforms. Instead of building Black liberation for the larger diverse group, they are content with maintaining the status quo, and those of us who center our existences as the gold standard, are perceived as crazy hoteps.

In the Bible, Jesus talks about Judas betraying him for thirty pieces of silver. Below is the text:

Matthew 26:14-16, 47-50

[14] Judas Iscariot was one of the twelve disciples. He went to the chief priests [15] and asked, “How much will you give me if I help you arrest Jesus?” They paid Judas 30 silver coins, [16] and from then on he started looking for a good chance to betray Jesus.

[47] And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people. [48] Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast. [49] And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him. [50] And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus, and took him.

https://bible.com/bible/392/mat.26.14-50.CEV

Although a physical kiss is not a direct identifier as much today as it was in Jesus's time, the feeling of betrayal remains the same. The actual crime began with a plan (v.14) perhaps because Judas had a need to provide somewhere, or since we do not know the true intentions, his greed got in the way. No one plans this level of treachery alone; therefore, the lone wolf excuse is poppycock at best. Next comes the moment where the selling out occurs: Judas asks the chief priest how much would they give him for helping to arrest Jesus (v. 15). From that moment, the real opps went to work (v. 16): Imagine sending our Lord and Savior to a sham trial and death via crucifixion for what amounted to $441 in 2024 dollars! 

To further explain it, the idiots who were part of a murder for hire scheme to kill the late rapper Young Dolph were originally promised $60K yet they were rumored to have received $800 apiece. Even going further back in time, the informant who gave the Chicago PD and the FBI all of the information necessary to execute Black Panther Fred Hampton was compensated a pittance for double crossing the icon.

But back to the lesson at hand.

As Jesus was speaking, Judas came through with a whole clique of folks behind him (v. 47) being messy. For what he was trying to do, he didn't need a whole lot of people to witness goon behavior for occur but sadly, that's what happened. A number of you could attest to finding out a conversation which was supposedly in confidence was on speakerphone for a room full of folks to listen to for something - rather anything - that can incriminate the person on the receiving end of that phone call: Same idea, same principle. Verse 48 details the method of the setup. While we know when people start acting really funny around as if they have an ulterior motive to profit from, it does not preclude them from changing their minds because the takedown is the ultimate prize to them. In his mind, Judas got what he wanted, and the Pharisees and Saducees alike have the one who has consistently left egg on their faces in their custody (vv. 49, 50).

I didn't have to go further into verses 47-50 for the reason that we are familiar with the Holy Week and all that transpired yet they share a parallel to recent events. 

Wait, there's more! What else cost thirty pieces of silver?

Below, in Zechariah 11:4-17 is what thirty pieces of silver got the Shepherd:

Zechariah 11:4-17 CEV

[4] The Lord my God said to me: Tend those sheep doomed for slaughter! [5] The people who buy and butcher them go unpunished, while everyone who sells them says, “Praise the Lord! I'm rich.” Not even their shepherds have pity on them. [6] Tend those sheep because I, the Lord, will no longer have pity on the people of this earth. I'll turn neighbor against neighbor and make them slaves of a king. They will bring disaster on the earth, and I'll do nothing to rescue any of them. [7] So I became a shepherd of those sheep doomed to be slaughtered by the sheep dealers. And I gave names to the two sticks I used for tending the sheep: One of them was named “Mercy” and the other “Unity.” [8] In less than a month, I became impatient with three shepherds who didn't like me, and I got rid of them. [9] Then I said, “I refuse to be your shepherd. Let the sheep that are going to die, go on and die, and those that are going to be destroyed, go on and be destroyed. Then let the others eat one another alive.” [10] On that same day, I broke the stick named “Mercy” to show that the Lord had canceled his agreement with all people. [11] The sheep dealers who saw me knew at once that this was a message from the Lord. [12-13] I told them, “Pay me my wages, if you think you should; otherwise, forget it.” So they handed me my wages, a measly 30 pieces of silver. Then the Lord said, “Throw the money into the treasury.” So I threw the money into the treasury at the Lord's temple. [14] Then I broke the stick named “Unity” and canceled the ties between Judah and Israel. [15] Next, the Lord said to me, “Act like a shepherd again—this time a worthless shepherd. [16] Once more I am going to let a worthless nobody rule the land—one who won't care for the strays or search for the young or heal the sick or feed the healthy. He will just dine on the fattest sheep, leaving nothing but a few bones.” [17] You worthless shepherd, deserting the sheep! I hope a sword will cripple your arm and blind your right eye.

https://bible.com/bible/392/zec.11.4-17.CEV

Was the bag worth it? 

For some who do not understand the gravitas of the situation, does the almighty dollar direct all of your decisions? What happened to solid ethics and prayer, or were they purchased by the US government for $1400? For some, those fourteen Ben Franklins covered one month's rent or mortgage depending on timing into the market; some Arkansans, it covered sales tax on a $21,000 car (ask me how I know); or provided a cushion as a bridge across perilous times? I lived through the Bush tax cuts of 2003, so trust me when I say the payback is more than the illusion of come up.

Don't get me started on the businesses and nonprofits who did not need the money yet received those PPP loans anyway and managed to get those loans forgiven without recompense. 

Lastly, Mosaic law states who gets thirty pieces of silver and under which circumstances. Exodus 21:32 details those terms below:

Exodus 21:32 CEV

[32] If the bull kills a slave, you must pay the slave owner 30 pieces of silver for the loss of the slave, and the bull must be killed by stoning.

https://bible.com/bible/392/exo.21.32.CEV

Matter of fact - and if the USA ever was truly a Judeo-Christian nation, Exodus 21 details how to treat the enslaved in all facets which it failed miserably. Even when religion is coded into law and policy decisions, it often is immoral for a number of people. You'd be appalled at some of what the lowercase chrisitans deem as right and infallible in comparison to what is written even in the King James Version once you begin to read the entire chapter for context beyond beating someone over the head with a Word that at best is practiced inconsistently. Next door in Oklahoma, we are aware of the Native Americans' recompense for being forcefully moved via Trail of Tears and other ways of expulsion, but how AND why were the lone Black survivors of the Tulsa Race Riots denied reparations by the state, Tulsa County, and yes, even the federal government as the term is defined to be made whole from an injurious act?

What do we do, and where do we go?

For far too long, Black Americans have been the conscience - rather, the mirror - to a nation that seeks to minimize if not outright deny our the impact, and the mainstream clearly dislikes that brand of honesty. This is why the third Monday in January has been so heavily whitewashed and sanitized to a palatable truth that reduced Brother Martin to a mere soundbite. This is also why the entire South and much of the nation is trying to prevent those uncomfortable truths from being taught in schools as if social media platforms such as my own won't get the educating across to multiple generations who either do not know, need to know, or feign ignorance throughout February. We know what is coming; do you?

The prejudices of 65% of Arkansans is going to cause a number of blessings to be missed on their parts. My advice: Stop hiding behind the words "economic anxiety" when you know full well we all can get money, and all they are doing is proving their racism. Truth is, they don't want to see ME eat, reap the rewards of my intellectual labor, or enjoy not having to hustle backwards for table scraps.

For me, Black liberation looks like the ability to provide the best life possible for the two under my roof via leading by example and of course, minding my own Black-ass business. In this season, we see that some of our so-called allies chose to maintain their own comfort zones as we welcomed them into our lives, homes, and what was the proverbial - and in some cases, literal cookout as long as they left the potato salad with the raisins in it at home. Those pearls, blue painted fingernails, and Chuck Taylors were all performative bits once again if the actions did not match the intentions; we saw this sordid film play out four years ago when the same people used black boxes during the height of the Black Lives Matter movement, and once again, it looks to be a sequel. 

Don't ask for squat when times get hard: I got smoke for everybody.

After nearly 250 years, this nation finally got what it deserves, and it might resemble Babylon. 

Those same christians (again, I'm using the lowercase version) who are trying to legislate their very bland, extremely inauthentic parody of the faith are about to find out firsthand that actions indeed have consequences. The FAFO phase is still in discovery, and as 47 loads up the box with this clown car of charlatans we realize that the same folks have won the battle yet they absolutely lost the war. How? No one respects their witness meaning they are no better than loud clanging cymbals that make no music. Their voices now are instantly identified with the hypocrites of the day, and for some who rocked WWJD bracelets back in the day, it is an embarrassing about-face today. One thing that God gave us is the free will to reason: Introducing a WASPy version of American Christianity that sanitizes further the parts that parishioners do not want to hear is not true Christianity, and it misses the point of the religious freedom this country was founded upon. When the Sermon on the Mount is poo-pooed on by members, the country club worshippers have lost the plot in favor of an Anglicized version of prosperity gospel. 

Looking like the church is NOT being the church

Everyone sees them, and they look like the emperor without any clothes. What kind of business are they standing on?

Was it worth the thirty pieces of silver?

Dr Pepper Brownies

🍫 Dr. Pepper Brownies 🍫

These Dr. Pepper Brownies are rich, fudgy, and have a unique twist with the addition of Dr. Pepper soda. Perfect for any chocolate lover looking for something a little different!

Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter

2 cups granulated sugar

4 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup Dr. Pepper soda

1 cup all-purpose flour

3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Dr. Pepper Glaze:

1/4 cup Dr. Pepper soda

1/4 cup unsalted butter

2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

2 cups powdered sugar

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.

Prepare the Brownie Batter:

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Remove from heat and stir in the granulated sugar until well combined.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and vanilla extract. Gradually add the butter and sugar mixture, whisking constantly until smooth.

Cheesesteak Dip

In what looks to be the next-to-last recipe of the Tailgating For Everyone experience, the friendly pitmaster endeavors to make a cheesesteak dip for the ages. I know this isn't a true Philly experience - and PA folks can keep their anger out of the comments section, so let's get down on making the party a memorable place to be. We remember those house parties back in our younger years, so why not feed the flock in the meantime in our more experienced season although it may require Icy-Hot the next morning?

INGREDIENTS 

Steak, cubed or shaved

Kosmo's Cow Cover rub

(2) 8 oz blocks of cream cheese

8 oz of sour cream 

1 green bell pepper

1 onion

1 tsp of minced garlic

Heath Riles's Garlic Jalapeño rub

4 oz each of cubed mozzarella and Monterey jack cheeses

STEP ONE. Cube your steak and cheeses as well as prepare all of the other ingredients above. You're going to want to be ready as this cook goes fairly quickly, and a trip to the store may result in your dip being burned - and no one deserves burnt cheese dip. Regarding the steak, I've seen the inspiration behind this cook (Jonathan Jones of Jonathan BBQ in Phoenix) cube up a ribeye, and since I'm not sacrificing a steak that can be thoroughly enjoyed, I snagged a cheap griller from my local grocery store. Size does matter: Make sure your steaks shaved or cubed are small enough for a quick one bite that can handle being on a tortilla chip if crostinis are unavailable in your area or the time to slice garlic breadsticks on a bias is super limited. Don't forget to add Cow Cover to the steaks on all sides although in the grand scheme of things, it will not matter; beginning cooks need to recognize that all sides and angles are worthy of flavor.

STEP TWO. One you finish the first step, head outside to light the grill. Your cooker does not matter, but for today's barbecue exercise, I have my trusty Weber kettle and some briquettes I recently bought from Costco that burn hotter and faster than the regular blue bag stuff we typically pick up from the big box stores. Bring out a cast-iron skillet and allow it to warn up to 400 degrees before adding the steak.

STEP THREE  Cook that steak to medium-well before swapping it out for the veggies, garlic, and butter. Allow the butter and Garlic Jalapeño rub to melt and garlic to get to know the peppers and onion on an intimate level until they are sautéed. 

STEP FOUR. Here come the cheeses and creams: In addition to the sautéed team still cooking on the skillet, both blocks of cream cheese, the sour cream, and cubed cheeses accept their party invitations. Let everything melt away and lastly, return the steak chucked or shaved back to the mixture for that final element of flavor punch.

Serve as soon as it is cheesy to your liking and it is pulled from the kettle.

My thoughts: OK, I like.

Do I love it? 

Unless it is specifically requested, I probably won't make it again; instead, I might redirect friends and events I cook for toward spinach dip or regular queso. It's still tasty, yet it teetered on the hit or miss line for me.

With one more week remaining in the Tailgating For Everyone experience, the final one is going to be a doozy that my fellow big backs might find themselves beating down the door for a bite. Thank you for reading and heading outside to improvise and improve a party item that otherwise would have been missed. If you like this one (or any of the other four T4E seasons' of barbecue), the methods have been lain out for mass consumption. Y'all be safe, be blessed, be good to each other, and tell everyone that every day is a GREAT day for Dub Shack BBQ!

The Best Bite-Through Chicken You'll Eat

When I say this is the best bite-through chicken you're going to eat this this season, trust me on this one. I did a batch for work about two months ago, and when I throw these hands up and flail around in that hallelujah 🙌🏿 motion, just know that the friendly pitmaster did not come to play.

Here's how we got there.

Thanks to Kosmo for making competition chicken easier to produce and win with on a consistent basis, and enshrining backyard cooks as neighborhood legends everywhere. 

INGREDIENTS 

Chicken drumsticks

Fire Dancer BBQ's Chicken Rub

Distilled water

Big Poppa's Desert Gold rub

Butter

Dub Shack BBQ’s The O.G sauce (optional)

STEP ONE. Chicken drumsticks are generally cheap and something we all can get behind at the tailgate: You've got a leg dripping with barbecue sauce, and a bone in one hand to balance with the beverage in the other. Open the package and put all of the legs into a zip loc bag. Add Chicken Rub and distilled water to the bag, shake the mixture around, and set in a pan for two to four hours just in case the bag's contents decide they've had enough and leak out.

STEP TWO. After those three hours, remove the chicken from the bag and position in the bottom of the same pan adding Desert Gold to the bird. Slice that stick of butter into eight tablespoons and nestle them at different points of the chicken to where an even cook is ensured. Don't forget to cover the top of that aluminum pan. For those who struggle with bite-through skin, this is the tip. Place the covered pan onto your smoker at 275 and let it work for the first hour.

STEP THREE. Check the chicken using your thermometer after the first hour. If it is at or around 175, you may uncover the pan and let it play in the butter and rub mixture for another hour before pulling off the smoker. The problem I have had is a minor one where the meat falls off the bone: Yes, it means I overcooked the chicken. In most instances, it was only one or two drumsticks from the original package, and the others were fine.

STEP FOUR. This is completely optional, but you can either dunk the chicken or simply use a brush to drizzle the sauce and return to the smoker to tack up. Afterwards, return to the serving block to rest and for the juices to redistribute throughout each piece before serving. Enjoy!

My thoughts: I did this as a trial run for my crew two months ago, and they absolutely LOVED them! Because I don't do competition barbecue (y'know, something to do with registration fees, the price to participate not only limited to the meat itself but also set up and the most myriad list of supplies, and having to submit PTO to compete among the best around here since most tournaments happen to fall on my scheduled weekends in the plant),  I figured I had better hone my skills before I try to put the smoke in the air for the general public to enjoy. Shout out to those guys who were my taste testers that week, and to my family for consuming this version.

For the low, low price of $2.74, I'd dare say this is some tasty chicken. 

Anyway, get out there and cook something awesome this weekend or whenever the opportunity to make superb barbecue presents itself. As the Reddies' football season draws to a close and likewise with the Tailgating For Everyone series in a few short weeks, this is the reminder that great food doesn't have to break the bank. Y'all be safe, be blessed, be good to each other, and tell everyone that every day is a GREAT day for Dub Shack BBQ!

Easy Fixins': Dub Shack BBQ Presents Honey Hot Chicken

The heat can be turned up or down to your preference. This may/may not be that booty burner that can keep you on the toilet or in tears. Since the heat I like isn't one to hurt feelings or have Billy Badass crying to his mommy, you can take the title with a grain of salt yet the honey part remains. 

To let y'all in on something about me, I mainly live on grilled chicken sandwiches when we drive to the beach on vacation week until we get to where we are sleeping. Therefore, Bojangles, Krystal, and yes, Chick-fil-A tend to find a way to separate money from your friendly pitmaster. 

INGREDIENTS 

Whole chicken

Fire and Smoke Society's Hot Honey Buzz rub

Dub Shack BBQ’s Get Hot Honey barbecue sauce*

Hamburger slider buns 

Provolone cheese 

STEP ONE. We spatchcock the birds. If you've never done it, simply cut the backbone out of the whole chicken and flatten it for even doneness. Use a liberal dosage of Hot Honey Buzz on both sides of the birds and set aside as the smoker works its way up to temperature. 

STEP TWO. In the miracle of time, the chickens (I did two) are ready for mesquite smoke! 

STEP THREE. Remember, your food cooks how it lays on the grill. Since Senior (my OG Oklahoma Joe offset smoker) got the assignment, allow it to rise to 250-275 degrees before laying both birds out for initial smoke. You can keep the skin on for presentation purposes, and there will be a separate post of the best bite-through chicken skin later this season, so leave the birds be for their smoke nap. At one hour, probe the breast, thigh, and one of the legs for doneness to determine if they either need to be repositioned or left alone. 

STEP FOUR. After the chickens near eating temperature (165 for breasts, 175 for thighs), I tend to put them in aluminum pans and cover them up for at least half an hour before pulling to ensure a thorough cook and juicy chicken. In the bottom of the pan, feel free to add a braising liquid such as chicken broth or Miller Lite to the bottom of the pan in order to fortify the poultry flavor. Bring both chickens when both parts meet the mark and prepare for the next step.

STEP FIVE. Look at those pretty chickens. Feel free to part them out any way you want, but today and for this recipe, we pull chicken.

Let's get busy.

You can't tell me nothing about that color

What's the fun part, friendly pitmaster?

Building the sandwiches.

You have the liberty to build and serve chicken sandwiches any way you desire, but you're really here for the Get Hot Honey sauce. On the bottom part of the slider bun, start with provolone cheese and you can go to town. Me? Give me toasted buns, the pulled chicken itself, a slice of provolone cheese, Get Hot Honey sauce, and the top bun. Don't forget to butter the tops and as an over-the-top move, sprinkle Everything Bagel over the sliders and broil on high for 45 seconds. Remove and serve immediately!

Optional and likely next time around, Get Hot Honey will be in a serving cup to dip my sandwiches into.

As always, thank you for reading and sharing this post. Holiday and weekend cookouts do not have to be the extravagant affairs we sometimes let them become; periodically, a good chicken sandwich is all we need. Keep going outside and cooking great food that will not only fill you up but also provide the chance to make memories. Y'all be safe, be blessed, be good to each other, and tell everyone that every day is a GREAT day for Dub Shack BBQ! 

*Get Hot Honey is in the early testing process. If I like it enough and the core group of samplers think it passes muster, it will be not only on the roster but 2024's holiday surprise sauce from your friendly pitmaster. Pop Da Cherry and Deez Apples are riding off into the sunset - for now.

Promises Made, Promises Kept: Dub Shack BBQ Presents Smoked Mexican Street Corn Dip

This one has been a long time coming. 

About a year ago, my neighbor tagged me in someone's street corn dip recipe and it got the wheels turning - or in Houston, the swangas rotating - as to how I can make my mark with it within our price point and time constraints. Having ingredients as a one-time use is cost-prohibitive, and as my wife has kindly encouraged me to trim down my side of the spice cabinet before seeing the local BBQ supply plug, I needed to cut down from nearly forty bottles to something more manageable. That eternal kitchen renovation project has been put on hold, yet I still need to make room for if/when it happens. Hint: I need money. Lots and lots of money. 

INGREDIENTS 

(1) 2 lb block of Velveeta Blanco

(1) 8 oz block of pepper jack cheese

30 oz of frozen corn

(2) 6 oz cans of diced green chiles

(1) jar Herdez Salsa Verde mild 

Juice of two limes

1/2 c 2% milk

Texas Round Up Fajita seasoning, aka the Buc-ees fajita rub

Big Poppa's Jallelujah Lime rub 

1/2 red onion

10 oz cotija cheese

STEP ONE. Just like most of Da Dips, this is a dump-and-go recipe. If you have the time, grill your eight ears of corn and shear them off into an aluminum half-pan; otherwise, the bag of frozen corn is your base. Dice up the Blanco queso and pepper jack cheese and add to the pan along with everything else except the cotija cheese. One common approach is to shred five ounces for a topping at the end along with crema (Mexican sour cream), but this time around, I cubed it up as well and threw it into the pan. When it comes to the seasonings, go until the ancestors tap you on the shoulder. Mix all of the ingredients together and set aside for smoke.

STEP TWO. Today, my new-to-me smoker Junior got the assignment mostly because it was cleaned from that brisket cook I did at home last week and the fact it holds high temperatures better than the O.G. one in Senior. Once it got to 275 degrees, the mixture went to melt away into something super fun to eat. Stir every ten minutes and pull when the cheeses have completely melted to the consistency of desire. Wait about fifteen minutes and serve!

That's all.

Because my neighbor Ryan put me on the clock last year as I was itching to drop desserts instead, I had to wait for the right time for him - and the rest of you - to enjoy my workaholic take of Mexican street corn dip. I've eaten it every day this week, and it shall happen again. To cut the spice and heat, you can always limit the chiles to one (or none) or find a tamer green salsa. I know this will be a dope T4E recipe that will get all of the rave reviews! 

Anyway...thank you for reading and trying out this recipe. While it isn't entirely true to Mexican street corn, its deconstructed form deserves the compliments as well. If you want to see something else from your friendly pitmaster, just let me know in the comments section and I'll shout you out when it happens. Could it be honey buns and Red Hots next? Another dip? More sliders? Each week is different - and if you're fortunate enough to come around for R&D days, you might mess around and run across a hit. [I'd love to say I don't miss, but even I know that is cap.] Y'all be safe, be blessed, be good to each other, and tell everyone that every day is a GREAT day for Dub Shack BBQ!

Me So Hungry: Dub Shack BBQ Presents BBQ Shrimp

To maximize my precious time, I will sometimes do multiple cooks, and for those occasions, there had better be a snack that will make your guest scream the pitmaster's name. This BBQ shrimp happens to be one of those, and in ten minutes' time, they will be ready sooner than your date when you pick her up for dinner.

INGREDIENTS 

One pound of shrimp, preferably deveined

Avocado oil 

One stick of butter, sliced into tablespoons 

Minced garlic

Razorracks BBQ's All Day all-purpose rub

A few teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce

STEP ONE. If frozen, thaw the shrimp per package instructions. Otherwise, clean them up by deveining and/or peeling shrimp. Season the shrimp on all sides with All Day and set aside.

STEP TWO. Since my Weber kettle and cast-iron skillet got the assignment, light the grill up for a two-zone fire at 350 degrees. Because shrimp cooks so quickly, do not worry about adding a smoke flavor to those crustaceans; save the pecan wood for next time around. Add avocado oil to the skillet and place it directly above the coals, and then add the butter, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce to play together before the shrimp joins the party. Turn after five minutes to even doneness on both sides, and pull at 145 degrees or just before they curl into tight circles. Another way to know - and particularly with a larger size - is paying attention to the shrimp's shape: You want them to look like the letter C for no one is interested in overcooked seafood.

STEP THREE. Remove from the grill, let the skillet cool down a few minutes, and devour!

Hope you have a baguette to sop up the butter mixture. 

Like the classic smoked shrimp recipe, this won't last long. I usually keep shrimp on deck meaning that if I run out, it's just a quick trip outside to cook up another batch. As always, thank you for reading and sharing this post among friends, family, neighbors, and anyone looking to score a bite. I do appreciate the eyes and views T4E brings, and they alone are the encouragement to keep coming up with all of the awesome ways to eat barbecue. Y'all be safe, be blessed, be good to each other, and tell everyone that every day is a GREAT day for Dub Shack BBQ! 

Where the Party At? Dub Shack BBQ Presents Party Ribs

If you began singing or dancing to Jagged Edge when you read the title, you're my kind of people. If not, peep the "Where the Party At" video featuring Nelly circa 2000 to find out where the party is - or otherwise, you're too young for this rib tasting.

Where the party at? Closer than you think

INGREDIENTS 

One rack of baby back ribs, cut into individual ribs

Fire and Smoke Society's Pork Perfect rub

Dub Shack BBQ’s The O.G sauce

Brown sugar

1/2 stick of butter, sliced into tablespoons 

For this cook, my ribs were for the low because I did them the same day. Don't be scared of the yellow stickers at Walmart if you do it right

STEP ONE. Unwrap the ribs and remove them from the package along the way remembering to pat them dry. Follow the bone structure and slice between then to ensure even sizing; we don't want Don or Quan crying over having the smallest baby back rib or the one with the least amount of meat. As it is optional, you can use mustard as a binder for the rub to adhere to those party ribs. Set them aside and light the smoker. 

STEP TWO. Just like any other rib cook, light your smoker - or grill - to 250 degrees, depending on the size. Since I have a brisket working on Junior, the Wal-Mart special gets the assignment. Your wood choice may not matter in this cook; if it does, then select a wood that will not overpower pork such as apple or if you're lucky, peach. This is going to be a two-zone cook that may be even quicker than doing the whole rack. 

STEP THREE. Let these babies for an hour before peeking inside for color and temperature. The ribs should have a nice color depending on the rub and perhaps even some pullback on the bone; feel free to probe each party rib for a temperature of 165 degrees before moving them to a aluminum pan for a tender bath in butter, honey, brown sugar, sauce, and the aforementioned favorite rub to reinforce the original flavor profile. Pull after the ribs reach 210 degrees for fall-off-the-bone ribs, or 202 for bite-through ribs. Cool for fifteen minutes and serve immediately!

My thoughts: I may never smoke a whole rack of ribs in the traditional way for the family ever again. The color was there, yet the reason I went longer is to prevent that dried out taste that often comes with newer cooks - and those of us who aren't paying attention to the product - of pork chops. Per the FDA, pork chops and loins can be eaten safely at 145 degrees while ribs, Boston butts, pork shoulders, and pork belly can cook to around 202 degrees without risking trichinosis and other forms of food poisoning. 

Below is the definition of trichinosis: 

Trichinosis is a food-borne disease caused by a microscopic parasite called Trichinella. People can get this disease by eating raw or undercooked meat from animals infected with the parasite. Often these infected meats come from wild game, such as bear, or pork products. 

Just make sure your pork is fully cooked, and for those members of the Pork Patrol, I fully understand. For a biblical context beyond Leviticus 11:17, read Matthew 8:28-34 for the Demons and the Pigs parable and likely the real reason our Muslim brothers and sisters do not eat pork.

If anyone wants to know where the party is, pull up with this tasty pan of party ribs for the next event. As always, thank you for reading and sharing this post among friends and family members. In what amounted to two hours from start to finish, these are also a quick way to feed the folks. Y'all be safe, be blessed, be good to each other, and tell everyone that every day is a GREAT day for Dub Shack BBQ!

Lessons Learned and Otherwise Ignored Four Years Later

Most of us remember what 2020 was like.

Yes, I wore a mask in 2021. This is from vacation week in Myrtle Beach before I got my locs

How has the four years since changed for the better, worse, or indifferent as we have found ourselves digging deeper into the hollow chambers that so comfort us? Do moral appeals mean much anymore?

As a FYI, there will be no slander of Black women in this space or anywhere near me. Try Jesus, not me. I throw hands.

For the ways things have improved on the surface although in every Southern state, the governors and legislatures are deigned on rolling back the clock to a time where equality (and equity - but you're not ready for that conversation) is at best lip service and more often than not a glacial matter reserved for the by-and-by of eternity where the earthly problems are of no concern. To that extent, some of you want to throw up "No Vacancy" signs where you dwell. I could be wrong, but NIMBYism is contrary to what Christ spoke of. Aren't we all supposed to be neighbors? But if we say we love God and don't love each other, we are liars. 

We cannot see God. So how can we love God, if we don't love the people we can see? 1 John 4:20

https://bible.com/bible/392/1jn.4.20.CEV

I do miss sitting outside and watching the neighborhood kids play each afternoon initially for a short amount of time for fresh air, and later as long as they could handle the sun rays while learning how to throw horseshoes, play baggo or basketball in my driveway, and return home with barbecue on their breaths. The ribs were an occasional event, but they got Popsicles and bottled water daily. For a brief period, the world indeed slowed down as most of you were working remotely from home for the first time (Rineco refused to extend that privilege to me - and based on my last couple of internal interviews, still ain't gonna happen. God's plan is probably to stay put as a sage for the overnight crew for some strange reason or until a much better opportunity presents itself.) How many of you remember paying 85 cents for gas in the early parts of COVID, and why fuel prices dropped so much? Hint: No one beyond the essential ones drove, office spaces were ghost towns, and the oil oligarchs were getting raked over the coals. To that extent, I swear some folks are more ungrateful than the Israelites who crossed the Red Sea with Moses clamoring for a return to Egypt. It also makes me think that both mental enslavement and sepia-colored nostalgia lenses are causing them to desire a past which for 60 percent of people was unequal at best and a certified nightmare for anyone not of the lucky sperm and egg club.

Where did the past four years go right?

Nearly everyone saw some sort of financial appreciation with new business pursuits, rising property values, and/or getting more for trading perfectly reliable cars, trucks, SUVs, etc. for the next best thing; if you did not, look in the mirror and reassess your life choices. I love the fact that our house has effectively doubled in value since we bought it yet if the day to sell would ever arise, we would not be able to afford to live in Bryant anymore. If that day comes, we're NOT moving to Conway. Period. There isn't enough money in the world for me to move back to the town of my birthplace, not even for that brand new lifestyle construction home across the street from Dad and Mom which eventually may price out a bunch of legacy families that have called Friendship home for as long as I can remember. 

Where did the past four years go wrong?

Well...the simple answers would be inflation; the circumstances and responses surrounding January 6, 2021; the backlash to all of those clearly empty promises made during the political campaign that induced those who are more prone to conspiracy theories and looking to someone else to solve their life's problems; and others in the moneyed classes feigning ignorance when asked to define the difference between equality and equity; and so forth. All of those things and my own pro-Black sentiments being dismissed not only by the folks we'd expect to stymie our progress but also some who should know better.

Ya know, not all skin folk are kinfolk.

Also, some (not all) white Gen Xers have disappointed their Black counterparts by becoming their parents instead of facing head-up against the wiles of this evil world alongside us which now they perpetuate by staying in their blind lanes more concerned about stuff rather than lives different than their largely homogenized existences. [Yes, I know; I live in Saline County. Read #DearWhitePeople from 2015 to understand where I am venturing with the former sentence]. I'm trying not to curse as my pastor reads AD&AD yet he somehow understands my rage. 

Don't get so angry that you sin. Don't go to bed angry. -Ephesians 4:26

https://bible.com/bible/392/eph.4.26.CEV

What about the indifference?

Although the movement has largely faded away and some conflate the organization with it, there are historical significances behind Black Lives Matter. 

American citizens are by and large lemmings. Before y'all get too upset and shoot the messenger, here is why: News media (the fourth arm of our legal system) has repeatedly, consistently, and blatantly lied to us so frequently that a healthy distrust of today's institutions would almost be a good thing particularly how the words liberty and justice for all mean a hill of beans. Think about where we get our news from: It comes from a place that comforts us in one way or another. Some watch MSN, and some consume Fox. Others enjoy CNN, OAN, Sinclair, our local newspapers, and so forth. Instead of being the educated population we profess to be, a whole of people are gullible enough to fall for fake stories manufactured to gin up hysteria or suppress real time events. Of course, when rectifying this nation's original sin of slavery, the same folks would prefer to do a study (see HR40), kick the can down the road as their favored lawmakers further rig the game to what at worst becomes South Africa pre-1990s, or even outright deny the events leading to today's circumstances by minimizing and whitewashing history.

Remember, the oppressors will not arm you with the education necessary to overthrow them.

Whoever you choose between the first day of early voting and November 5, be certain that he or she best aligns with your personal values and is able to serve the people with dignity, sound mind, body, spirit, and judgment without castigating one group or another as inferior or begin World War III. We know the adage of "money can't buy me love " contrary to lobbyists and PACs selling their interests to the highest bidder - and the most extreme loudmouths - each season, but do we truly adhere to it?

All in all, we should be aware enough to remember life four years ago instead of clinging to bits and pieces of hysteria that show the absolute worst of us. As I have remarked several years ago and occasionally since, some folks are selfish enough to allow their own material gains supersede the greater good of all of us - and you don't have to look far to see who they are, as social media has provided them with a megaphone (for some) that needs to be taken away, and certainly presents a heart of deceit and malice alike as evidenced on the third Monday in January, amongst other times. However, I do appreciate the honesty. 

When it is all said and done, did we attempt to live my favorite verse in John 15:12 or was it all a ruse to maintain status quo without directly implying it? I'd love to sit down and engage in a conversation while smoking brisket and throwing down a couple of sides such as an unannounced dip or a favorite side item from the pits and grills. 2020 was only four relatively short years ago, and a time when most of us were witnesses to an illness that took friends and family members from us. I know a number of people who moseyed around unvaccinated and proud of it to eventually use it as an excuse to get ten days' paid time off from work, and to them, your stance is your stance. It also exposed glaring hypocrisies in the so-called patriotism masked [figuratively, and in the cases of a few, literal] of people who are genuinely disinterested in the truth that may very sully the names and reputations of their ancestors; a legal system that declines to demand accountability; and criminalizes the very existence of community for those seeking it the most by the not-so-discreet dogwhistles.

Don't we all? 

Dear Father, I pray that we are able to review the moments past with a critical eye to both advance Your loving kindness in action more than empty platitudes and recall what got us in the positions we are in today. Gird us up and protect our sanity and provide rest to the weary in this perilous hour that we continue to seek You first. Forgive us for placing our agendas above what you deem necessary; turn us around and mold us to be better than what we were just a moment ago. All other things we desire of You, Amen.