90. Learn to cook 10 new recipes (4/10)

I'm a meat and potatoes kind of gal. I'm also super frugal.. I totally check out circulars (do they still call them that? I swear I'm incapable of keeping up with current lingo) before I go grocery shopping so when I saw an ad at my local supermarket for super cheap pork ribs.. I jumped on that bandwagon.

You'll notice quickly that I had absolutely no idea how much to buy or what kind of ingredients I would need to complete this meal.

Seriously, I just started pulling stuff that I already had from my fridge and pantry. Let's see there's minced garlic, honey bbq sauce, worcestershire sauce, regular bbq sauce, TJ's sweet chile sauce (seriously, amazing - get some now), garlic salt and ketchup.

After looking at various recipes online, I just started mixing stuff together and tasting it until I wanted to consume it by the spoonful. Yes, that's my "seasoning" method.

With just salt and pepper, I put these bad boys in the oven - See! I told you! Massive pork ribs. I mean, there are ONLY two of us (Murphy does not count when people food is involved) and look how much I bought! Whoops!

I can't even explain how much balance it took for me to take a picture WHILE flipping the meat. I'm just thrilled I didn't knock the entire pan over. Back in the oven they go!

They were fall-off-the-meat tender when all was said and done. And my house, the smell was insane. I tore off a piece and slathered my mix all over them. Yes, the picture is fuzzy because they were pipping hot!

I let them cool down a touch before taking another picture. Yes, I still use paper plates.. don't all the great cooks do that? I'm not sure if I've ever had pork ribs before but I would love to make these again. NOM!

Not really 101 related..

but this happened...



I'm getting back on track now.. I promise! Let's blog away :)

90. Learn to cook 10 new recipes (3/10)

As documented in past blog entries, I'm a total glutton when it comes to food blogs. Now, I realize I can't really cook or bake a lick but in my mind, I'm totally a heavier, less cracked out Sandra Lee. Anyway, one of my favorite blogs (like I totally visit the site multiple times a day) is Carrots N' Cake. I'm such a super fan and totally purchasing her book when it debuts in May 2011.

Now, she has blogged about "the best apple crisp recipe" and since it's fall and apple crisp happens to be S' favorite dessert of all time, I said hey why not. So, I pulled up her recipe and started cutting apples.

Isn't it cute that I cut apples like I do this all the time?



I could not believe I owned a pan perfect for this little cooking project. I threw all the apple pieces in the pan.


Time to mix the topping. And yes, that's butter. Come on, live a little people.



Sprinkled cinnamon on zee apples.



Toppings on the apple slices and into the oven. I'm such a bad wannabe food blogger.. forgot to take a picture of the oven with the pan in there.


Look at that.. browned up in no time flat. The house smelled divine.. like I wish I could have bottled the smell and sold it.



Obviously, I had to check quality control of the product. Delish. Seriously, so so easy. Another successful new recipe in the books. Count it!

And yes, in case you're wondering, S loved the apple crisp.