Happy Father's Day

Father's Day is Sunday, June 15. My dad is great because he is very mechanical and he gives me advice on problems like auto problems and home repairs. I am not saying that women can not do these things on our own and I have been known to get my hands dirty on many occasions. It is nice to know that I have my dad to count on when I have these types of questions. He is also a financial genius so he offers great investing and banking advice.

When we think dads and food, most of us think meat, lots of meat. And with the weather turning warm, we think grilling and outdoor cooking. One of my favorite grilled recipes is an Asian inspired rib recipe (that I have yet to name). I originally pulled this recipe from a television show. I did not love the original recipe but saw it had potential so have been modifying it over the years. My other favorite grilled recipe is a Grilled Asparagus with Peanut Sauce from Cook's Illustrated. Normally I would not think of peanut butter and asparagus in the same dish, but this will wow your socks off. It is fabulous! So I share both of these recipes with you, enjoy your weekend. And dads everywhere, thank you for all you do!

JEN'S FAVORITE RIB RECIPE

Serves 4

4 Tablespoons oyster sauce

1 Tablespoon soy sauce

2 stalks of lemon grass (white part only), finely chopped

Juice from half a lemon (about 1 Tablespoon)

2 Tablespoons sugar

1 clove garlic, minced

Freshly ground black pepper, several twists of peppermill

2 pounds of pork ribs, cut into individual ribs

Combine ingredients together, add ribs and let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Can marinate longer, up to 24 hours, in the refrigerator.

Heat grill to medium-high heat and add ribs. Cook about 5 to 10 minutes per side, flip and cook another 5 to 10 minutes. Let sit for 5 minutes before eating.

.

.

.

.

ASPARAGUS WITH PEANUT SAUCE
Cooks Illustrated Magazine ~ May/June 1998 issue

Servings: 4

1 medium garlic clove -- minced
1 1/2 teaspoons fresh ginger -- grated
1 1/2 teaspoons rice wine vinegar
1 1/2 teaspoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon Asian sesame oil
1/2 teaspoon salt -- or to taste
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper -- or to taste
1 1/4 pounds asparagus spears -- tough ends snapped off
1 tablespoon peanut butter
1 tablespoon fresh cilantro leaves -- minced
1 medium scallion -- white and green parts, minced

Either light a medium fire in grill or preheat broiler. Whisk garlic, ginger, rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, and sesame oil, along with salt and pepper to taste, in medium bowl. Brush asparagus with about 1 tablespoon dressing to coat lightly.

Either grill asparagus, turning halfway through cooking time, until tender and streaked with light grill marks, 5 to 7 minutes, or line up spears in single layer on heavy jellyroll or rimmed baking sheet and broil, placing sheet about 4 inches from top heating element and shaking it once halfway through cooking to rotate spears, until tender and browned in some spots, 6 to 8 minutes.

Whisk peanut butter, cilantro, and 1 tablespoon water into remaining dressing; toss with asparagus. Transfer to serving platter, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, sprinkle with minced scallion, and serve immediately