What a crazy year it’s been so far (now June of 2020). It’s one of those times that I, as a food blogger, feel so inadequate. After all, here I am writing about Sweet & Spicy Cajun Spare Ribs as Covid ravages the world, murder is meted out as justice and the nation burns. In the end, I can only do what I can do, and for me, that’s questioning and learning, listening with an open mind, and even more with an open heart. And I can accept that change isn’t easy. If it were, it would have happened already. And I can hope that we as individuals and as a nation don’t miss this opportunity, as difficult as it is, to grow, to change, to be better.

Instant Pot Brazilian Feijoada
I’ve had Feijoada on my mind for a long time. I made Feijoada years ago but it was one of those “Hey, it’s not you, it’s me” kind of things. It was ok, but not great. It wasn’t until I tasted a lot more Brazilian food that I “got” not just the flavor but the spirit of the dish and what a difference that has made. But guess what? This time I did it in my Instant Pot. And it was easy! So here, for your dining pleasure is Instant Pot Brazilian Feijoada!

Sticky Sweet Ribs
So I was watching Diner’s Drive-Ins and Dives (funny, but a lot of my conversations start out like this) and I saw the most amazing looking food from Tiki Iniki a restaurant in Princeton, Hawaii on their episode International Infusion. They featured their Sweet Sticky Sweet Ribs, and I had to ask myself, “Am I a Sticky Sweet Ribs person?” I was soon to find out, although the recipe I made isn’t the same as the ribs at Tiki Iniki, it’s definitely adapted from their recipe – think of this recipe as a “fabulously frugalized” version of their ribs.

Spicy Jerk Ribs with Sweet Chutney Glaze
There’s no doubt summer is here, even in Minnesota, where for the most part it’s been cool. And there’s no doubt Father’s day is just around the corner, too, this Sunday! Father’s day always makes me think about being outside, maybe barbecuing, and barbecuing makes me think about ribs. I mean other than a big T-bone there’s not much more manly than Ribs! And if you’re looking for something different, take a peek at these Spicy Jerk Ribs with Sweet Chutney Glaze.

Cider Glazed Ribs
Well, I’m still in Atlanta, still waiting for my daughter’s wedding and getting all the treatment. A mani/pedi, a massage, cheese and wine. Directions on how to drive and park. (Kids, ugh.) Lemme tell ya, though, this is the life. These Cider Glazed Ribs I made a while back are all but a whisper of a memory, now, but I think they’d be fabulous on Memorial Day Weekend.