Barbecue seems like such a simple word, yet it is anything but simple.
There is no issue around here about the word. It is Barbecue.
Nor, is there an issue about the part of speech. It is a noun.
And, there is no issue about the type of meat. It is pork.
But, there is a big issue about what part of the state cooks the best barbecue. Is it the eastern part of the state, or is it the western part of the state? People around here are quite opinionated about the way they prefer barbecue.
This issue goes much deeper. Which cut of pork should be used for barbecue, or maybe it should be the whole hog. And, should it be cooked over wood or gas. And, should it be season with a vinegar-based sauce or a tomato-based sauce.
And, then there are the side dishes. Most people seem to agree that you should serve cole slaw with barbecue, but should the cole slaw be mayonnaise based, mustard based, or tomato based. Now bread - should it be hush puppies or cornsticks.
Really, how is it that there are so many different opinions about what to prepare, how to prepare and how to eat? Should it be coarsely chopped, finely chopped or pulled from the whole pig. Do you even know what a pig-pickin is? I didn't when I first moved here, but for my own good, I have learned.
Earlier this week my husband, my mother and I drove to a town a little more than an hour away to meet my aunt and two cousins for lunch. We decided on Parker's which is famous for their barbecue. I mean this place is well-loved, it has even been featured in USA Today.
Now, just so there are no questions, they serve barbecue pork - chopped - vinegar-based - mustard-based cole slaw - hush puppies and cornsticks. Don't tell anyone, but I don't know how it is cooked, but that is because I don't really care. But, I do acknowledge that it is of extreme importance to many people.
We ordered family-style, and here is a picture of what we were served. From the left there is chopped barbecue, hush puppies and cornsticks, cole slaw, Brunswick stew, boiled potatoes and fried chicken. Now that is some clogged arteries waiting to happen. And, please overlook that Diet Coke on the table because you are supposed to drink sweet tea.
And, how do I feel about the subject of barbecue? Shhh! I prefer Memphis style barbecue.
Just for fun, tell us what you think about barbecue.
***************Does anyone want to play Pink Saturday with me tomorrow? If so, please send me the link to your blog, and I will include your link in my Pink Saturday post tomorrow. Come on and play - show us your pink!!!*****************
*** There's a great contest that is just occurring in blogland. Head over right now to visit Donna's - In The Attic. Donna is a relatively new blogger, and take my word for it - she is lovely. And, she wants to get to know you and make friends.
Donna is an incredibly talented quilter, and as a way to become acquainted she is sponsoring a contest with the prize being one of her lovely quilts. I've already shared with you that I have zero talent when it involves needles and threads, but even someone like me can participate in this contest. Apparently all you have to do is mail Donna a Fat Quarter in a color and pattern that blends with the originating fabric. I never even knew there was such a thing as a Fat Quarter, but I am heading out today to buy my contribution to the quilt.
Do yourself a big favor. Head over to Donna's - In The Attic and get to know her. Leave her a comment, make a new friend. And, jump at the opportunity to be the lucky winner of this beautiful quilt Donna will be making. ***
- First of all let's look at the word. Is it Barbecue, or is it Barbeque, or is it Bar-B-Q?
- And is it a noun, or is it an adjective, or is it a verb?
- Then what kind of meat is it? Is it beef, or is it pork, or is it chicken?
There is no issue around here about the word. It is Barbecue.
Nor, is there an issue about the part of speech. It is a noun.
And, there is no issue about the type of meat. It is pork.
But, there is a big issue about what part of the state cooks the best barbecue. Is it the eastern part of the state, or is it the western part of the state? People around here are quite opinionated about the way they prefer barbecue.
This issue goes much deeper. Which cut of pork should be used for barbecue, or maybe it should be the whole hog. And, should it be cooked over wood or gas. And, should it be season with a vinegar-based sauce or a tomato-based sauce.
And, then there are the side dishes. Most people seem to agree that you should serve cole slaw with barbecue, but should the cole slaw be mayonnaise based, mustard based, or tomato based. Now bread - should it be hush puppies or cornsticks.
Really, how is it that there are so many different opinions about what to prepare, how to prepare and how to eat? Should it be coarsely chopped, finely chopped or pulled from the whole pig. Do you even know what a pig-pickin is? I didn't when I first moved here, but for my own good, I have learned.
Earlier this week my husband, my mother and I drove to a town a little more than an hour away to meet my aunt and two cousins for lunch. We decided on Parker's which is famous for their barbecue. I mean this place is well-loved, it has even been featured in USA Today.
Now, just so there are no questions, they serve barbecue pork - chopped - vinegar-based - mustard-based cole slaw - hush puppies and cornsticks. Don't tell anyone, but I don't know how it is cooked, but that is because I don't really care. But, I do acknowledge that it is of extreme importance to many people.
We ordered family-style, and here is a picture of what we were served. From the left there is chopped barbecue, hush puppies and cornsticks, cole slaw, Brunswick stew, boiled potatoes and fried chicken. Now that is some clogged arteries waiting to happen. And, please overlook that Diet Coke on the table because you are supposed to drink sweet tea.
And, how do I feel about the subject of barbecue? Shhh! I prefer Memphis style barbecue.
Just for fun, tell us what you think about barbecue.
***************Does anyone want to play Pink Saturday with me tomorrow? If so, please send me the link to your blog, and I will include your link in my Pink Saturday post tomorrow. Come on and play - show us your pink!!!*****************
*** There's a great contest that is just occurring in blogland. Head over right now to visit Donna's - In The Attic. Donna is a relatively new blogger, and take my word for it - she is lovely. And, she wants to get to know you and make friends.
Donna is an incredibly talented quilter, and as a way to become acquainted she is sponsoring a contest with the prize being one of her lovely quilts. I've already shared with you that I have zero talent when it involves needles and threads, but even someone like me can participate in this contest. Apparently all you have to do is mail Donna a Fat Quarter in a color and pattern that blends with the originating fabric. I never even knew there was such a thing as a Fat Quarter, but I am heading out today to buy my contribution to the quilt.
Do yourself a big favor. Head over to Donna's - In The Attic and get to know her. Leave her a comment, make a new friend. And, jump at the opportunity to be the lucky winner of this beautiful quilt Donna will be making. ***
