Fire up that grill

I don't know about you, but we use our grill year-round. I know some people are grill purists and insist on using *only* charcoal. To them I say: (said in my best Cartman voice *ahem*) WHATEVA - I DO WHAT I WANT! We have a gas grill and we love it! My parents gave us the grill we have when we moved in to our house almost 5 years ago - it's about time we start thinking about an upgrade. It's still reliable, but it could stand to be retired.

So, in honor of the 4th of July BBQ, I bring you an awesome marinade/recipe for pork chops. I know...I know. Who has pork chops for the 4th? We usually have hot dogs and burgers, but in case you're looking for something a little different that is very low fuss, I've got a good one for you. The really nice thing about this one is you can make it the night before and it's ready for you whenever you're ready to slap it on the grill.

Sweet Mustard Chops

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup prepared mustard
2 tsp seasoned salt
1/3 cup red wine vinegar
4 (1" thick) pork chops

Combine mayonnaise, brown sugar, mustard and seasoned salt; mix well. Blend in vinegar. Pour into a large resealable plastic bag or shallow glass container; add pork. Seal bag or cover container; refrigerate overnight. Drain and discard marinade. Grill, covered, over medium coals, turning occasionally, for 20-25 minutes or until juices run clear.

NOTE: I don't change a thing about this recipe. It is perfection as is! You can speed this up and only marinate for a couple hours, but it really is best if it marinates overnight. Both of my boys eat this without complaint (quite the feat - let me tell you!).





I meant to get a little better pics of those yummy chops, but the hubs and kids devoured them before I could snap one. Some people's kids!


In other news...for a couple weeks, we've been finding what looks to be owl pellets under a big tree in our front yard.



Yeah, kinda gross, but really cool at the same time. Anyway...I told the hubs that we had an owl living in our tree. We never saw it, so I figured he was out hunting at night in the vast expanse around our neighborhood and then decided to rest and eat in our tree. Whatever. It's cool either way. The other morning I was strapping the boys in the car and I heard a bunch of bird throwing a big fit in the tree. I look up and I see birds I've never seen in the area (pretty ones when usually all we have are the boring house finches). And what are they throwing a fit about? THIS is what they're throwing a fit about.


Yep! I was right - we have a barn owl living in the tree. He was not very happy that those birds were bothering him, but there he sat. He was out there that evening, too. But, of course, the next morning, he's nowhere to be seen. I hope he doesn't decide that there's too much commotion in our tree because I think it's awesome he took up residence in our tree! And if he waits around a few weeks, he could probably have a meal of the baby barn swallows that are in a nest above our front door. LOL Circle of life, girls. Circle of life.


Listening to: Make Yourself by Incubus
Mood: TGIF!