Spring Snow

Not too long ago we had a spring storm blow through and leave us with a couple of inches of snow. While it wasn't much, it was enough to put me in the mood for some smoked meat and good brew to pass the day. I've often heard of the "East VS West" style of BBQ, and while I've tasted many varieties of Western tomato-based BBQ sauce, I've yet to have a chance to try the eastern style. A quick Google search, and then I found myself locking the Chevy K1500 in 4 Hi and heading to the grocery store and the liquor store. The simple recipe is below, and you've got to try it. At first bite, it's an odd flavor, certainly something you're probably not accustomed to if you're used to "KC BBQ Sauce." But after that it becomes more and more delicious and you have to wonder if maybe those Eastern fellas aren't on to something. It's a simple tang that really lets the smoked flavor of the pork-butt shine through. Spring's not far off, time for the gang to reassemble and post more recipes. Look forward to hearing from all of you again !

Ingredients :

1 cup white vinegar

1 cup cider vinegar

1 tablespoon brown sugar

1 tablespoon cayenne pepper

1 tablespoon hot pepper sauce (e.g. Tabasco™), or to taste

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions:

Combine the white vinegar, cider vinegar, brown sugar, cayenne pepper, hot pepper sauce, salt and pepper in a jar or bottle with a tight-fitting lid. Refrigerate for 1 to 2 days before using so that the flavors will blend. Shake occasionally, and store for up to 2 months in the refrigerator. Baste liberally on the finished meat to taste.

Brew selection : I'm not sophisticated enough to pair my brews with my dinners, I wish I was that worldly. That said, I had a few Boulder Beer Brewing "Buffalo Gold Premium Ale" with my shredded pork sandwiches. The reviews on www.beeradvocate.com run mostly pretty average, I thought it was a good light beer. From one of their reviews :

A: The beer is slightly hazy yellowish amber in color and poured with a finger
high white head that quickly died down and left intermittent lacing. A light
amount of carbonation is visible.S: The smell is quite sweet and also has
some aromas of floral hops.T: Like the smell, the taste is dominated by a
moderate amount of malty sweetness and also has some fruity flavors.M: It
feels light- to medium-bodied and clean on the palate with a moderate amount of
carbonation.D: The beer is easy to drink and refreshing; it would be a good
selection on a hot summer day.