Pot luck

Today's been a laid back day at our place. The kids didn't have school because it's Presidents' Day, Keith had a funeral (he's a pastor, not an undertaker), and I didn't plan to do much of anything around the house. It's cold outside, but not nearly as cold as this weekend! My mom and dad came up from Pittsburgh just to visit for a bit. Dad took off for the Tractor Supply and Mom visited with me and the kids. She thinks my knitting is bordering on the obsessive. She's so astute.

Poor little Elliot is battling a cold. He is randomly 1)grumpy, 2)rowdy, 3)sleepy, 4)cuddly or 5)talkative. Go figure. We've had the Olympics on, of course, and were watching something on the Discovery Channel about gigantic earth excavators. Wow! Those vehicles are huge. Elliot was intrigued and since he was in his sleepy/cuddly mood I sat on the couch with him while he relaxed and said how "cool" the trucks were.

Dinner's in the crock pot so I have a moment here. We're having boneless pork ribs, scallopped potatoes and broccoli. I'm going to post the recipe for the ribs. It's so easy to make and I think it has a great flavor. I don't usually stick them under the broiler or reduce the sauce like it suggests, mainly because I'm happy with them straight out of the crock pot.

I have been having a great week on my diet, too. I'm looking for a way to record my progress in some organized way. Weigh-in is Thursday night and then I'll start all over again.

All-in-all, it's been a nice day. I wish Elliot was feeling better, but at least we all had the time to baby him a little bit. He is, after all, the baby!

Here's the recipe for the ribs (from Real Simple magazine, March 2004)

1 small onion, finely chopped (1/2 cup)
1/2 cup ketchup
1/2 cup cider vinegar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon kosher salt (I usually just use regular salt, but not a tablespoon)
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon ground chipotle chili powder (I use regular chili powder)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
4 pounds pork country ribs

Here's what you really need to know from the wordy recipe...mix all of the sauce ingredients (everything but the pork) in the crock pot. Add the pork and coat with the sauce. Cook on high for 3 1/2 hours or low for 6 hours. If you want to make the ribs a bit crispier, place them under the broiler for a while. To intensify the flavor of the sauce, place in a saucepan and boil on the stove for about 15 minutes.
Enjoy!