that's some mighty fine bbq

I know I say this about things all the time, but... I. Love. Barbecue. It's funny because once upon a time, I was one of those angsty teenage vegetarians. Then bacon brought me back into the meat-eating world (never heard that one before, eh?) and from there I kind of went whole-hog (pun intended). Don't get me wrong - I definitely respect vegetarians, and I probably eat a vegetarian meal at least a couple times per week. I do think it's important to pay attention to farming practises, especially where livestock is concerned. That being said, I have no problem chowing down on some pig.

Another all-too-prevalent theme I've noticed is how often I write things like, 'I love _____, but I've never attempted to make it.' I bet you can guess where this is going. Craving barbecue + looking through cookbooks + needing dinner ideas that can double as a great cold lunch for Parker = rolling up my sleeves and delving into the world of homemade bbq.

pig on pig

'If you want a subject, look to pork!' 

                        - Charles Dickens, Great Expectations

Digging through my fridge yesterday morning hoping to find some inspiration for dinner, I hit the jackpot with the discovery of a thawed pork loin (thank you, past self!) and a few slices of bacon. Combined with the makings for green bean casserole, which I found in my pantry, and some homemade rolls and apple sauce, we'd have a nice dinner - enough to share with friends, even.