North Carolina BBQ

It seems to be a tradition that when we return from our mission, we make food for our family, that is native to where we served. So for this 4th of July, we decided to have an authentic North Carolina BBQ (although Heather wouldn't let us display the Confederate flag. She said it was like displaying Nazi items if we served in Germany). In North Carolina when you said BBQ, you mean pulled pork marinated in a unique vinegar based sauce. When we Western Yankees say BBQ, we think hamburgers, hot dogs, and anything else you put on a grill. In North Carolina, that is called grilling. So with the help of many family members, we had a North Carolina BBQ.

The Ortega's (a couple I met in North Carolina--someday I will blog about them) gave me the recipe for the BBQ sauce. The night before, my mom and I made the sauce, and the next day we put the pork into the crock pots to cook for about seven hours. Here is the finished product:

Also another Southern delight is the Hushpuppy. Most of us Western Yankees don't know what a hushpuppy is. Basically it is deep fried corn meal with other ingredients. You can put cheese in it, or jalapenos, or leave it plain. Then you dip the warm treat into honey-butter for a sweet taste. Next to the hushpuppies is the baked beans.


With the help of Heather, we had Slaw (not Cole Slaw. That's what we Western Yankees call it). Slaw is commonly served with BBQ and Hushpuppies.


From the look of the picture below, you can tell that mom made the Nana Puddin'. She topped it off with a few Banana slices and some herb from the garden for presentation (She reminds us frequently that it's not just about the taste, but also about the presentation. You can tell she watches Martha Stewart).


With Brianne's help, we have these Red Velvet cup cakes. I actually never had this in North Carolina, but these cup cakes are native to the South.


More important than the dinner itself, with all its fame and presentation, were the happy customers:


Thank you to all who helped make this dinner. It was a success because of your help.