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Financing Family Feeding: 5 Ways To Cut Costs

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Keeping the family fed can cost a lot of money with some families regularly spending over a hundred pounds on weekly shops. Being frugal with your finances can reduce this to almost a third – and you don’t have to starve yourself and your family in the process. Here are 5 ways to cut your costs whilst still eating healthy foods and wholesome portions.


Take advantage of coupons and deals


Supermarkets always have deals on - although some are set up to make you spend more money by making you buy more than you would do originally. The deals to avoid are ‘buy one get one half price offers’. Instead stick to reductions on sole items and BOGOF deals.
Many supermarkets may also accept vouchers and coupons. Newspapers may provide these. You may also be able to find a voucher online such as a Walmart coupon code.


Use leftovers


It’s okay to overportion, so long as the leftovers get eaten. Quite often they can make great lunch tomorrow (leftover meat can make a tasty sandwich or soup). Other useful meals for using up leftovers are curry, stew and lasagne. Shove in any meat or vegetables from the night before and use up half tins or semi-opened packets that are close to their sell-by date.


Lower your meat intake


Aside from alcohol, meat is the most expensive item on most people’s shopping list. That said you don’t have to go veggie just to cut costs. Instead, simply limit your meat-eating to every other day. You can also use meat more sparingly by filling out meals such as stews and curries with other foods such as beans, potatoes and carrots. Avoid tinned meat substitutes as these processed foods aren’t as healthy.


Say bye bye to big brands


Okay, so you treat yourself occasionally to well-known brands. But in most cases is the quality really that different? Most supermarkets’ own brand substitutes will do the job and save you a lot of money. This includes sauces, juices, pasta, rice and snacks like biscuits and crisps. Some supermarkets may hide these own brand foods on the upper and lower shelves so take the time to look at prices carefully and don’t just pick up the first item you see on the shelf. Markets can also offer great deals on organic fresh foods such as fruit and veg.


Shop around and don’t be loyal

Visit different supermarkets to get an idea of which ones offer the best deals on various different foods. This may make shopping trips longer by having to visiting multiple stores, but will ultimately save you money. Don’t forget to also visit independent stores such as corner shops and pound stores that may have deals on specific items. Feel free to buy into certain loyalty schemes such as loyalty cards but don’t allow these to dictate where you visit each time – unless you need to go back to that store for its specific deals you may be better off buying certain foods elsewhere.
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Rubbermaid Giveaway

You can win this 3 piece Fresh Works set from Rubbermaid!  Enter below!

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20 Summer Salads To Eat When The Weather Gets Hot




Warmer weather is upon us and so is the need for refreshing salads. Check out this list of  20 Summer Salads To Eat When The Weather Gets Hot!

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Wonderful Halos Easter Basket Giveaway

Welcome to the Wonderful Halos Easter Basket Giveaway! If you haven’t checked out my review about the Wonderful Halos Mandarins you should check it out now. 
ONE WINNER will win a Wonderful Halos Easter Basket 

Sponsored by: Wonderful Halos
Hosted by: Mom Blog Society
Open to: USA only 18yrs. +
Start date: 03/29-04/13
The winner will be notified via email and will have 24 hours to reply.




a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: We reserve the right to make revisions, to cancel, or suspend this contest for any reason. We are not associated with any of the companies named above. The odds of winning are based on the number of entries received Open to the US 18+ only. Confirmed Winner(s) (by Random.org) will be contacted by email. Winner(s) have 24 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law. The sponsor(s) will be responsible for product shipment to winner(s) of this giveaway. Mom Blog Society (and any other blog participating) is not responsible for product shipment/delivery. This event is in no way administered, sponsored, or endorsed by, or associated with, Facebook and/or Twitter, Google, Pinterest. This disclosure is done in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements. Entrants must only enter with either one email address, IP address and/or Facebook account, anyone found violating these rules will be disqualified. It is at the sole discretion of the admin of the giveaway if the winner has met the rules or not.
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Breakfast with belVita Biscuits



Let's face it, mornings can be hectic.  In my household, getting two kids up and off to school leaves me with very little time to eat before I begin my work day.  I am so glad I found out more about belVita biscuits!  They come in so many flavors and sizes and are so delicious!


Did you now when you combine a single package of your favorite flavor and variety of belVita biscuits with a serving of fruit and dairy it provides you with 4 hours of steady nutritious energy?  Pair belVita biscuits with dairy and fruit for 4 hours of nutritious energy.  My mornings just got a whole lot more productive!  I can grab my belVita biscuits, a banana, and a glass of milk  and I am ready to conquer the world.

I was delighted to try out the belVita biscuits strawberry yogurt flavor.  It smelled so good when I opened the package,  I added a glass of fresh milk and a banana to complete my breakfast.  

Now that you know about this delicious option for breakfast,  what are your favorite combinations of belVita biscuits, fruit and dairy?

You can find  belVita biscuits at your nearest  Walmart .  You can save even more with this Ibotta  offer  HERE !!💲

Check out your particpating  Walmart on 1/7 and 1/8 for the belVita biscuits in-store event!  Stack your savings with the Ibotta offer to save even more.

My local Walmart


So many choices of belVita biscuits!!
I grabbed the chocolate bites and strawberry yogurt flavors.
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Peppermint Oreo Pie



Items needed:


1 (8-ounce) package Cream Cheese (softened)
½ cup Powdered Sugar
1 (8-ounce) container frozen Whipped Topping (thawed)
½ teaspoon Vanilla Extract
15 Peppermint Oreo Cookies (chopped)
1 (6-ounce) Oreo Pie Crust
8 Peppermints (crushed)

In a large mixing bowl and with an electric mixer, beat cream cheese while adding the powdered sugar. Beat in 1 cup whipped topping and vanilla extract. Fold in chopped Oreos, then fill the pie crust with the mixture. Top with the additional whipped topping. Place in the fridge to chill for 1 hour or more. When ready to serve, remove from fridge and top with crushed peppermints or you can garnish with more chopped peppermint Oreo’s.

*If you cannot find the Peppermint Oreo Cookies, substitute with regular Oreo Cookies, a small amount of Peppermint Extract and red food coloring.


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Rebel Yell Old Fashioned Cocktail

'Tis the season to be jolly!  Nothing like having an Old Fashioned to celebrate the holidays this year.  Enjoy the season and try out this cocktail.

Old Fashioned:
1.5 ounces Rebel Yell
2 dashes bitters
1 lump sugar
Splash of soda

Muddle sugar, soda & bitters in glass. Add bourbon and ice, stir. Garnish with cherry and orange slice.

You can check out more recipes using Rebel Yell  by going here.

Please drink responsibly and do not drink and drive!
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Christmas Candy Dipped Pretzels

Candy Dipped Pretzels

Items needed:


1 bag Pretzel Rods
1 (12-ounce) bag Green Candy Melts or Wafers
Vegetable Oil
Christmas Sprinkles
Wax Paper
Wire Rack
Large Pan

Place a large pan under a wire rack.(this will catch the leftover sprinkles to reuse.) Lay out a couple of sheets of wax paper. Pour sprinkles in a small bowl, set aside. In a small and narrow bowl, heat wafers along with 1 teaspoon vegetable oil in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until completely melted. Tilt bowl and dip half of the pretzel rod down in the melted candy, turning to coat. Using your finger, run along the back of the pretzel to remove excess melted candy, then place on the wire rack. Coat with sprinkles and let sit for a couple of seconds on the rack so that more candy drips off, then remove and run finger along back of pretzel again to smooth out candy coating. Add a few more sprinkles to the back and sides of the pretzel, then place on a clean sheet of wax paper to harden.

*Have damp towels handy while dipping pretzels. You will need to wipe the excess melted candy off of your fingers before applying sprinkles.
*You will need 1 teaspoon Vegetable Oil for each ½ bag of wafers.
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How to make the perfect cookies for Santa Claus

Are you leaving cookies out for Santa this year?  He will love these Ginger Cookies!  Get the kids in the kitchen to help make these delicious cookies.



Items needed:

2 cups All-Purpose Flour
2 teaspoons Baking Soda
1/4 teaspoon Salt
1 ½ teaspoons Ground Ginger
1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
3/4 cup Vegetable Shortening
1/2 cup Sugar, plus additional for rolling
1/2 cup Dark Brown Sugar
1/3 cup Molasses
1 large Egg
Non-Stick Cooking Spray

Spray an 11x17 inch pan with cooking spray, set aside. Place a small amount of sugar in a bowl, set aside. Combine flour, baking soda, salt, ginger and cinnamon. Sift into a medium size mixing bowl, set aside. In a large mixing bowl and with an electric mixer, beat vegetable shortening while adding ½ cup sugar. Add dark brown sugar and beat. Add molasses and beat. Beat in egg. Beat in flour mixture. Roll dough into 1 ½ inch balls. Roll dough around in small bowl of sugar. Place on greased pan. Gently press on dough and flatten slightly with fingers. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees on the top (1st) rack for 7 to 9 minutes.
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Butterball Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway

Nothing says Thanksgiving quite like a delicious Butterball Turkey! Two readers will win!


Want even more chances to win?  Another BUTTERBALL TURKEY GIVEAWAY is here! 
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I have teamed up with Momma Lew to ensure you make the perfect Thanksgiving turkey this year! You can find her recipe for the perfect turkey using a Butterball turkey right HERE. perfect thanksgiving turkey An addition, find out the more than 9 ways that Butterball can help you this Thanksgiving if you find yourself in a turkey conundrum! Butterball is giving away 2 coupons for free turkeys to my readers. Giveaway is open to US Residents, 18+, one entry per household. Giveaway ends 11/15 at 11:59p ET. Good luck!

Want even more chances to win?  Another BUTTERBALL TURKEY GIVEAWAY is here!
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How to celebrate National Pumpkin Day

If you love pumpkin spice, NOW is the time to get your Captain Morgan Jack O' Blast and make these delicious drinks!  
Captain Morgan Jack-O’Blast is the first pumpkin spiced rum to ever hit shelves, as a blend of Caribbean rum and everyone’s favorite fall flavors - including fresh pumpkin, cinnamon and other autumnal spices. Whether you’re preparing for your Halloween party or carving Jack-O-Lantern’s with friends, Jack-O’Blast is the perfect way to toast to the pumpkin holiday. Happy National Pumpkin Day!  Enjoy!


Orange Pumpkin Smash 
·         1.5 oz. Captain Morgan Jack-O’Blast
·         2 oz. orange juice
·         2 oz. club soda
DIRECTIONS: Combine Jack-O’Blast and orange juice in a glass filled with ice and stir. Top with club soda and enjoy.

Jack-O’Lager
·         1 oz. Jack-O’Blast shot
·         4 oz. Lager 
DIRECTIONS: Drop shot of Captain Morgan Jack-O’Blast in a glass of lager beer and enjoy.


Blasted Brew
·         .5 oz. Jack-O’Blast
·         .5 oz. Cannon Blast
DIRECTIONS: Shake ingredients over ice and strain into a shot glass.


Please drink responsibly and NEVER drink and drive.
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Jack O' Blast Hot Chocolate with Toasted Marshmallows

Fall is in the air! ahhh  We know what that means.  All things pumpkin.   This spiked hot chocolate is sure to satisfy your pumpkin craving.    Make a large batch so all your friends can enjoy.  

This recipe makes two (2) servings

Ingredients:
  • 1 oz. Captain Morgan's Jack-O-Blast Spiced Rum (each mug)
  • 1 oz. Bailey's Pumpkin Spice Irish Cream (each mug)
  • 2 1/2 cups Heavy Cream
  • 4 1/2 tbsps Dark Chocolate syrup
  • Marshmallows

Directions:
  1. In a medium sauce pot over low heat, add two (2) cups of heavy cream and four (4) tablespoons of dark chocolate syrup, stir ingredients until the heavy cream is a rich chocolate brown.
  2. Remove the pot from the heat source and divide the hot chocolate into two mugs.
  3. Add one (1) ounce Bailey's Pumpkin Spice Irish cream, and one (1) ounce of Captain Morgan's Jack-O-Blast Spiced Rum into each mug of hot chocolate.
  4. Top each mug with three (3) medium size marshmallows, then torch marshmallows using a baker's Crème brûlée torch, or place the mugs onto a cookie sheet and brown the marshmallows in the oven using the broil setting. 
  5. Serve.
Drink responsibly, and never drink and drive
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Colmans Mustard Products

Check put this recipe and giveaway for Colmans Mustard products!

Known internationally as the English mustard, Colman’s Original has been England’s Iconic fiery-hot, go-to cooking essential for nearly 200 years. Available in dry and prepared form, Colman’s Mustard has a distinct taste. Colman’s secret is in blending high-quality brown mustard seeds and white mustard seeds that consistently produces a unique kick! Did you know that Colman’s is one of only 3 mustard mills in the world to blend both white and brown mustard seeds?! Momma Lew met Colman's Mustard at the Summer Fancy Food Show and created this recipe for Chicken and Waffles with Spicy Honey Mustard sauce. Be sure to check out the recipe and find out more about Colman's here. untitled-12-1 Colman’s Mustard is sponsoring a giveaway for a prize pack of Colman’s Mustard products. Assorted Colman’s Mustard products and merchandise. One winner per household, email address, or home address. If you have won this prize on another blog you are ineligible to win again. Winner must have a U.S.-based address to receive the prize. Momma Lew is not responsible for prize fulfillment. Giveaway will end 10/9/2016 11:59p ET. Good luck!  
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Capatriti Extra Virgin Olive Oil Giveaway

Capatriti is one of the only Extra Virgin Olive Oils to acquire the highly coveted United States Department of Agriculture Quality Monitoring Program Seal, meaning it is 100% pure, true EVOO. To display the USDA QMP seal on their packaging, Capatriti EVOO is randomly sampled and evaluated on an ongoing, unannounced basis. Capatriti EVOO Momma Lew met Capatriti EVOO on the Mom Blog Tour this summer and loved their product so much, she made this Chicken Scarpariello dish. Get the recipe and find out more about Capatriti here. Chicken Scarpariello How would you like to win a Capatriti Extra Virgin Olive Oil giveaway? You will win Capatriti EVOO, decanter and apron; approximate MSRP $50. One winner per household, email address, or home address. If you have won this prize on another blog you are ineligible to win again. Winner must have a U.S.-based address to receive the prize. Giveaway ends 9/30 at 11:59p ET. Good luck! Momma Lew is not responsible for prize fulfillment. Momma Lew participated in Mom Blog Tour at the Summer Fancy Food Show on behalf of Wendy’s Bloggers and received Capatriti EVOO products to facilitate her review. #MomBlogTourFF
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Witch Finger Pretzel Sticks


1 bag Pretzel Rods
1 (12-ounce) bag Green Candy Melts or Wafers
Vegetable Oil
Sliced Almonds
Wax Paper
Wire Rack

Place a sheet of wax paper under a wire rack. Lay out a couple of sheets of additional wax paper. Pour sliced almonds in a small bowl, set aside. In a small and narrow bowl, heat half a bag of wafers along with 1 teaspoon vegetable oil in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until completely melted. Tilt bowl and dip half of the pretzel rod down in the melted candy, turning to coat. Using your finger, run along the back of the pretzel to remove excess melted candy, then place on the wire rack. Place a sliced almond at the tip of each pretzel for a fingernail and let sit for a couple of seconds on the rack so that more candy drips off, then remove and run finger along back of pretzel again to smooth out candy coating. Place on a clean sheet of wax paper to harden. 

*Use 1 teaspoon vegetable oil along with each half bag of wafers. Have damp towels handy while dipping pretzels. You will need to wipe the excess melted candy off of your fingers.
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Halloween Brownie Trifle

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Make your Halloween SPOOKTACULAR!  This dish is always a hit at parties and gatherings.  Never any leftovers, so make two.  Click on the links if you need orange food coloring or a trifle dish. This has been a hit at Halloween parties and family gatherings!  No leftovers!


This post contains affiliate links.

1 (18-ounce) box Fudge Brownie Mix
Water, Eggs & Vegetable oil for brownie mix
Black Food Coloring
1 (5-ounce) box Vanilla Pudding & Pie Filling
3 cups Cold Milk
Orange Food coloring
1 (16-ounce) container frozen Whipped Topping (thawed)
6 regular size Heath Candy Bars (crushed)
Candy Corn
Non-Stick Cooking Spray
Trifle Bowl

Spray a 9x13 inch pan with cooking spray. In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients for the brownie mix along with the desired amount of black food coloring. Beat with an electric mixer until completely incorporated, then pour into the prepared pan and bake according to package directions. Remove from oven and let cool completely. Combine vanilla pudding, milk and orange food coloring in a bowl. Whisk for 2 minutes, then let sit for 5 minutes to set. Stir 1 cup of the whipped topping into pudding mixture, then set aside. Crush heath bars into small pieces and set aside. Crumble ½ of the baked brownies in the bottom of a trifle. Add a few pieces of candy corn around the outside of the brownie for color. Layer with ½ of the orange vanilla pudding mixture. Layer with half of the leftover whipped topping. Layer with ½ of the crushed heath bars. Repeat the process. For the topping, add candy corn along with crushed Heath bars. Place in the fridge to chill for a few hours, then serve.

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Win a Lance Prize Pack

I LOVE Lance crackers,  It is a must have in my house and so easy to grab a pack to put in lunches for school!
Welcome to the Lance Prize Pack Giveaway! If you haven't read my review you can do so here.  You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the US.
All you have to do is enter on the widget below.



a Rafflecopter giveaway
Disclosure:
We reserve the right to make revisions, to cancel, or suspend this contest for any reason.  We are not associated with any of the companies named above. The odds of winning are based on the number of entries received Open to the  US 18+ only. Confirmed Winner(s) (by Random.org) will be contacted by email. Winner(s) have 24 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law. The sponsor(s) will be responsible for product shipment to winner(s) of this giveaway. Night Helper Blog (and any other blog participating) is not responsible for product shipment/delivery. This event is in no way administered, sponsored, or endorsed by, or associated with, Facebook and/or Twitter, Google, Pinterest. This disclosure is done in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements. Entrants must only enter with either one email address, IP address and/or Facebook account, anyone found violating these rules will be disqualified. It is at the sole discretion of the admin of the giveaway if the winner has met the rules or not.
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Van's Gift Pack Giveaway

This is a sponsored post by Van’s International Foods and facilitated by Conservamom
I love Van's waffles.  Check put these amazing creations for waffle inspiration and your chance to win.
 In celebration of National Waffle Day, Van’s Foods is sharing some easy and delicious breakfast recipes to make busy school mornings happier for the whole family. Quick and wholesome options like Van’s waffles offer protein and whole grains moms can feel great about serving and are so delicious kids love eating them. Van’s is also offering a chance to win FREE Van’s waffles, a deluxe brushed stainless convection/toaster oven and $100 gift card. Mini Chicken Waffle Sliders by Kim’s Cravings:miniwaffles   Fruit Waffle Pizza by Nutritious Eats
wafflepizza2 wafflepizza Triple Coconut Waffles by Peanut Butter Fingers: coconutwaffles And, if you’re looking for a sure fire way to get a breakfast-time smile from your kiddos, check out this awesome video on how to make sunshine waffles: https://infinit.io/_/bGMUKCAsunshinewaffles There’s a Van’s waffle for every member of the family celebrating National Waffle Day – from kid-favorite Van’s Minis (with 27 grams of whole grain per serving) to Van’s Gluten-Free Waffles (free of gluten, dairy and egg) to Van’s 8 Whole Grains Waffles (with 7 grams of fiber). For more easy recipe ideas and to learn more about Van’s Foods, please visit http://www.vansfoods.com/. Van’s waffles are available at grocery stores, mass merchandisers and natural food retailers nationwide. To find Van’s waffles in a store near you, visit: http://www.vansfoods.com/store-locator To enter to win some delicious Van’s waffles along with a deluxe convection toaster oven and $100 gift card and a few other goodies, fill out the entry form below! Giveaway open to US residents only. Ends on 9/10/16 at 11:59pm EST. You can find the complete list of Sweepstake Rules here. vanssimplyb2S
Disclosure: All opinions are 100% mine. This giveaway is in no way associated with, sponsored, administered, or endorsed by Facebook, Twitter, Google, Pinterest or any other social media network.All opinions and experiences are Conservamom‘s. Open to Continental US residents only , must be 18+. Confirmed Winner(s) will be contacted through email and have 48 hours to respond before a new winner will be drawn. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law. The sponsor will be responsible for product fulfillment to winner(s) of the giveaway. The disclosure is done in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. For questions or to see your product featured in an Event you can contact Elia At Conservamom
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Tuscan Rubbed Salmon & Spinach Salad with Honey Balsamic Dressing

I will admit, I LOVE fresh salmon,  This Tuscan rub pairs quite well with this salmon filet,  Pair it with this simple spinach salad for a heart healthy lunch or dinner.


Items needed:

1 Salmon Fillet
1/2 teaspoon Olive Oil
1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
1/4 teaspoon Coriander
1/4 teaspoon Paprika
1/8 teaspoon Garlic Powder
1/8 teaspoon Salt
1/8 teaspoon Pepper
Fresh Lemon Juice
Non-Stick Cooking Spray

Line a baking pan with foil, then spray with non-stick cooking spray. Place salmon on foil, skin side down. Combine Italian seasoning, coriander, paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper, then stir together. Drizzle olive oil over salmon and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Rub salmon with seasoning mixture. Bake at 400 degrees on the 3rd rack for 45 minutes. Remove and let cool slightly, then remove skin from bottom of fish. Serve with spinach salad.

Spinach Salad with Honey Balsamic Dressing

Items needed:

1/3 cup Olive oil
1/4 cup Balsamic Vinegar
1 Tablespoon Honey
1 ½ teaspoons Dijon Mustard
Baby Spinach
Feta Cheese
Pecans

In a small bowl, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey and Dijon mustard, then stir until creamy. Top spinach with feta cheese, pecans and dressing.




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Kickin' Ribs


It was a very nice day in Georgia today, so I decided to make these delicious ribs.  They will fall off the bones as they melt in your mouth!
 
Items needed:

2 full racks Pork Loin Baby Back Ribs
2 Tablespoons Chili Powder
1 Tablespoon Dark Brown Sugar
1 ½ teaspoons Smoked Paprika
1 teaspoon Salt
1 teaspoon Pepper
1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
1/8 teaspoon Ground Cayenne Pepper

Wash and dry ribs, then cut each rack in half and set aside. Combine all other ingredients and rub ribs with mixture. Place in fridge for 3 hours to absorb rub.

Sauce:

1/2 cup White Distilled Vinegar
2 Tablespoons Dijon Mustard
1 ½ cups Ketchup
1/2 cup Worcestershire Sauce
1/2 cup Dark Brown Sugar
4 Tablespoons Margarine (cubed)
1/2 Tablespoon Pepper
1/2 teaspoon Chili Powder

In a large saucepan and over medium heat, bring vinegar and dijon mustard just to a boil. Add ketchup, worcestershire sauce, dark brown sugar, margarine, pepper and chili powder. Stir together and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium low. Stir often while cooking for 15 minutes. Remove sauce from heat. Divide sauce between 2 bowls, set aside.

Remove ribs from fridge and place side by side on an 11x17 inch pan. Bake at 250 degrees on the 3rd rack for 2 ½ hours. Remove from oven and place on the grill. Baste with 1 of the bowls of sauce. Grill for 15 minutes on each side. Serve with other bowl of sauce.


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