Impromptu Summer Ovencue

With summer well underway, I thought it was overdue time to have a weekend barbecue. Upon realizing last minute that my aunt's grill was way too big to lug over, I changed my plans from grilling to oven cooking- hence the name ovencue! I never cooked ribs before and am not very skilled in the technique of cooking meat. I realize that this skill comes with a lot of practice which I have none of at all. Despite being a novice, I attempted the challenge of making baby back ribs by looking up the easiest way to cook them in the oven. I bought some smoky bbq sauce from Trader Joes, marinated them over night, and slow-cooked those babies for a few hours the next day. They turned out pretty good for a newbie and I am thankful that they didn't burn or turn rubbery. Next time though, I think I need to follow expert advice and follow Bobby Flay's recommendation to, FIRST boil THEN oven roast for more succulent-tasting ribs. In addition to the ribs, I made some salsa, salad, and pasta, and this ovencue party was ready to go. I invited just a few people and got to see some friends I hadn't seen in a long time. Overall, it was a nice way to spend a summer night in California. I hope everyone is enjoying this amazing weather while it lasts.

After two and a half hours in the oven, the ribs were ready to come out


..cool off..


..and go on the table!


salsa= tomatoes, onions, cilantro, peppers + two secret ingredients


mix up the ingredients


and you have salsa ready to serve with your favorite chips!


Time to eat


Yummmyyyy


Mandu smells food


Family portrait


Matching smiles


Jina found these cool lemon-flavored ice cubes to compliment her lemonade basil gin cocktails! Recipes for her specialty cocktail creations will hopefully come in a future post

Smile Sophiaaa


Happiness


Moist dulce de leche cake for dessert (compliments of Sophia)


Life is just a bowl of cherries.


Weekends should be longer.