Tuesday, May 11, 2010

A Night of Meat (and Potatoes)


(I'm the short one with glasses!)

A few Saturdays ago I ran a 5K with a few of my friends. It's become a bit of a tradition that we started last year, and hopefully with every year my time will improve. The weather could not have been more beautiful and we had a great time, there's nothing like starting your day then with a good run. I can see how people get addicted to this running business.

So after the race, we did what any good food lover would do, cooked about ten pounds of ribs and ate them with our friends!


Ah ribs, truly God's gift to the carnivore. Is there a more succulent meat on this earth?

Ribs are surprisingly easy to prepare. The trick is just giving them enough time to cook low and slow. Whether you rub, sauce, or grill is up to you!

But what I really want to talk about are these bacon smashed potatoes. I had found a recipe in my Taste of Home magazine, glanced over it, misunderstood it, and now I like my version better! You can use red or russet potatoes (I like red). Boil them until they are tender enough to smash. Put them in a casserole pan.

And them smash the crap out of them.

I then drenched them in Italian Dressing, then sprinkled a generous helping of chopped crispy bacon, chopped parsley and shredded cheddar cheese. Bake them uncovered at 400 for about fifteen minutes, or until potatoes are heated through and cheese is melted or bubbly. These will disappear fast, I guarantee it!


I also served my all time favorite baked beans ala Paula Deen. Packed with things like crushed pineapple, molasses and french onions, these could practically pass for a dessert. Check out the recipe here.


The pictures might not be so great, but as evident by the big plate of bones, everyone was left completely satisfied! A very fun day (and night) indeed.

34 comments:

Cristine said...

Those ribs look amazing! YUM!

Pam said...

Nothing beats meat and potatoes! It looks delicious! Thanks!

Kim said...

Congrats to you for running a 5K! That is awesome:D

I love ribs, but it's definitely those potatoes that grabbed my attention. I bet the Italian dressing is a big flavor contribution.

The Blonde Duck said...

When can I come over?

Natalie said...

The best part about running races is celebrating (with food!) afterwards...congrats :)

Joanne said...

What a fun tradition! Running and food...two of my favorite things!

Heidi said...

YUMMY :)

JG said...

After working up a big appetite that was a great feast! Yummy!

♥peachkins♥ said...

wonderful looking ribs! perfect after the run, I bet..

blowing peachkisses
The Peach Kitchen
peach and things

Reeni said...

Congrats on running a 5k! You made a delicious feast to get back all those calories you burned off. The potatoes sound amazing!

Leslie said...

I am doing a 5 k on Saturday! Wanna come cook 10 pounds of ribs for me???? lol

Anonymous said...

That is definitely a sign of a good dinner party - empty dishes! Looks yummy!

Alissa said...

You are making my heart hurt. For you, for ribs, for baked beans, for 5K's, for everything good in this town! I love you girl!!! You're the best & this food is the best!

Barbara Bakes said...

Congrats on running your 5K. I'd love to give that a try one day. We love ribs at our house too. Yours look delectable.

Julie said...

LOL at "smash the crap out of them" :) I might try to run 5K too if someone promised me a meal like that at the end of it :)

Kim said...

Just a quick note to tell you that I thought of these potatoes tonight and was so bummed when I searched the fridge....no Italian dressing! Bummer! They're so delicious looking and I can't get them out of my head;D I'm definitely going to make them soon.

Sophia Lee said...

Mmmm! Finger lickin' good! I've never really cared for ribs, but why the heck do I have a craving for them all of a sudden? I blame you, Teresa! And I love the way you prepared the potatoes!

Kathleen said...

Meat and Potatoes YUM!!! The ribs look fabulous!

Anonymous said...

We had ribs for Mother's Day - our secret is to bake the ribs wrapped in foil for 4 hours, with a cast iron skillet of water underneath - then finish them off on the grill with sauce - fall off the bone every time!

Erica said...

What a great day! I'm always the tiny one in pictures too ;) Good things come in small packages- right? Great meal too. Those potatoes sound outrageous! Running is such an addiction.

Sook said...

Oh Teresa, the meat and the potatoes look fabulous!

Katy ~ said...

If I knew I had a meal like that at the end of 5K, I'd run for it too. Looks sensational!

Chef E said...

I would come over here and see a big dish of ribs when we are eating meat free this week!

Just call me Chef Flintstone :)

Pam said...

Copngrats on the 5k.

The whole meal has me wiping the drool off my chin. Seriously, could a dinner get any better?

Liz said...

Eating a great meal after is half the fun! Also, check out this month's Cooking Light I think you will love it. Mine already has tags everywhere of recipes I want to make! Congrats on the 5K!

Velva said...

That is a great runners meal....Hmmm, delicious bbq ribs and bacon smashed potatoes too? Sinful. Love it.

Congrats on the 5k run.

Lynn said...

Yum. Your ribs and potatoes BOTH look amazing.

Krista said...

That is my kind of 5K...chased with ribs. It all looks and sounds amazing! WTG!

MaryMoh said...

What a way to reward yourself after a good run!! You and your friends do derserve it :D You look very sweet in the photo. And all those food are just mouth watering. I think I better get into the run too. I think I'm already feeling tired just thinking of it...haha. So far I only play badminton. Keep Running Keep Smiling! :D MaryMoh at http://www.keeplearningkeepsmiling.com

Donna-FFW said...

Congrats on your run.. What a fabulous feast, perfect way to celebrate. Those potatoes sound like pure heaven.

Mary Bergfeld said...

First of all, congratulations on completing the run. I found the best cooking instruction I've ever read in this post. I've got to remember "smash the crap out of them." You started my day with a smile. I hope you have a terrific day. Blessings...Mary

Barbara said...

Congrats on your run! And ribs are certainly the way to celebrate! They look heavenly!
Love your smashed potato casserole. Easy and tasty. Of course, bacon makes everything better, right Teresa?

chow and chatter said...

yummy ribs and so proud of you for running

jor said...

YUM!!!! I love the race pic. Hopefully one day I can be in one with you :) I just realized I never emailed you the rest of that running schedule stuff...shoot! I'm so sorry! I will get it to you as soon as I can.