Holy Smoke!

Not Just Another Piece Of Meat

My wife and I moved from South Florida after hurricane Katrina ripped through Louisiana.  Most of the available homes were bought in a short period of time following the storm. Many families from New Orleans area evacuated and their homes were destroyed. The trauma of losing a home, escaping with only the clothes on your back must be horrific.

Two years ago helping my neighbor board up his new home during the last hurricane threat was a joy and opportunity to help a neighbor and make a new friend.  Several of the neighbors were walking around in a daze and I noticed their homes were not prepared for this storm. The owners seem overwhelmed and were experiencing an emotional disaster. All I could do to help was assure them we were in this one together. After the storm passed with little damage people came out of their homes and began talking, crying and laughing. They released bundles of emotion that has been waiting to erupt since Hurricane Katrina. Things were now normal again. We can survive a hurricane together.  With appreciation a neighbor gave me a whole rib eye rack.  I did not want to accept it, but it was given with joy and thankfulness for getting through this tribulation together.

I buried this large chunk of meat in my freezer for the right occasion.  The day arrived and I decided to not slice and cook but season and smoke. I began with beef base rub liberally over the entire rib roast.  Covered in fresh cracked pepper and allowed to blend overnight before smoking.  Smoked over pecan wood at 250 degrees for 7 hours then allowed to rest for 30 minutes. I prepared side dishes of spaghetti squash with cinnamon butter, twice baked potatoes and a small Caesar salad.

The prime rib was so tender I was able to cut each bite with a fork. The au jus sauce retained while resting was the richest I have ever eaten. Enjoying this meal with family and friends is a reminder why we moved back to Louisiana.  It is a place like no other; where people look after each other, protect each other and share all they have with each other.

LIVING IN LOUISIANA WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY          RATES        5


Louisiana Life Magazine