Grilled chicken ... and beyond!

An intruiging conversation on chowhound.com, our go-to place for delicious food intel, is touting the charms and tastes of a couple grilled chicken places in Mexican Town (Detroit). Have to put these on the "to-do to-chow" list for the summer: El Pappo de la Pollitos and Taqeuria del Ray:
chowhound grilled chicken - Mexican Town

15 degrees = Tasty!

Here's the latest from the Pork Board -- they've lowered the temperature by 15 degrees so that pork is "done" earlier, stays moister!

This promotional video was done by offspring Tom Shea, featuring Detroitfood blogger in a cameo role at the picnic table.

Tasty.

Click on "Fifteen Degrees" at this link: Pork Be Inspired website

Asparagus!

So we're entering the crazy season -- the asparagus fest. Thrilled to find Michigan asparagus at the Royal Oak Farmers Market last weekend. Missed the very last bunch by 30 seconds the week before. Like Michigan strawberries, asparagus is so delectable during this short spring season. We love the thick stalks, especially steamed with butter and a generous sprinkling of Parmesan. However, we're doing a nice job of making some great seasonal pasta with asparagus, spinach and dandelion greens, a little onion and a hit of garlic. Maybe next time with some Swiss chard, too. Peas are always a plus.

This time of year spring offers its greatest offerings and we're taking advantage of every option. Next up: Michigan strawberries!

Mother's Day roast

We had a nice standing rib roast for Mother's Day. We did the low-and-slow method with this roast - about 2-1/2 hours at 200 F followed by a 1/2 hour at 300 F until the meat thermometer read 125F internal temp. We let it rest for 45 minutes, then popped it back in a 550F oven for about 7 minutes. It came out crispy and caramelized on the outside and pinky medium rare on the inside. We roasted peeled, chunked potatoes (olive oil, salt, pepper, rosemary) at 400F for about 30 minutes, added some fresh asparagus, and a drinkable Trader Joe red wine.

All in all, a satisfying dinner - less trouble overall than raising two children to adulthood, but, even with plenty of leftovers, the joy of the two of them will long outlast the pleasures of this meal. Happy Mother's Day to all.