SargentWorks

Enjoying Pork Riblets

admin — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 22:11:30 +0000

Last night I really wanted something fairly low carb and tasty for dinner. Normally, I default to chicken wings, but today I just wanted pork riblets.

“What are riblets?” A riblet is an alternative to ribs. The actual riblet is the portion of a loin back rib (or baby back rib) that is cut off at the top (nearest the back bone) to give the rib a more uniform look. Loin back ribs don’t always have this removed. When not removed they have a rounded look to them and are often referred to as baby back ribs. Riblets used to be thrown out by butchers, but have become popular due to their excellent flavor and lower cost. (From Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Riblets)
Now for the preparation:

Seasonings:

Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon)
Sazon (This is a seasoning packet easily found in stores in NYC, but difficult to find in the Seattle area) (3 packets)
Kosher Salt (0.5 teaspoons plus a little more to finish the dish)

I cut up about four pounds of riblets into single rib sections. Then, I coated the ribs the seasonings and deep fried them at 355 degrees for 8-10 minutes. Note: You can use flour or cornstarch if you want a crust, but I have found that cooking the riblets a little longer is good enough for a crispy outside.
Before:

After:

Presentation:
A little lime juice squeezed over the top provides a nice balance to the pork fat in the riblets.

So if you are looking for an alternative to wings, riblets are the way to go.
Beer goes great with riblets…

A Brief Interview with the Librarians

admin — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 20:36:01 +0000

I always enjoy talking with librarians!

Cool iPhone App – ReelDirector

admin — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 23:01:57 +0000

For content producers and educators who want to integrate video into their curriculum, this is a must have application.
With ReelDirector from Nexvio, I was able to edit and combine video clips shot with my iPhone, add music and photos using the Ken Burns effect, and upload the video to YouTube in minutes. No computers needed!
Reality Check: ReelDirector will not replace Final Cut Pro, Avid, or even iMovie on your computer. Let’s also not forget that the iPhone’s camera is not the best in the world. So, if you are looking for broadcast quality video production, this is not the way to go.
However, if you are trying to capture those fun, family and friend moments, recording a classroom lecture for a podcast/Angel course shell, or creating a visual storyboard this is a perfect app.
The best thing about ReelDirector is the price, $7.99 from the iPhone app store.

Enjoy your day!

Cool iPhone App – Food Network

admin — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 16:59:52 +0000

If you have an iPhone and are into food like I am, you need to get the Food Network app. Of course you get the recipes, program schedules, and pictures that you would expect from the Food Network. However, what excites me about this app is the short 2-3 minute clips of your favorie Food Network shows. Yes, there are commericals along with the clips, but so what. How can you go wrong with an app that puts Bobby Flay and Alton Brown on your iPhone? Did I mention that the app is free?

Enjoy the app and your day.

Song of the Day – 0112

admin — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 19:31:14 +0000

As you guys know, I am a big fan of music and I never leave home without it. My iPhone rarely leaves my side, I have XM radio in the ride, and Pandora at work. Most of the time, I listen to new songs and shake my head and say “What the hell are they thinking?” “What ever happened to music just for the fun of it?” I hate to date myself, but all one needs is a lunch table and a rhyme. Anyway, the Blakroc project between the Black Keys, Mos Def, Jim Jones, NOE, and Dame Dash is a soulful mixture of hip-hop, blues, and rock. Here is a webisode of the making of “Hard Times.”

Enjoy your day!

Song of the Day – 0111

admin — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 19:14:27 +0000

The weekend was pretty good. I broke out the meat grinder for the first time and made a couple of cheeseburgers. I will share pictures in another post. Now, it’s Monday and I am trying get the energy up for the rest of the week. So, today song (or set) is by

LTJ Bukem and MC Conrad

Enjoy your day!

Song of the Day – 0108

admin — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 18:49:02 +0000

I know that I did not post a SOD for yesterday. Quite frankly, I was not feeling anything on the music vibe and decided to wait until something caught my attention. I think that you will enjoy this set from Herbie Hancock.

Have a good day!

Song of the Day – 0106

admin — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 01:32:06 +0000

After sitting in an 2.5 hour long meeting, I needed to hear some good music to relax me. I tried Cafe Reggio from the Shaft soundtrack. Nice, but I really needed a woman’s aural essence to make it through the rest of the day. I settled on…

Erykah Badu – Didn’t Cha Know

All I have to say is check out the process, shades, and cigarette on the guitar player. Enjoy a clip from one of my favorite movies and soundtracks.

Have a good night!

Song of the Day – 0105

admin — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 21:38:49 +0000

One of my resolutions this year is to spend more time sharing what I enjoy. To that end, I am going to post a song a day (SOD) that reflects my mood or catches my interest. Today, there were two songs that I was digging on my way to work this morning.

Stomp! – The Brothers Johnson

A classic Quincy Jones production with a great chorus and bassline that still makes me want to dance. One word of caution. Please do not try to wear the outfits.

Up Out My Face – Mariah Carey

Yes, I like a Mariah Carey song. I swear it was an accident. When I heard the line “Even the Harvard University graduating class of 2010 couldn’t put us back together again.” I laughed and said “Damn, that’s broke!”

Enjoy your day!

Five Interesting Songs of 2009

admin — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 20:56:37 +0000

Here are five songs that I have really enjoyed (or needed) this year. I have been listening to a wide range of music in 2009 and thought that reflecting on that exploration would be interesting. If you think that my list is crazy, just imagine the addition of a Keith Urban song. Yes, I said Keith Urban. Please enjoy!

5) Crank That – Soulja Boy (Travis Barker Remix)

Yes, I know Soulja Boy is a weak rapper, but this remix ALMOST redeems this song. When a remix makes a song listenable, one has to respect it. Thank you, Travis!

4) Erase / Rewind – The Cardigans

I am not sure how I missed this song the first time around. Believe or not, I heard it shopping at the Nordstrom Rack. I so regret not hearing this sooner. As a bonus, I am including a fun remix that brings me back to my high school days.

3) Money To Blow – Birdman ft. Lil Wayne, Drake

I know it is cool to hate on Lil Wayne, but this a mostly a vote for my rookie of the year Drake. Who would have guessed that Degrassi High would produce a talented rapper?

2) Baby, Can’t Leave It Alone – Olu

Yes, I know this song is ten years old. But it almost brought tears to my eyes.

1) Alright – Ledisi

Without being too dramatic, I needed this song this year. My question is, why hasn’t Ledisi gotten the credit she deserves?