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  Growing up, a specialty in our house was blackberry cake. Mom made it for birthdays or any other special occasion. A few months ago, our local produce stand had blackberries 2 pints for a dollar. Between my wife and I, we ended up with 6 pints. I thought about making a cake, but that  is too much for the two of us. I looked into the pantry saw some pancake mix and everything fell into place. Ingredients: 1 cup buttermilk pancake mix 3/4 cup water 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ginger 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg pinch of clove 1 pint fresh blackberries Begin by combining all the dry ingredients. Add water and mix until everything is combined. Don't  worry if there are a few lumps in the mix, over mixing will make a tougher pancake. Slice the berries in half length, and set aside Heat up your griddle and make the pancakes as directed on the pancake mix package. Allow the batter to set for about 15 seconds, then add about 6 slices of blackberries. Flip when the edges start to firm and the

 One of our favorite BBQ joints is 4 Rivers. The make a corn with Rotel tomatoes side that is my favorite. The last several times we stopped for takeout they didn't have it. Now the recipe is in John's cookbook, but I felt that was cheating, mine not only makes a great side, but also a great salsa. Ingredients: 6 ears of corn on the cob 1 can Hatch  Chilis 1 can diced tomatoes 4 green onions diced (white and green) 1/4 diced white onion 1/4 cup fresh chopped cilantro juice of one lime Begin by smoking the canned chilies over a cherry wood fire. I did mine in a cast iron pan lined with foil. For some reason without the foil, the peppers will pick up a metallic taste. Usually it's caused but acidic foods, but other else (including tomatoes) has this issue. Carefully remove peppers and increase the heat of your smoker. When you get the temperature to about 450 degrees, carefully add the years of corn with long tongs. Carefully rotate the ears every  few minutes until charred e

It's no secret I love tri-tip.  My brother Bob got me started on it. One of my early posts was my way of cooking it. This is my brother's way, and a quick way too! Begin by seasoning your steak with your favorite seasoning. Bob uses salt, pepper,  and garlic powder. I sometimes add onion powder Next get your grill smoking hot, as hot as it can go. Add the tri-tip and close the cover. Cook the meat for 5 minutes, then turn over. After 5 minutes turn off the gas or cut off the oxygen to your charcoal.  Allow the meat to rest on the grill for 20 minutes while the grill cools. Remove the steak and allow it to rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Slice and enjoy.

I wanted pizza for dinner but had no pizza sauce. This makes a robust flavorful sauce that holds up well with homemade pizza crust. It is also a thick sauce that doesn't make the crust soggy while baking. Ingredients: 1 can 15 ounces diced tomatoes (drained) 1 small can tomato paste 1 tablespoon olive oil ( I used a Tuscan infused oil) 2 cloves garlic 2  teaspoons Italian seasoning 1 teaspoon sugar (optional) 1 tablespoon basil  Drain the canned tomatoes, saving the juice to thin the sauce if you desire. Combine all the ingredients in your food processor and pulse until you have a thick sauce. If the sauce is too thick for your liking, add some juice a tablespoon at a time until you are happy with the consistency.  Add the sauce to your favorite pizza crust, bake and enjoy.

My wife is on WW. She has lots a lot of weight and looks great. This is a great pizza dough that needs no rise time. It is a sticky dough, so be warned. Ingredients: 1 cup nonfat plain greek yogurt 1 1/4 cup AP flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons olive oil In a stand mixer mix all ingredients using a dough hook. Blend for about 8 minutes or until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl. If it doesn't pull away, add more flour a tablespoon at a time until it does. Form dough into a circle about 12 inches in diameter and top with your favorite toppings. Bake in a 450 degree preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes or until crust is lightly browned.

Living in Florida, we miss out on local produce from other states. This is the case for Hatch chilis. A couple of years ago I was able to get a few pounds at a local store in Orlando, but since then I haven't had any luck in fresh peppers. My wife was visiting family in New Mexico and brought me back a case of canned peppers.  Carnitas Ingredients: 1 pound pork tenderloin 1/2 teaspoon seasoning  salt 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon  onion powder 1 teaspoon cumin 1/2 teaspoon chili powder 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika 1/2 teaspoon oregano 1 teaspoon brown sugar 1/2 teaspoon lime juice 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 teaspoon white balsamic vinegar Begin by making the marinade for the pork. Combine all the spices, olive oil, lime juice and balsamic vinegar in a small bowl. Cut the pork into 1/2 inch cubes and place meat in a ziplock bag. Add the spice mixture and let meat rest in the refrigerator for at least an hour. Preheat a cast iron pan

We love burnt ends. Being confined to home due to the virus, it's not practical to smoke a full brisket for just the two of us. This recipe is a great substitute. Begin by making the rub. This is my standard rub for pork. It makes more than you will need, but stores well in an air tight container. It's great for ribs, pulled pork, and even pork chops, so you will love having the extra for future use. Rub Ingredients: 1/4 cup brown sugar 1/4 cup white sugar 1 tablespoon garlic powder 1 tablespoon onion powder 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika 1 1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika 2 tablespoons Lawrey's seasoned salt 2 tablespoons mustard powder 1 tablespoon chili powder  or for more heat, 1 teaspoon chili powder and 2 teaspoons chipotle powder 1/4 teaspoon red pepper 1 teaspoon black pepper Begin by cutting two pound of pork belly into one and a half inch cubes. Although this seems large , they will shrink as they render out fat. Place cubes into a disposable a