Smoked Meat
  "Do not eat the meat raw or cooked in water, but roast it over the fire..." -- Exodus 12:8
 

Tuesday, November 29, 2005

Thirty Years

This is a word of appreciation to my parents. Thirty years ago today, they were married on a cold, rainy, November day. Two young people who made a covenant to each other before their Saviour to be man and wife. Little could they have guessed at the fruitful, blessed path that lay in front of them. Of the five children they would raise through much love and sacrifice, or the grandchildren who would be born. Their faithfulness and love is a testimony to what God can do with two people who have decided to live together for their Saviour. An example of the providence of God in which He takes our small faith and uses it to paint a picture of the love of Christ.

Monday, November 21, 2005

Happy Birthday...

...to my wonderful wife Lauren! She is a blessing from God who I appreciate more and more. 25 is a great age to be--suspended between the youth of 20 and the maturity of 30. I didn't start feeling older until I turned 26 (which was still my best year).

Monday, November 14, 2005

Top 5 Jack Trice Moments

This past weekend's game prompted me to rank my favorite moments in attending games at Jack Trice Stadium.

1. Texas Tech in 2002.

"The Run" by Seneca Wallace. This was the most electrifying, amazing college football play I have ever seen. It was a tight game and ISU had the ball at the 12 when Seneca was flushed from the pocket, ran back to the 30 yard line, then cut back all the way back across the field weaving and ducking defenders all the way to the end zone.

2. Iowa in 1999.

Darren Davis ran for 235 yards as State beat Iowa at home for the first time since 1981. I remember sitting in the South end with Kyle and taking off across the field after the game, jumping and high-fiving players all the way.

3. Missouri in 2000.

Sage and company beat Missouri to become bowl-eligible for the first time in my lifetime. I remember cheering from the hillside as JJ Moses scored on an an amazing 34-yard reverse where he ran over a defender at the 5-yard line before diving for the touchdown.

4. Colorado in 2005

One of the best Jack Trice crowds ever and great win over a quality Colorado team to keep Big 12 North hopes alive. See my last post.

5. Iowa in 2001

This game was moved to the Saturday after Thanksgiving due to the September 11 attacks. I remember making breakfast burritos for the tailgate and a big interception by Adam Runk to seal the deal at the end.

Cyclone Country

For those that made it too the game on Saturday, it was quite the day. It was good to see everyone who made it out to the tailgate. It had been a while since we had a real, die-hard, tons-of-food, EZ-Up tailgate, but Saturday was one of those days. Mike and I rolled into the lot at 2:00. The Rinehart 15-passenger van and Nate's Tahoe were close behind.

There's something special about the camaraderie of a good tailgate before a big game. Eating, tossing the football around, eating, lounging on lawn chairs, and eating some more. The smoke from a hundred grills wafting through the air, filling your nostrils with savory aromas. Cardinal-and-gold clad fans as far as the eye can see, and Jack Trice rising in the distance.

Saturday brought a new wrinkle to the mix with Tornadoes joining the party. Unusual for November, but a strong system moved through Iowa and brushed Ames too. We were tracking its progress nervously on the radio and wondering what to do when cops started urging the crowd to take shelter. We made our way to the Vet Med area and stood next to a brick building while watching the sky. No twister sightings for us, but it was exciting.

By the time the game started, the crowd was buzzing from the events of the day and ready to go crazy. It was a great game, and the Clones pulled out a huge victory over the Buffs. Big Brent Curvey intercepted a pass and rumbled 66 yards for a touchdown to win the game for Iowa State in dramatic fashion. Everyone was going crazy and it had to be one of the best moments I have had at Jack Trice.

Great tailgate, great game, great day to be a Cyclone!

Pork Loin Rub


This is my new favorite rub for pork loin.

1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp paprika
1 tbsp ground black pepper
1 tbsp cumin
1 tbsp kosher salt
1 tsp ginger
1 tsp allspice
1 tsp cayenne pepper

Also, here's a basic brine mixture that I like to soak the meat in overnight as well.

2 quart water
1 cup kosher salt
1 cup sugar

Friday, November 11, 2005

Tailgating Details

Tomorrow morning the pork loin will be on the smoker. If you stop by to tailgate before the game, it will be in your belly. Here are the details:

Location
South of the stadium along Elwood Drive. We will back in action at the spot that Nate and Alan made famous in seasons past. See the map below! You can call Alan's cell at 230-0620 if you can't find us.



Time
This will be a gameday decision. If the weather is nice, I should be up there by 2:00 or so. If it is rainy and miserable, it will be more like 4:00. But there will be tailgating either way. I will try to secure the EZ-Up that is stored at Nate's for tailgating comfort.

Food
As I mentioned earlier, there will be delectable smoked pork loin. I will also have a trusty bag of "Cool Ranch Doritos" on hand. I may bring hot chocolate as well. The rest is up to you. Bring your own pop, veggies, dip, or whatever else you prefer.

Clothing
Dress warm. Bring a blanket. And pack a cardinal or gold poncho because it may be wet.

The game
It should be a good one! Come ready to cheer loud for the Clones. Colorado will be a tough game.