Checkered tablecloth is on it's way!!

It's Spring time!  Time for grilling, BBQs, and frolicking in the sun...oh wait, I live in WA.  That won't happen for another 3 months.  Well, even though the weather in WA doesn't seem to want to cooperate with me, I'm going to lure the sun out with the idea of a big family picnic.  Imagine tables lined with red checked table cloths, filled with tantalizing BBQ beef, crisp veggies, chips, dip and an assortment of salads, ranging from the infamous Jell-o salad to a refreshing spinach and strawberry salad.  Kids running through the sprinklers with squeals of laughter.  Ahh, I have seen the light!  Spring is on it's way to WA whether it likes it or not!  Here's a great recipe to get us started on the path to fun in the sun!

BBQ Beef

3 lbs beef or pork roast
1 cup ketchup
1 cup BBQ sauce
1 medium onion, chopped
1/4 cup cider vinegar
1/4 cup dark molasses
2 T Worcestershire sauce
2 cloves minced garlic
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp dry mustard
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

Cut the roast in half and place in slow cooker.  Combine all of the above ingredients in a bowl.  Pour over the roast.  Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours.  Remove roast from the sauce, cool slightly.  Trim off fat (no one wants wiggly meat!) Shred meat with two forks.  Pour sauce into separate bowl.  Add shredded meat back into slow cooker.  Slowly coat with sauce until it's as "wet" as you like it.  Cover and cook on high for another 15-30 minutes.  Serve it up on a heavy duty bun with a serving of cool and creamy coleslaw and a side of Spring time lovin'!

Eat well my friends!!