My Favorite Quote and Grilled Lobster

"I did the best that I knew how; when I knew better, I did better" - Maya Angelou

I love this quote. I think it can be applied to so many things in our lives. This being Mother's Day I think it is even more relevant. 

How many of us knock our heads against the wall trying to be "the best mother possible"? How many of us live in regret because of something we did or didn't do with or for our children? 

Well, stop it. Today, right now, stop it. If you love your children. Stop it. You did the best that you knew how.... and when you knew better, you did better. 

Happy Mother's Day - give yourself a present. You are enough. 

Grilled Petite Lobster Tails with Orange and Thyme Scented Butter (serves 4)

8 petite Lobster Tails (about 3 ounces each)

1 stick (8 ounces) unsalted butter

Zest of 1 orange

1 sprig thyme

Pinch Kosher Salt 

Lemon wedges (optional)

Heat the grill to high. 

Place lobster tails (in shell) on grill. Grill 3 to 4 minutes, flip to other side, grill 3 to 4 minutes. Tails will slightly curl. Don't overcook. 

Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, melt butter slowly, add the orange zest and the sprig of thyme. Continue melting the butter until it foams. Stir in pinch salt. Using a small strainer, strain into 4 small cups for dipping lobster. 

I serve the tails with steamed fingerling potatoes tossed with olive oil and sea salt and a small side salad. 

P.S: 

Happy Mother's Day everyone. 

If you are a mother, happy mother's day.

If your mother is still with you, call her today

If your mother is gone, remember something wonderful about her

If you are not a mother, as you go about your business today, wish someone else happy mother's day. 

Have a great one and count your blessings.

Speaking of Butts - Beer Butt Chicken

Here's a great recipe for you to hand your husband, son, brother, dad, nephew, next door neighbor, boyfriend, or significant male other to make YOU for Mother's Day. It is oh so delicious and will not mess up your kitchen. 

It is also fun. It's fun because it's called Beer Butt Chicken - beer and butt being words that the male population can relate to. Now I know I'm not being politically correct when I say that, but come on. What boy from the age of 7 on doesn't like the word "butt"? And what red-blooded American Male doesn't have the concept of beer? 

It is also fun to make because it involves FIRE because you make it on the grill. Fire is dangerous and manly. What red-blooded American Male doesn't like to combine these elements in cooking? 

When the best husband in the world makes me dinner it always involves fire and danger. This is very manly. If you give the male species in your life something to do that is manly, he won't look at it as doing something lovely for you. He will think of it as doing something heroic. You are allowing him to get in touch with his inner caveman. This is good. 

Of course you are still going to have to a. buy the chicken. b. get all the other ingredients ready c. clean the grill d. make all the sides e. clean up

But it's a start, right?

Beer Butt Chicken

Preheat grill to medium high. 

1 3 to 4 lb. chicken (giblets removed, rinsed inside and out) yes, you will probably have to do this as it does not involve fire or danger

2 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed

1 sprig rosemary

1 sprig thyme

1 can of beer

1 tablespoon kosher salt

1/2 tablespoon fresh ground pepper

1 tablespoon smoked paprika

1 disposable pie tin or other tin (no holes on the bottom) trust me on this. 

Here's the fun part because the man gets to drink beer.

Open the can of beer. Take 2 big swigs of beer (you should have about 1/2 to 3/4 can of beer left). Stuff the garlic, rosemary and thyme into the beer can.

Mix the salt, pepper and paprika together. Pat the chicken all over with this mix. 

Here's the other fun part because the man gets to say "butt"

Take the opened, stuffed with garlic and herbs beer can and shove it up the butt end of the chicken. The legs and the beer can form a tripod for the chicken. Place the chicken in the tin. Place in center of hot grill. Close the lid and cook for 1 hour (or about 15 minutes per pound).

The man cook can now relax and have another beer while beating his chest proclaiming what a wonderful man he is for cooking you Mother's Day dinner. 

Meanwhile, you should: set the table, cook all the sides, round up the children, empty the dishwasher, put another load of laundry in, etc. 

When legs are really loose, juices run clear when pierced in thickest part of thigh and skin is nicely crisped, remove from grill and let rest for 15 minutes (at least). 

Here's the dangerous part because it involves knives.

Give the man a knife for carving.

Enjoy your day and give your man a hug for "making dinner"

Love to all!