FOODS

Everything you need to know to make the best ribs ever

The differences between types of ribsluchezar/E+ via Getty ImagesBefore you go shopping, it would be helpful to learn which cut of ribs you’re looking for. Each style of rib has its pros and cons, and the best rib for you depends on your meat-to-bone ratio, preference for fatty or lean meat and budget.Baby Back Ribsrudisill/E+ via Getty ImagesAlso referred to as back ribs or loin back, baby back ribs are taken from the center of the pork loin or the muscle that runs along the pig’s spine. The “baby” part comes from the ribs’ appearance; the bones are short, compared to spareribs. Baby back ribs have a lot of meat on them but tend to be leaner.Spare ribsamenic181/iStock via Getty ImagesSpare ribs are from the belly of the pig and are larger, more fatty and meatier than other ribs. This flavorful style of rib is best when cooked slowly at low temperatures.St. Louis Ribsbhofack2/iStock via Getty ImagesSt. Louis ribs are spare ribs with a few modifications. The chewy cartilage, sternum and rib tips are all removed from the St. Louis-style cut and then the ribs are shaped into perfectly uniformed rectangles. St. Louis ribs have less meat than baby back ribs but contain a lot of fat, which equals more flavor. This cut is flat and easier to use for recipes that require browning.What to look for when buying ribsmikedabell/E+ via Getty ImagesThe best place to buy ribs is your local butcher shop, where you’ll have access to fresh cuts of meat instead of pre-packed packages at the grocery store. Choose a rack with an even layer of meat on it. Sometimes there might be a slab with more meat on one side and little to no meat on the other, which can lead to uneven cooking.Carefully examine the meat before buyingGMVozd/E+ via Getty ImagesAlways give any meat that you buy a closer look before heading to the register. You’re looking for vibrant pinkish-red color and some marbling in the meat. Avoid ribs that look pale or have dark spots on the fat.How many ribs to buy per personKanawa_Studio/E+ via Getty ImagesNow that you know what to look for when buying ribs, the next question is how many racks of ribs should you buy? That depends on the type of rib you buy and how many people you plan on feeding. Of course, appetite can also play a factor but in general, you should buy 3/4 to 1 pound of pork ribs per person. If you’re going with spare ribs, one slab can typically feed about three people; a standard rack of baby back ribs can feed about two people.How to cook ribsSteve@Colorado/E+ via Getty ImagesThere are several ways you can cook ribs — each style can modify the flavors and texture of the meat. But first, it’s important to prepare the ribs before cooking by patting them dry and removing excess fat. For spareribs or baby back ribs, remove the silvery membrane from the bones of the ribs. This membrane can prevent the ribs from absorbing any flavor, especially if you’re grilling.How to grill ribsLauriPatterson/E+ via Getty ImagesHow to braise ribsLauriPatterson/iStock via Getty ImagesYou don’t need a grill to braise ribs, making it a great technique for apartment dwellers and beginners. Though most commonly applied to beef short ribs, pork ribs can be braised as well. First, trim excess fat and season them however you like (feel free to follow this Braised Boneless Beef Short Ribs recipe).Sear the ribs in a Dutch oven with oil until browned. Then, add a broth of your choice, red wine, fresh herbs and vegetables. Let everything cook in the oven at low heat until the ribs are tender. If you don’t have a Dutch oven, use a pan to sear the ribs and a slow cooker to finish the cooking process.How to bake ribsAdShooter/iStock via Getty ImagesBaking is another easy way to cook ribs. Preheat your oven to 275F, then add 1/2-to-1 inch of water to the bottom of a roasting pan. This will help add moisture to the ribs while they’re baking and prevent the meat from turning hard and dry. Place your seasoned ribs on top of the boiling pan and let them cook in the oven for about 2 hours or until tender.How to fry ribsLauriPatterson/E+ via Getty ImagesFrying ribs is fairly simple. You can use either a deep cast-iron skillet or a countertop deep fryer. To make sure the oil is ready for frying, use a deep-fry thermometer. The heat should be around 370F. If you don’t have one on hand, throw in a little bit of flour or a small piece of bread in the oil. If it sizzles, it’s ready for the ribs. Fry the ribs until browned on all sides and then transfer to a wire rack or paper towel to let them cool and drain the oil. Coat the ribs in any barbecue sauce you desire.How to smoke ribsAxel Bueckert/iStock via Getty ImagesIf you decide to smoke your ribs, you can either use a smoker or a smoker box inside the grill. Use the 3-2-1 method to smoke the rib directly on the rack for three hours at 225F. Then remove the ribs and tightly wrap them in aluminum foil with a liquid, like apple juice, beer or wine to help tenderize the meat. Put it back in the smoker for two hours. Remove the ribs once more to add any barbecue sauce on both sides of the ribs and let them cook in the smoker for one final hour.Herb-rubbed Baby Back RibsAbel Uribe/Chicago Tribune; Shannon Kinsella/food stylingSticky Spare RibsCourtesy of Morimoto AsiaThese spare ribs boast a sweet and sour flavor. The ribs are braised, then fried to get a crunchy exterior and moist interior before being tossed in a sticky sauce made with sweet chili sauce, sugar and soy sauce. Be sure to have plenty of napkins on hand!For the Sticky Spare Ribs recipe, click here.Slow Cooker Pork Ribs and Idaho PotatoesCourtesy of the Idaho Potato Commission and recipe author Cheryl D LeeThai-style Grilled Pork Country RibsAbel Uribe/Chicago Tribune; Shannon Kinsella/food stylingHoisin and Garlic Country Ribs With Napa CabbageMartin Turzak/ShutterstockThai Glazed RibsJenny Huang/The Pepper Thai Cookbook: Recipes from Everyone’s Favorite Thai Mom […]

FOODS

Crock Pot French Dips

Oh holy amazing goodness. These are the words that I am using to describe this french dip crock pot recipe.French Dip Crock Pot Dinner RecipeI’ll admit, I’m a huge fan of the crock pot for making dinner. If it can do atleast 80% of the work for me, life is good. Well, life is good anyways, but you get the point, right?(recipe post updated Oct, 5th, 2020)And, since my Crock Pot Philly Cheese Steak recipe is so popular this time of year, I figured I’d put something together that was equally as amazing and I might have to say that I *think* I might have beat the Philly Cheese Steak Crock Pot recipe. Seriously, this crock pot french dip recipe is simply amazing. And, it’s literally and toss and go recipe perfect for those nights with sports practices, church commitments or those days when you just flat out don’t feel like cooking. Ever have those? I do.This Crock Pot French Dip recipe is a keeper!For this slow cooker french dip, I used a three-pound chuck roast. For beef crock pot recipes this is my favorite cut of meat. It cooks low and slow in the crock pot so well and turns out to be a delicious mess of tender shredded beef when it’s done simmering all day. In all honesty, this recipe for french dip does call for Campbell’s condensed soups, but it’s all good. The french dip sauce that it makes is simply delicious and it would take a lot of unique ingredients to get to this height of awesomeness and like I said… sometimes we just need easy, right? In my opinion, this is the best french dip recipe that I’ve ever made and super bonus points for being incredibly easy.In case I haven’t sold this one enough… these easy french dip sandwiches need to be on your menu. Like.this.week. I served it with french fries for the boys and I had a salad with it. And, for triple bonus points – our kids loved it! Of course, they love steak, so I called it a steak sandwich. Easy enough, right?This slow cooker french dip recipe will make your life easier! Promise!Now, onto the cooking steps. There’s literally four. Love that.First, I browned my chuck roast in about two tablespoons of vegetable oil. I don’t think that you should skip this part. If you hate doing dishes as much as I do, I also might consider grabbing the Ninja 3-in-1 Slow Cooker. It is a stovetop as well as a slow cooker, so there is no need to a) dirty another pan from browning your meat and b) you don’t lose the amazing flavors that are in the pan when you brown meat. But, you don’t need one for this recipe, so just use two pans and use a spatula to get all the goodness from the pan.Next, pour in your soups. I get it, I get it… they’re soups. They’re soups, and they rock this recipe. ‘Nuff said.Turn your slow cooker on high for four hours or on low for 8-10 hours. The day I made these I needed dinner to be done sooner that later so I did high. And it was still delicious, so I totally recommend that way if needed.When your slow cooker is done cooking dinner for you, move your roast to a bowl and remove fatty pieces off. On my roast I had about a cup worth of fat. Shred the reminder in the bowl.Next, remove any large chunks of meat or fat out of the juice that’s still left in the crockpot. Pour the juice from the crockpot into a pan that you can simmer in your stovetop. Simmer to reduce it to half. This will be your french dip sauce and it will be dang good.Next, put your shredded meat onto hoagie rolls or french bread slices and top with provolone cheese. We like cheese, so I did two pieces over each french dip and put in the oven on low broil until the cheese was a little browned. De-licious.Serve your French Dips with the sauce on the side and have a quiet dinner (everyone will be *quietly* devouring your sandwiches – I promise!)Wait! If you like the idea of these French Dips, you may also be interested in these recipes below. Simply click on the picture to go to each post.Twelve More Popular Crock Pot Dinner ideas I know that you’ll love:Crockpot Ravioli Dinner – Delicious and easy! Crock Pot Beef Stew – Hearty and so simple!Slow Cooker Bacon Chicken Ranch Pasta – Add the uncooked pasta to the Crock Pot!Crock Pot Beef and Noodles – Hearty and filling (especially amazing over mashed potatoes!)Slow Cooker Pulled Pork – Cooks all day and the easiest dinner for the busiest nights!Maid Rite Loose Meat Sandwiches – YUM!Crock Pot Lasagna – WOW! Set and forget for this favorite American dish!Crockpot Baked Ziti  – All you need is a chilly day and this!Buffalo Chicken Crock Pot Sandwiches – This my friends, is ‘Merica in a Crock Pot!Chicken Taco Meat – The easiest dinner ever! Use this delicious meat for tacos, salads, quesadillas … the options are endless!Chicken Bacon Ranch Sandwiches – YUM!Crockpot Enchilada Soup – Full of flavor!!French Dip Crock Pot Dinner Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes Cook Time 4 hours Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes Servings 8 sandwiches Author KateIngredients 3 pound chuck roast 2 T vegetable oil 2 cans Campbell’s French Onion Soup 1 can Beef Consomme Soup 8 hoagie rolls 8-16 slices provolone (depending on if you want one or two pieces of cheese on each sandwichInstructionsBrown Chuck Roast in vegetable oilAdd soups to chuck roastSlow cook on high for four hours or on low for 8-10 hoursWhen slow cooker is done, move your roast to a bowl and remove fatty pieces offRemove any large chunks of meat or fat out of the juice that’s still left in the crockpotPour the juice from the crockpot into a pan that you can simmer in your stovetopSimmer au jus juice to reduce it to half (This will be your french dip sauce and it will be dang good.)Put your shredded meat onto hoagie rolls or french bread slices and top with provolone cheesePut sandwiches in the oven on low broil until the cheese is as browned as you like it […]

FOODS

Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes

These Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes were a HUGE hit at my house – everyone loved them. See how I make these delicious loose meat sandwiches kid-friendly, too!Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy JoesSloppy joes as a kid were pretty downright good. I loved the way my mom made them though…. instead of the canned “Manwich” sauce that you add to a pound of ground beef she’d make Campbell’s chicken gumbo sloppy joes – they were the best sloppy joes by adding a can of Campbell’s Chicken Gumbo soup to the ground beef. Try it – you might even find that you love it, too!So you might ask “Kate, why did you come up with this cheesesteak sloppy joes recipe then?” Well, isn’t everything better with a little Philly taste? It sure is!For example, you can see my Crock Pot Philly Cheese Steak Recipe – It has been pinned a whopping 200k 221k times! Wowsers!The rich flavors of these Philly cheese sloppy joes come together in a fabulous way. And, to all of the “true” Philly cheese steak fans – yes, you can even drizzle some Cheez Whiz on top to make these authentic Philly cheese steak sloppy joes. 😉These Philly cheese sloppy joes are delicious and completely worth adding to your meal rotation, but I have a few more favorites up my sleeve as well. This Crockpot Cheesesteak is superb as is this Campbell’s French Dip recipe.Are these easy to make sloppy joes?These are savory sloppy joes that are so full of flavor – you won’t even realize that these perfect sloppy joes are so easy to make! In my opinion, it’s the best sloppy joes recipe there is!What are good side dishes for sloppy joes?The best side dishes for sloppy joes is french fries, no doubt! But, in all honesty, the best sides for sloppy joes are anything that is lighter than the sandwich and can be picked up – tater tots, onion rings, etc. are all awesome sides for sloppy joes!What all is in these Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes?What makes these so delicious? These ground beef philly cheesesteak sloppy joes are the perfect mix of flavors and simmering. Don’t question the goodness, just give in to the goodness, ok? Ha! Only kidding. You can leave ingredients out but I don’t recommend it. These are absolutely fabulous the way I have them written here.1 tsp cornstarch1/2 cup low sodium chicken broth2 tsp olive oil1 small yellow onion, diced1 small green bell pepper, diced1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef2 T ketchup2 T Worcestershire sauce2 tsp taco seasoning6-8 slices provolone cheese6-8 hamburger bunsHow to Make this Ground Beef Philly Cheese Steak Recipe:Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium high.Add the onion and peppers; sauté 3-4 minutes until tender.Add in the beef and continue to cook, breaking it up and browning, for another 3 minutes.** If you have picky eaters like me, cook your onions and peppers separately and add them into the ground beef mixture later. Or, you could always chop the veggies up so well that they would never even know they were in the mix.Like this:Stir the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and taco seasoning into the ground beef mixture.Stir together the chicken broth and cornstarch and add it to the skillet; simmer for about 6-7 minutes, until mixture thickens to the consistency that you like.Scoop the sloppy joe mixture mixture onto buns, top with a slice of cheese, and place untopped sandwiches on a cookie sheet under the broiler until the cheese is melted. This will take 2-4 minutes.I like to also broil the tops of the buns a little bit, too.Serve warm with fries and enjoy!What to serve with Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes:I am a huge fan of serving potatoes with philly cheesesteaks, so french fries are my go-to usually and they’re always a hit. Kettle chips would also be a fantastic side dish for phillys.More great recipes that you should try:Printable Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Recipe:Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Prep Time 10 minutes Cook Time 20 minutes Total Time 30 minutes Calories 1500 kcalIngredients 1 tsp cornstarch 1/2 cup low sodium chicken broth 2 tsp olive oil 1 small yellow onion diced 1 small green bell pepper diced 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef 2 T ketchup 2 T Worcestershire sauce 2 tsp taco seasoning 6-8 slices provolone cheese 6-8 hamburger bunsInstructionsHeat the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium high.Add the onion and peppers; sauté 3-4 minutes until tender.Add in the beef and continue to cook, breaking it up and browning, for another 3 minutes.** If you have picky eaters like me, cook your onions and peppers separately and add them into the ground beef mixture later.Stir the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and taco seasoning into the ground beef mixture.Stir together the chicken broth and cornstarch and add it to the skillet; simmer for about 6-7 minutes, until mixture thickens to the consistency that you like.Scoop the sloppy joe mixture mixture onto buns, top with a slice of cheese, and place untopped sandwiches on a cookie sheet under the broiler until the cheese is melted. This will take 2-4 minutes.I like to also broil the tops of the buns a little bit, too.Serve warm with fries and enjoy! […]

FOODS

Hy-Vee Halloween Treats, Savings and Events

This is a sponsored post, all opinions are my own.Halloween has always been one of my favorite times of the year.Here in Iowa the color of the leaves start changing and you can feel a nip in the air in the mornings and evenings.Yet, some afternoons it’s still warm enough to wear that pair of shorts one last time paired with your favorite hoodie.It’s a time of the year that everyone seems warm, and grateful and down for all of the fun seasonal activities.It’s the season where we grab a cider at the pumpkin patch, carve pumpkins and savor the last few nice days … us Iowans know what’s around the corner, weatherwise.We are lucky that Hy-Vee Halloween plans are going off without a hitch and they’re here to save the day with some super fun Halloween recipes as well.This time of the year gives me all the feels for fun and festive food, too – and our friends at Hy-Vee have brought the party straight to us with some super fun Halloween inspired recipes.I am absolutely loving the October Seasons Magazine. You’ll find loads of recipes, helpful articles and some fun Halloween recipes, too. The Jack-O’-Lantern Party Tray, the Strawberry Ghosts and the Mummy Pizza are seriously adorable, and these are all foods that my kids would eat and go crazy over. Win, win!Head here to see all of the fun Halloween inspired recipes.Another fun resource is the Hy-Vee Halloween Guide here where you’ll find at-home activities, information on food allergy safe ways to celebrate, and downloadable coloring sheets for kids all perfect for helping to celebrate Halloween 2020 however you see fit.Planning on venturing out this Halloween to still have some spooky fun?Hy-Vee is hosting some fun Celebrate Halloween Events outside for socially distanced, kid-friendly activities and free giveaways!Below are the dates and hours and head here to see all locations that will be joining in on the fun.Saturday October 24, 10am to 4pmSunday, October 25, 10am to 4pmSaturday, October 31, 10am to 4pmBut, it wouldn’t be a post from me if I didn’t talk about how we can save money this Halloween however you plan on doing your celebrating, isn’t that right?How to save more at Hy-Vee Grocery Stores:If you’re shopping in person, be sure to look for the Low Price lockdown, which indicates a price drop on favorite items that are locked into a low price (just look for the red lock symbol on price tags) and when you see “Red” (the red down arrow with the smiling face on it) in stores, that indicates a price drop, too!If you’re planning on shopping online Hy-Vee Aisles Online make it easy to order groceries for pick-up. Just click here and get your order started. Then, you can pickup whenever’s handy for you! Be sure to check out the current deals here before you start your order!Or, use the Hy-Vee Aisles Online App to order from anywhere (love this!)Hy-Vee shoppers can save even more money on gas, earn exclusive deals and access digital coupons with the Hy-Vee Fuel Saver + Perks®.I can’t wait to see how everyone spends their Halloween this year! […]

FINANCE & TECH

$100 Sam’s Club Gift Card up for Grabs!

This post is sponsored by Sivan Social. All comments and opinions are my own.If you’ve been around Coupon Cravings for any amount of time, you know that I am a huge fan of the savings that you can get when you shop at Sam’s Club. And, while I do Sam’s Club for everyday items, I really utilize Sam’s Club over the holidays for holiday decor, gifts and my holiday dinners.Buying in bulk and purchasing the things we use larger quantities of the most helps when I don’t want to leave the house as often, like the times that we’re in right now.And, get this! Sam’s Club has three huge things going on right now:$1,000 in gift card giveaways (hello! wouldn’t that be amazing to win?!) * Existing Sam’s Club members can also enterHuge Instant Savings on holiday prep/everyday items in the Instant Savings book hereNice membership promotion for those who aren’t yet members1. Gift card giveaway:Starting today 11/16/2020 and through Thursday 11/19/2020 at midnight you’ll be able to enter to win one of $100 e-gift card from Sam’s Club HERE!To enter, simply head here and enter your email address to qualify (yes, that’s really it!) Savings.com is a (very!) trusted coupon company that I’ve worked with for years.The winners will be chosen through a lottery drawing and notified on Friday, November 20th (11/20) via the email address they used to enter.See complete Official Rules for entry instructions, full prize descriptions, restrictions and other important details here.2. Fantastic Instant Savings on everything you needWe’re talking access to $4700 in instant savings in categories like seasonal decor, tech, home and health & beauty.The Instant Savings that Sam’s Club offers is always nice because there are no coupons to clip, or cards to load, you simply get the savings at checkout.Some of my favorite deals include the great price on coffee, the PowerXL Vortex 7-Quart Air Fryer and the Power Smokeless GrillYou can see the entire Instant Savings book here.For more details about upcoming sales, club hours, delivery cutoff dates and holiday categories, see the page here.3. New Sam’s Club Membership DealsIf you’re not a Sam’s Club member, now is the time to join here! When you join for $45, you’ll get a free Rotisserie Chicken, Take & Bake Pizza, and 8 count cupcakes, valued at $20.95! So, in a sense, you’ll be paying less than $25 for a year long membership (what a deal!)BONUS INFO:Sam’s is being very safe with Scan & Go and Curbside Pickup options that allow you to shop safely. You can see all of the information here – but just to note, I ALWAYS use the Sam’s Club Scan & Go when shopping at Sam’s Club.As I add things to my cart, I use the Sam’s Club app to scan each item and I checkout with the credit card that is in my account. Then, I show the QR code at checkout (at the door)The lines can get long at Sam’s Club and this is an easy and safe way to shop as well as bypass the lines!Try Scan & Go or Curbside Pickup next time you’re at Sam’s Club! […]

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FOODS

11 Perfect Sides to Serve with BBQ Ribs

These popular sides to go with barbecue ribs range from southern classics like mac and cheese and collard greens to lighter fare including crunchy slaw and an unexpected fruit-laden salad. Whatever you choose to serve with your ribs, just be sure sure to have plenty of barbecue sauce—and napkins—on hand.

Ribs 101Best. Ribs. Ever.Ribs, whether baby back or spare (and whether grilled, smoked, or baked in the oven), are the kind of thing that demands total absorption: eyes down, both hands getting messy from all the aforementioned BBQ sauce, not coming up for air until that bone’s picked clean. When you do come up for air, though, you want something delicious to eat before tackling the next rib in the pile. Ribs are often tangy, sweet, and full of rich, delicious fat so there are certain sides that balance BBQ ribs particularly well acting almost like a reset for your tastebuds.
Related Reading CNET: The Best Meat Delivery Services | The Best Portable Grill Available in 2020
Behold, 11 of our favorite sides for ribs, from the light, crisp, and palate-cleansing to creamy, rich, and ultra decadent.
1. Slow Cooker Collard Greens

Chowhound

Collards are often cooked with smoked ham hocks, but smoked turkey drumsticks are a great substitute and yield more meat than ham hocks. Cleaning and trimming 5 pounds of greens is the hardest part of this recipe—after that, it’s easy. Get our Crock Pot Collard Greens recipe.
Related Reading: 15 Easy Slow Cooker BBQ Sides
2. Classic Macaroni and Cheese

Chowhound

What’s nice about this recipe is its versatility. It works beautifully as both a creamy stovetop dish with any sort of mix-ins you like, and as a crunchy baked mac ‘n’ cheese sprinkled with panko breadcrumbs. Get our Classic Macaroni and Cheese recipe.
Related Reading: 7 Rules for the Best Mac and Cheese You’ll Ever Make
3. Herbed Potato Salad

Chowhound

Honestly, almost any potato salad is good with ribs, but the tangy herbed dressing (a shallot-and-Dijon vinaigrette with parsley, tarragon, and dill) is a nice change from the usual heavy mayo version and cuts through the richness of BBQ ribs like a knife. Get our Herbed Potato Salad recipe. (And find out which potatoes to use for potato salad too.)
4. Crispy Corn Fritters

Chowhound

Hush puppies by any other name do taste as sweet—as these summer corn fritters prove so well. Fresh kernels off the cob are folded into cornmeal batter with cayenne and scallions, then fried crisp and golden brown (but fluffy and tender inside). Drag them through the BBQ sauce on your plate for a swoon-worthy bite. Get our Crispy Corn Fritters recipe.
5. Baked Cheese Grits

Chowhound

For something easier but just as satisfying, quick-cooking grits combine with milk, sharp cheddar cheese, hot sauce, and eggs, then bake in a casserole dish that can go directly onto the table. When corn’s in season, try folding some fresh kernels into this dish too for pops of juicy sweetness. Get our Baked Cheese Grits recipe.
6. Corn with Basil Butter and Flaky Salt

Chowhound

Grilled corn on the cob is great as-is, but generously spread this herbed butter on top and sprinkle with flaky sea salt for a simple yet sophisticated dish that truly epitomizes summer. Get our Corn with Basil Butter and Flaky Salt recipe. (Or if you go with an Asian-influenced barbecue sauce for your ribs, try our Mirin and Soy Sauce Grilled Corn recipe on the side.)
7. Corn and Tomato Coleslaw

Chowhound

Green cabbage, fresh corn (a recurring theme for good reason), tart tomatillos, and cherry tomatoes: the perfect summer coleslaw recipe. A lime, garlic, and mustard dressing finish it off, along with a sprinkling of chopped cilantro. Get our Corn and Tomato Coleslaw recipe. (And if you like more spice, try our Lime and Jalapeño Coleslaw recipe.)
8. Spicy Jicama, Grapefruit, and Mango Salad

Chowhound

Out of the box, for sure, but this tart, cooling, crisp, and refreshing salad is the perfect go-with for rich pork and multi-layered BBQ sauce. Try it and you might just start a new summer grilling tradition. Get our Spicy Jicama, Grapefruit, and Mango Salad recipe.
Related Reading: 15 Summer Slaw Recipes
9. Jalapeño-Corn-Beer Bread

Chowhound

Cornbread is the perfect foil for the richness and complexity of a stack of bones, but this spicy quick bread with pickled jalapeños is an interesting cornbread alternative. It has a dense texture that’s excellent for dipping in BBQ sauce. Get our Jalapeño-Corn-Beer Bread recipe.
10. French Green Bean Salad

Chowhound

With good, flavorful BBQ keeping the sides somewhat similar works well. This healthy French Green Bean Salad calles for blanched beans that get dressed up with a mustard and shallot vinnagrette. Get our French Green Bean Salad recipe.
11. Skordalia (Greek Potato Dip)

Francesco Sapienza (Lamalo)

This flavorful Greek potato dip, skordalia, calls for blanched russet potatoes blended with almonds, oil, raw garlic, bread, and spices. It’s absolute heaven and absolutely and works well both as a side or a dip (ease up on the almonds and oil for a side dish version). What’s more? The recipe comes from New York Medditerean outpost, Lamalo, who kindly shared their skordalia recipe in full. Try serving with some kabobs or simple lamb burgers with mint and feta, and if you do…please invite us. Get the Skordalia recipe.
Related Reading: Our Most Popular BBQ Sides for Summer

Everything Else You Need to Know

Our Top Grilling Tips, Techniques, Tricks, and Tools for the Best BBQ Ever […]

FOODS

How to Make Perfect Salmon Burgers, Plus 5 Tasty Ways to Top Them

All featured products are curated independently by our editors. When you buy something through our retail links, we may receive a commission.
Looking for something lighter than ground beef but with a more distinctive taste than ground turkey? Try our best salmon burger recipe, plus five delicious ways to top it.

Burgers may be the most riffed-on food in the American canon, but let’s face it, the beef patty has limitations. Bacon, barbecue sauce, and blue cheese are a beef burger’s best buds, assertive enough to stand up to the taste of medium-rare chuck, but switch a burger’s central protein to something more refined—salmon, say—and a whole bunch of slathering possibilities present themselves. Lighter, healthier, and more delicate salmon burgers are no shrinking violets, but they are especially perfect for spring and summer. Salmon also happens to be one of the best fish to grill.
Here, then, is a base recipe for fantastic salmon burgers—flavorful, juicy, and substantial—followed by five tasty options for dressing them: mango, tomato, and onion salsa; soy rémoulade; roasted garlic aioli; jalapeño tartar sauce; and tzatziki. Go ahead and take your plate outside. Eating al fresco makes these taste even better. A glass of wine doesn’t hurt, either.
Related Reading: 11 Burgers without the Beef | The Ultimate Guide to Types of Salmon

What You Need to Make Grilled Salmon Burgers
Makes 8 burgers

2 large eggs

1 medium shallot, medium dice
3 tablespoons coarsely chopped Italian parsley leaves
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon celery seeds
2 pounds skinless salmon fillets, pin bones removed and cut into 1-inch pieces
1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
Vegetable oil, for the grill

Related Reading on CNET: The Best Places to Buy Fresh Seafood Online
Steps to Making Grilled Salmon Burgers
1. Make the burger mixture. Combine the eggs, shallot, parsley, salt, pepper, and celery seeds in a food processor fitted with a blade attachment and pulse just until combined, about 5 pulses. Add about a third of the salmon and pulse 5 times until most of the large pieces are slightly chopped. Add another third of the salmon, pulse 5 more times, then add the last third and pulse 5 times more until there are equal amounts of very small, medium, and large chunks. (Do not overprocess, as it will lead to tough, dry burgers.)
2. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl and stir in the panko until thoroughly combined. Divide evenly into 8 (3-inch) patties about 1/2 inch thick (they will be about 1/3 to 1/2 cup each).
3. Heat an outdoor grill to medium high (about 375°F to 425°F). When the grill is ready, use tongs to rub the grate with several layers of paper towels dipped in vegetable oil.
4. Using a flat spatula, transfer the salmon patties to the grill, close the grill, and cook undisturbed (do not press down on the patties) until grill marks appear on the bottom, about 5 minutes. Using a clean spatula, flip the burgers, close the grill, and cook until the patties are just cooked, about 4 minutes more.

The Best Toppings for Salmon Burgers
Put down the ketchup and whip up one of these easy, delicious toppings instead.
Mango, Tomato, and Onion Salsa
Fruit salsa is a perfect partner to fish; feel free to play around with whatever produce looks and tastes best.

Makes 3 cups
Ingredients:

2 medium mangos, small dice (about 1 1/2 cups)
2 medium tomatoes, small dice (about 1 cup)
1/2 medium red onion, small dice (about 1/2 cup)
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lime juice
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions:
Combine all the measured ingredients in a small nonreactive mixing bowl. Season well with salt and let sit at least 20 minutes. Just prior to using, season well with pepper and mix thoroughly. Spoon onto grilled salmon burgers with slices of avocado.
Soy Remoulade
A dash of soy sauce gives this creamy sauce extra umami. You can also doctor store-bought mayo if you’re in a hurry, but it’s still best to give the flavors some time to meld in the fridge.

Makes about 1 1/4 cups
Ingredients:

2 large egg yolks
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 cup vegetable oil
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 teaspoon Louisiana-style hot sauce, such as Tabasco or Crystal Hot Sauce
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more as needed
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground white pepper, plus more as needed
2 teaspoons finely chopped capers
2 teaspoons finely chopped red bell pepper
2 teaspoons finely chopped shallot
1 1/2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh tarragon leaves
1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh Italian parsley leaves

Instructions:
Whisk the egg yolks and Dijon in a medium bowl until evenly blended. Continue whisking and slowly add the oil by pouring it down the side of the bowl in a thin stream. Once all of the oil has been added, whisk in the lemon juice, hot sauce, soy, and measured salt and pepper until evenly combined. Mix in the remaining ingredients until evenly combined. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper as needed.
Roasted Garlic Aioli
Aioli is basically homemade mayo with garlic added—and it’s amazing. You can also make it with an immersion blender.

Makes 1 1/4 cups
Ingredients:

1 tablespoon roasted garlic purée (1 small head of garlic, drizzled with oil, wrapped in foil, and roasted in a 350°F oven for 40 minutes, then cooled and squeezed to remove the purée from the skins)
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 egg yolk
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 cup grapeseed or vegetable oil
2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
Kosher salt

Instructions:
Place the roasted garlic, mustard, and yolk in the bowl of a food processor fitted with a blade attachment. Process until evenly combined, about 10 seconds. With the motor running, slowly add the olive oil in a thin stream, followed by the grapeseed or vegetable oil, until completely combined, about 2 minutes. Stop the processor, add the lemon juice, season with salt, and pulse until thoroughly mixed. Stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula, then pulse until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Let sit for at least 30 minutes before using.
Jalapeño Tartar Sauce
Zingy tartar sauce gets some heat from minced peppers; use more if you like things extra spicy.

Makes 1 1/2 cups
Ingredients:

1 cup mayonnaise
1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely diced
3 tablespoons finely chopped capers
3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (from about 2 medium lemons)
2 tablespoons finely chopped dill pickle
1 tablespoon finely chopped scallion (from about 1 medium scallion, white and light green parts only)
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions:
Place all of the ingredients in a medium bowl and stir to combine. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
Tzatziki
This cooling cucumber, herb, and yogurt sauce gives a Greek spin to salmon burgers; try making the patties with some lemon, garlic, and fresh oregano to complement the topping.

Makes 1 cup
Ingredients:

1/2 medium English cucumber, peeled
7 ounces (scant 1 cup) whole-milk Greek yogurt

1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh mint leaves
1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 medium garlic clove, finely chopped
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions:
Grate the cucumber on the large holes of a box grater. Run a knife over the grated cucumber until it’s fine in texture but not totally minced. Mound the cucumber in the center of a clean tea towel, then twist the towel to squeeze the moisture from the cucumber. Place the cucumber in a medium bowl. Add the yogurt, herbs, lemon juice, garlic, and cumin, season with salt and pepper, and mix well. Refrigerate for 1 hour or overnight to meld the flavors before serving.
Related Video: Chimichurri Is Another Worthy Option

This post was originally published in 2014 and has been updated with additional links and text.

Photos by Chris Rochelle; styling by Fernanda Schlender […]

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FOODS

7 Foil Packet Meals That Are Perfect for Camping (Or Your Own Backyard)

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If you’re going camping—or even just firing up the grill in your own backyard for Labor Day—foil packets are a great way to cook your food over the flames (and they’re pretty great in the oven too). Plus, cleanup is easy as can be.

Becoming one with nature may require a sleeping bag, tent, insect repellent, and first aid kit, but it also requires food (because the goal is to survive, right?) And while inclinations may lead you to believe that camp food tastes disgusting and one-dimensional from an overused grill in the middle of a shared camping ground, you may not know about the joys of cooking meats, vegetables, and starches with foil packs.
Related Reading: Easy Gourmet Camping Recipes You Can Make Ahead
So What Exactly Is a Foil Packet?
Well, it’s pretty self-explanatory. The technique requires you to take a standard roll of aluminum foil, place the food in the center of a large sheet, seal the foil so that it’s snug over the food (almost like an envelope), and then grill or set over a fire (they work in the oven too if you don’t do the great outdoors). It’s a simple process with easy clean-up (hoorah!), allowing you to focus more on concocting drool-worthy recipes and less on whether or not they will end up in the trash. You may have heard these foil packets called hobo packs before too, but for obvious reasons, that is not a name we recommend using.
Some Overall Foil Packet Tips:

It’s important to create some room between the food and the foil so that the heat can build up and cook your dinner. Think of it as a mini oven, but with steam inside.
Pack some gloves or tongs so you can easily handle the pouch as you remove it from the fire. (See our guide to camp cooking gear for more helpful equipment.)
Definitely invest in heavy-duty aluminum foil for integrity’s sake, especially if you’re cooking heavier items like meat and potatoes.
Seal your foil packets in at least one layer of tightly closed Ziploc bags before you toss them in your cooler, to ensure no melted ice water trickles in.

Related Reading: Stylish Coolers to Tote Along All Summer
Foil Packet Recipes
Since cooking times vary and depend entirely on your ingredients, we’ve rounded up a variety of recipes for you to try during your next camping trip. But don’t make these too delicious or the bears will surely pay you and your group a visit. Deter them by making sure you clean your camp properly! And feel free to wash any of these meals down with a camp drink. But be sure to practice safe coronavirus camping this year too.
1. Foil Pouch Sea Bass

Chowhound

This sounds more like an entree for glampers than campers. Either way, steamed fish over a grill is going to taste moist and delicious. Get the Foil Pouch Sea Bass recipe.
2. Grilled Herb Chicken and Potato Foil Packs

If you’re looking for a protein-packed, wholesome meal after a day of hiking, this is the dish for you. In fact, it will help you prep for that five mile journey tomorrow. Get the Grilled Herb Chicken and Potato Foil Packs recipe.
3. Grilled Chicken Pineapple Foil Packets

Teriyaki chicken with peppers, onions, and pineapples, all in one convenient pack? Yes, please. Just bring some cooked rice too, to heat up in a pot alongside. (Picky eaters can have their own packets with just chicken and sauce—another benefit of this cooking method.) Get the Grilled Chicken Pineapple Foil Packets recipe.
4. Butter Garlic Herb Steak Foil Packets

We get it, carnivores. Shaking a red meat craving is hard. Satisfy it with this decadent approach to campfire cuisine. Get the Butter Garlic Herb Steak Foil Packets recipe.
5. Shrimp Boil Foil Packs

It’s no New Orleans, but we love the idea of being able to nosh on seafood and corn on the cob in the middle of the woods. Get the Shrimp Boil Foil Packets recipe.
6. Zucchini Parmesan Foil Packets

Anything with melted cheese is going to taste delicious, so you may as well put it on a vegetable and get your daily dose of vitamins. Get the Zucchini Parmesan Foil Packets recipe.
7. Campfire Banana Boat Foster

Chowhound

Don’t rule out dessert! The open flame creates a perfect caramelized glaze on a standard banana. Who needs a s’more when you can make your own caramel? Get our Campfire Bananas Foster recipe.
Related Reading: Grilled Banana Desserts for Summer
Related Video: How to Start a Campfire with Doritos

Header image courtesy of Shutterstock.

Joey is a NYC-based writer/editor, TV/radio personality, editor-at-large for Chowhound, author of “Basic Bitchen,” and host of “Dish This.” His work has been featured in outlets like Food & Wine, People, InStyle, Travel+Leisure, and BuzzFeed. Prior to a career in editorial, he served as the lead publicist for hit TLC shows like “Here Comes Honey Boo Boo,” “My Strange Addiction,” and “My Crazy Obsession.” In his spare time, he enjoys volleyball, visiting the beaches of Naples, Fla. (his hometown), worshipping Beyoncé, eating sour candy, writing depressing poetry, interior design, and perfecting his stand-up comedy routine. He’s also been struck by lightning—quite the shocking experience. […]

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FOODS

How to Transform Your BBQ Leftovers: You Won’t Believe What You Can Do with Potato Salad

All featured products are curated independently by our editors. When you buy something through our retail links, we may receive a commission.
If you just pulled off a major 4th of July weekend BBQ feast, there is a good chance some tasty leftovers linger behind. Put them to good use with these simple ideas for turning leftover BBQ into delicious new eats.

Everyone knows that the excitement and anticipation over Thanksgiving are as much about all of the delicious possibilities of the next day’s leftovers as it is about the meal itself. Well, I say the same can be said of hosting a big backyard barbecue in the summer (or a small, socially distant one at that).
We’ve already covered 11 of the best things you can make with leftover BBQ brisket but what about those extra hamburgers, hot dogs, grilled corn, and potato salad? Here is a list of creative ways to make the most of all those other barbecue staples once the grill’s been turned off.
Leftover Hamburgers: Sloppy Joes

Chowhound

So you overshot the “Who wants a burger?” count and grilled off a few too many—not to worry; there are plenty of tasty ways to reincarnate those leftover patties. Of course, because there’s nothing scarier than dry, dull, overcooked ground beef (sorry, well-done burger eaters), your big consideration with the reheating process is to keep the meat moist. The easy solution: Crumble up the meat and get saucy.
With crispy beef tacos it means adding a little liquid and mixing in a heavy dose of spices and seasonings. For gyros, it’s all about dosing a heavy dollop of tangy, cucumber-fresh tzatziki over the top. But if you’re going to repurpose a barbecue classic, might as well morph it into another perennial summertime favorite. That’s right, we’re talking about guaranteed-to-get-all-over-your-face (and probably a little onto your shirt) throwback delight, Sloppy Joes. Get our Sloppy Joes recipe.
Related Reading: 21 Leftover Hamburger Recipe Ideas So Good You’ll Always Make Extra
Leftover Grilled Chicken: BBQ Chicken Pizza

Chowhound

Forgive me, pizza purists. For, as much as I worship at the altar of a perfect Neapolitan pie with its blistered, chewy dough and simple smattering of fresh mozzarella and really good tomato sauce, I also can’t deny my nostalgic weakness for BBQ chicken pizza. There is a heaping multitude of options when it comes to recipes for leftover grilled chicken, but I’m going to throw down and say this should be one of your top picks. Get our BBQ Chicken Pizza recipe.
Leftover Hot Dogs: Pigs in a Blanket

Chowhound

And just like that, the leftovers from yesterday’s barbecue begat today’s cocktail hour snack. Instead of shelling out for cocktail weenies, you might as well just cut up your leftover grilled hot dogs, wrap them in buttery puff pastry, set your oven to bake, and call it a day (with your Mad Men-era cocktail in hand, natch). Get our Pigs in a Blanket recipe.
Related Reading: Why Does Ketchup on a Hot Dog Piss People Off?
Leftover Grilled Corn: Summer Corn Chowder

Chowhound

Conjuring the self-restraint required to end up with leftover ears of grilled corn after a barbecue can be a real challenge. But a worthwhile one, as you could easily put those kernels to good use in anything from a refreshing summer salad (like this Mexican-inspired one featuring tomatoes, tomatillos, and avocado dressing); to crispy corn fritters (swoon); or these jalapeño grilled sweet corn muffins. But I’d argue the ultimate move is to swap the smoky, charred kernels for fresh ones in this light summer corn chowder. And let’s be honest, you might as well go for #summergoals gold and throw in some chunks of lobster while you’re at it. Get our Summer Corn Chowder recipe.

Related Reading: The Single-Use Summer Produce Gadgets You’ll Actually Want to Try
Leftover Potato Salad: Roasted Potatoes

Chowhound

Pssssst. So, apparently our favorite cold potato side dish has been masking some real next-day potential as a hot roasted side dish. What?! Throw it in the oven and check it out for yourself.
Related Reading: How Long Can Potato Salad Sit at Room Temperature?
Leftover Coleslaw: Coleslaw and BBQ Chicken Potato Skins

Chowhound

Ring the alarm bells, because we’ve got a twofer (a.k.a., a two-for-one) special of barbecue leftovers here: Take the leftover chicken that you’re not using for the BBQ chicken pizza mentioned above and that killer coleslaw and make into a truly creative riff on a potato skin. Get our Coleslaw and BBQ Chicken Potato Skins recipe. You can also pile leftover slaw up on basic sandwiches or use it to top off tacos.
Related Reading: How to Make Healthy Coleslaw
Leftover Watermelon: Boozy Watermelon Pops

Chowhound

Friendly reminder: That watermelon you didn’t get to at the barbecue because everyone filled up on the mains doesn’t have to live on in dessert territory. Reimagine it as the base of a bright salad with feta and mint, or in a cool, creative, fruity spin on a traditional gazpacho. Or, better yet, as a boozy watermelon pops! Or watermelon margaritas. Or…You get the idea. Get our Boozy Watermelon Pops recipe.

Did You Make Steak?

12 Leftover Steak Recipes That Will Make You Glad You Couldn’t Finish It All […]

God's Love

Delivered Twice from Death in Lebanon, Retiree Keeps Serving After Explosion

When Jean Bouchebel retired at age 70, he was not ready to simply relax.
Instead, he still works full time and wakes at 2 a.m. for prayer and meditation.
From an orphanage in Lebanon to leadership at World Vision, God’s faithfulness saved Bouchebel multiple times from death during the worst days of civil war. Through his service, thousands of refugees have received the food, clothes, and shelter they needed to stay alive.
But his morning discipline is not monastic piety. The daily hour-long prayer at his home in Texas precedes meetings with pastors and partner organizations eight time zones ahead in Lebanon.
With his son, Patrick, in 2012 Bouchebel founded Witness as Ministry after working 27 years with World Vision International, first in Lebanon and then at its headquarters in California. During the height of the war in Syria, when more than 2 million refugees flooded across the border into Lebanon, he could not contemplate the leisure of retirement.
Refugees were living in tents in the snow.
Children lacked adequate footwear.
People were hungry.
Drawing on skills he had learned at World Vision, Bouchebel shipped 40-foot containers to Lebanon filled with medical equipment, clothing, hygiene kits, and food. Over 1,000 meals a day were provided to needy refugees.
And amid an economic collapse exacerbated by last summer’s explosion in Beirut’s harbor, relief work has extended to the Lebanese. Church partners have served Muslim and Christian without discrimination, giving out nearly 3,000 food parcels to families, providing medical services for 3,600 people, and repairing 168 neighboring homes.

Image: Donald E. Miller
Jean Bouchebel

Born in 1942 in the mountain town of Bikfaiya, Bouchebel shared a home with his five siblings, parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles. But when he was eight years old, his father died and his mother fell ill.
The family solution was to place the children in different orphanages. Six years later, his mother passed away. At age 14, Bouchebel assumed responsibility for his siblings, working at a hotel as a dishwasher. His modest $3 monthly salary helped to provide clothing, bedding, and books for his brothers and sisters.
At age 17, Bouchebel moved to a different hotel as a busboy, with a better salary. But realizing the limitation of his education and future prospects, he took English courses at the local YMCA and later learned German from a tutor as the hotel had many guests flying in on the Lufthansa airline.
Three years later, his fluency in Arabic, French, English, and German landed Bouchebel a job as a waiter at the prestigious InterContinental Hotel—the best in Lebanon. He rapidly advanced, becoming a maître d’ (headwaiter) in the dining room, then assistant food and beverage director, and eventually the director of the entire department for the 600-bed facility.

Image: Courtesy of Jean Bouchebel
Jean Bouchebel at the InterContinental Hotel in Beirut in 1964.

But despite his success, he felt a void in his life. While questioning his purpose and what happened after death, Bouchebel was introduced by a friend—who had a radical life change after converting to Christianity—to a couple who read the Bible with him, which had not been his practice as a Roman Catholic. Shortly thereafter, he went to a revival meeting at a local church and gave his life to Jesus.
“I have lived 30 years of my life wanting to make a future for myself,” Bouchebel recalls praying. “From this day on, I would like to live for you.”
Two years later, the civil war started in Lebanon. Tourism ground to a halt, as 120,000 people were killed between 1975 and 1990. The InterContinental reduced its staff to five key people, including Bouchebel. They met daily but had no guests to serve.
After several months, he heard from God.
“I felt the Lord pushing me—as if two hands were pushing me to get out of the hotel,” he said. “I couldn’t understand what was happening, but I realized at the end that God didn’t want me to stay.”Article continues below

At breakfast, Bouchebel told the general manager he would take his holiday leave and come back when the business picked up again. Irate, his boss fired him and told him never to return.
That same evening, a militia set the hotel on fire, killing his remaining colleagues. Bouchebel became convinced that God’s hand was on him, cementing a conviction that God had a purpose for his life.
After nine months of unemployment for Bouchebel, the InterContinental Hotel in Saudi Arabia offered him a job. Desperate for an income, he left his wife and two young children behind in Lebanon with extended family, negotiating with the hotel to return home every three months.
Over the next four years, Bouchebel rose rapidly, directing the food and beverage service in three branches. But his visits home troubled him, as he witnessed increasing scenes of poverty and displacement brought on by the civil war.
God then told him to again leave a secure hotel job in order to serve those in need.
“I will never leave you; I will never forsake you,” he recalls God assuring him. “I will provide for you, and I will provide for your ministry.”
But first Bouchebel had to wait—and learn dependence.
He returned to Lebanon in 1980, and for four years he was unemployed. The family survived on savings while farmland neighbors brought them fruits and vegetables.
Waiting on God for direction, Jean was given a full scholarship at Arab Baptist Theological Seminary and reconnected with the friend who initially led him to the Lord.
And then direction came.
“Jean, you have nothing,” said his friend. “Why don’t you serve God in the Palestinian camps?”
Initially afraid for his safety, as Palestinians and Lebanese Christians were on opposite sides of the civil war, Bouchebel was warmly greeted by a poor family when he entered the camp. (About 100,000 Palestinians fled to Lebanon during the 1948 Arab-Israeli war, neither permitted to return nor to fully integrate into Lebanese society.) For the next year, he visited regularly, sharing Christian literature along with his own meager resources.
Meanwhile, World Vision had also begun relief work in Lebanon. But as foreign diplomats, teachers, and charity workers increasingly became targets of kidnapping, the NGO needed to hire a local person to manage its operations. Noticing Bouchebel’s work in the camps and impressed by his business background, World Vision asked if he would direct its Lebanese program on an interim basis.
Fifteen years later, and responsible for a region that included Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, Cyprus, and Greece, Bouchebel’s World Vision budget had grown from $300,000 to $30 million.
“The Lord honored me,” he said. “When God makes a promise, he is faithful.”
Bouchebel extended this faithfulness liberally, eventually working through the leadership of 11 different Christian denominations, as well as the Muslim Shiite, Sunni, and Druze communities.

Image: Donald E. Miller
Jean Bouchebel and Archbishop Issam John Darwish of the Melkite Catholic Eparchy of Zahle and the Bekaa, Lebanon.

But God would first have to save his life again.
Crossing Beirut from its Muslim east to its Christian west in 1985, Bouchebel and his family were stopped at a checkpoint. His 15-year-old son was beaten, and his 10-year-old daughter seized. Taking all of them to a nearby olive garden, the militiaman told Bouchebel’s wife and children to say goodbye.
But first, taking the $3,000 Bouchebel was carrying for World Vision relief, the man patted him down in search of more—and his hands discovered a pocket New Testament.
“What’s this?” demanded the guard.Article continues below

“Do you really want to know?” asked Bouchebel. Opening the Bible, he read from John 3:16.
The militiaman grabbed the book and threw it down to the ground. But he then told Bouchebel to take his family and leave. He even gave him $20 for taxi fare.
“God snatches people from death,” said Bouchebel, “if he still has a purpose for them.”
Lebanon’s war ended in 1990, and nine years later Bouchebel and his wife relocated to Southern California. For another 13 years, he worked in the international office of World Vision as its director for resource development, extending his Middle East service to Africa and Latin America.
Now 79 years old, Bouchebel’s heart remains broken. Conflicts in the Middle East are unceasing, and he is especially troubled by their impact on the church. In 1943, a newly independent Lebanon was 55 percent Christian. Today it is 30 percent Christian or less, with continual migration.
This situation is echoed in Syria and Iraq. At the beginning of the 20th century, Christians represented 13 percent of the Middle East population. Today, estimates put these earliest Christian communities at a mere 4 percent.
“I started with nothing in life—not even a pair of socks—and God made me his servant,” said Bouchebel. “The only hope I have is God’s promise that he will not forsake his church, and this is what pushes me to do more and more for others.”
Donald E. Miller is director of strategic initiatives at the University of Southern California’s Center for Religion and Civic Culture and its global project on engaged spirituality, which produced this article with support from the John Templeton Foundation and Templeton Religion Trust.

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