Last month, we celebrate the birthday of MVM’s own Toe Jam Monica in various posts on the site. This weekend was my birthday and I celebrated by taking myself to New York City. As a result, this post was written in an airport on my iPhone. As a result of that result, this post is short and to the point.

I love meat.

I am not going to get into the pros and cons of meat as the lists would spark controversy on both sides and on my birthday, I don’t like fighting. I will say “go organic” if you can. And I’m not talking the pretty packaged meat in Fortino’s that says organic in swirly green letters, I’m talking about the meat from a real live horror-movie butcher. Your tummy and tastebuds will thank you.

If you have ever wonder how to best invite your favourite furry friends to the dinner table, here are my two favourite options:

Anna’s Super Easy Ribs:

Put a rack of ribs into a roasting pan and pour in 1 bottle or can of your favourite beer (or your cheapest)
Cook at 275 for about 2 hours (check them and if they fall off the bone – they’re good)
Drain the beer and put BBQ sauce all over ribs
Return to oven, this time at 375 for about an hour. This will make a nice thick crust on the ribs.
And you’re done!

You’re friends will love you for this one. Trust me.

Jordan’s Sausage and Veggies (From the Whole Foods site):

Ingredients
6 links sausage
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
4 to 6 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
3 tablespoons fresh oregano, finely chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried oregano)
1 pound zucchini, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
3/4 pound mixed red and yellow cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
1 red and orange pepper cut into thick pieces
1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
Salt and pepper

Method
Prepare sausages according to package directions, either in a saute pan or on the grill. While they are cooking, heat olive oil in a large heavy sauté pan over medium high heat. Add garlic and oregano, stir for a few seconds, then add zucchini and cook 3 to 5 minutes.

When sausages are cooked, cut into large bite-sized pieces and add to pan along with tomatoes, basil, salt and pepper. Continue to saute until tomatoes are just softened, about 1 minute more. Transfer to a large platter and serve.