Ribdemption and BLT Macaroni Salad

If you have followed this blog, you may remember my brother-in-law's visit a couple years ago and our "Priceless" dinner that we experienced, as indicated in my blog post and photo below.

Well I am very happy and proud to report that during his most recent visit with us a couple weeks ago, we had a very successful bbq night and "Ribdemption".

Perhaps it was our new rib recipe from Traeger or the fact that I kept my husband and his brother more focused this time and stay on point with the various steps to smoking these beauties.

Whatever the case may be, they were beyond amazing and one of the best dinners we have ever had. I tried out a new side dish with our BLT Macaroni Salad.  It was devoured by all and definitely a keeper for any future BBQ or pot luck!!

BLT Macaroni Salad

1 (16 oz) package macaroni, cooked according to directions, rinsed and cooled
1-1/4 cup celery, diced
5 green onions, finely chopped
2 large tomatoes, diced
1-1/4 cup Best Foods Olive Oil Mayonnaise
5 tsp. white vinegar
1/4 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. black pepper
1 (4 ounce) container blue cheese crumbles
1 pound bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled

In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, celery, onions, tomatoes and blue cheese.  In a separate bowl, combine and whisk the remaining ingredients (except bacon).  Pour over macaroni mixture, tossing to coat well.  Cover and chill for at least 2 hours.  Just before serving, sprinkle with bacon crumbles.

Evidence of my brother-in-law's visit...he has impeccable tastes in wines!

One Year Ago: Spaetzle with Gruyere and Carmelized Onion
Two Years Ago:  Greek Salsa Chicken

Zip Lines and Homemade Luau

This week has been quite an adventurous one, to say the least.  We have already done waterfalls, rain forest hikes and kayaked through the Kohala Ditch Adventure.

Such a great trip to take on the northern Kohala Coast.  We were told about a stretch of highway at the edge of the island and walked to the end of the road where the original sugar cane fields once were and an old mule station.  Absolutely breathtaking.  We could even see the island of Maui on our drive there.

I conquered one of my greatest fears this week...heights!!  I searched out a company on the island near us that has zip line tours through the rain forest, near the same sugar cane ditches that we kayaked through.

Kohala Zipline offers various zip line adventures.  Since this was the first time for all of us, we went with the 9 line tour that also has a canopy experience like no other.

 Perched amongst the trees of Halawa, Kohala Zipline’s Kohala Canopy Adventure featured elevated suspension bridges, soaring tree platforms and thrilling zip lines. From the moment we entered the aerial trekking course, we were enthralled by the magic of Kohala.

They started us at what they call "flight school", which are 2 smaller lines just to see if we could get the feel of all the equipment and assure our instructors that we could graduate to the 1100 foot drop of the last line that took us to speeds up to 50 miles an hour.

 Their tag line is "Elevated Inspiration"...that about sums up how you feel when you have completed their course.  What an adrenaline rush!!!

Perfect remedy for a day in the forest - Mai Tai and Pina Colada.

Of course you cannot go to Hawaii without attending or having a Luau.  We made our own version this week with grilled pineapple and sweet bbq ribs, as we listened to the hula music from nearby hotels and resorts.

Priceless

They say a picture is worth a thousand words...tonight, that's all that needs to be said.  

Ribs for our family dinner: $36.85

Smoker to keep the brothers busy: $135.95

Continuing to prepare the ribs
while beer tasting in our outdoor cooler: $43.95

Two brothers not paying attention and
burning dinner beyond recognition:  Priceless