How To Cut-Up A Pork Butt And Make Country Style Spareribs & Save $$$

Hello All. Thank you for reading my posts I do hope that they are of interest to you. any comments please feel free to leave them. I have control of the delete button. As I have told you in past postings that when I was younger I was a meat cutter. I started working in a small meat department in Coquille, Oregon when I was a junior in high school. I started out as a clean up boy going in after school and working until the store closed at 9:00 pm. It was a great experience. I learned fast and I was fortunate to work for the meat manager who was a good teacher. This is in the day when meat departments received full quarters of beef. This would be back in the late 1960's say around 1966. At that time there was talk of cry-o-vac meat but it was just talk. Today that is all you have in grocery store meat departments. The only way you can find beef on the quarter today is to go to a farmer or a local butcher shop that still gets quarters of beef. The beef then was much better. We would let it hang for about ten days so all of the blood and juice would drain out. Today they kill the animal, let it hang long enough for the fat to coagulate and start processing it. All of that blood and juice and stuff is still in the meat and drains into the cry-o-vac bag. That way the meat business gets to charge you $5.00 a pound for water.

I remained a meat cutter for the next 15 years. Working mainly in retail grocery stores in the Portland, Oregon area. I tired of it and at the age of thirty went to work for my father to learn the upholstery business. That being a whole other story.

Anyway to the task at hand. Because of my training as a meat cutter I like to not spend any more money than I have to at the grocery store. So I look for deals and primal cuts of meat that I can take home and process myself without paying for the marketing that the meat department does. This particular primal is a whole pork butt. This piece of the pig is where the meat department cuts pork steak, pork roasts and those country style boneless spareribs that you will see in the meat counter. I paid a $1.99 a pound for this pork butt at a total of a little over $17.00. Usually the boneless country style spareribs retail for $1.00 more per pound than what I paid. So you can see how with a sharp knife and a little bit of knowledge you can save at the meat department.

As you may know I sell Chicago Cutlery and cookware in my eBay store, AnuDirection.

So iffin' ya don't have a good sharp knife ya might take a look at the offerings that I have. Since we are on the subject of knives I would like to share some knowledge with you. Some of you may or may not know about how to care for and keep your knives sharp. Don't put them in the dishwasher. I know, I know but it takes so long to hand wash them. Poppycock. If you don't know what poppycock means well you probably shouldn't be handling a sharp object anyway. Today's modern manufactured knives, well any with any quality at all have a ground in edge. That edge is what keeps the knife sharp. Regularly running the knife over a steel (that round thing that looks like a file that is in your knife block) that will for the most part keep your knife sharp. It does not hurt them to put them into the dishwasher but what happens is it is likely to get knocked around or bang into other utensils and nick the blade which will cause it to lose its edge. So take the 5 seconds that it takes to hand wash your knife with some hot soapy water and dry it off and put it back into the wood block for which it was made for.

I put the pork butt into the sink and opened up the package. this will let all of the water that you paid $1.99 a pound for go down the drain.

Pat dry the butt (no not your husband) with some paper towels and place it onto a clean cutting board. You want the bone facing you. This bone is shaped something like an "h" and we need to cut it out of the pork butt.

The other end of the bone

If you have the pork butt laying with the fat side down and the bone facing you like I have shown in the photo the bone will be flat on the top side. Take your knife and cut the meat away along the top of the bone. Oh by the way keep your damn fingers out of the way or keep a handy supply of bandages or a tourniquet nearby. Keep cutting and pulling the meat back until you see the edge of the bone.

Now flip the butt (no not your wife) over with the fat side up (again no not your wife). Now we will be cutting around the "h" part. Just keep running your knife along the bone and pulling the meat back with your other hand until you have removed the bone from the pork butt.

The pork butt with the bone removed laying on the cutting board with the fat side down and the face of the butt facing to your right (reverse this process if you are left handed.

With your knife in one hand and holding the meat with the other (with your spouse standing nearby with the tourniquet and 911 on pre-dial) slice down through the pork and towards you trying to keep your cuts as straight as you can. I cut my country style ribs about an inch thick. Here in the picture I made three slices because I want the one end for a pork roast. If you want more country style ribs you don't have to have a roast.

If you have made a roast set it aside and lay the pieces that you are going to make country style ribs with flat on the cutting board. Slice them in tow and sit upright.

Drum Roll....Ta Dah....you have country style spareribs. This butt was fairly large (no I am not referring to either one of you) so I am going to cut them in two to make twice as many ribs as I have.

So I have I pork roast, two packages of six country style ribs for a little over $17.00 and about a half hour of my time. It took me much longer to write this post than it did to do the actual work. There are only two of us in this house so this pork butt serve up at least 10 entrees for us. That works out to $1.70 or less per meal. Add some veggies or a baked potato or what ever else that you want and you have some pretty good eats at a very reasonable price.

I hope that this was helpful to you. If not....what ever

Until we meat (get it meat instead of meet) again

Happy Trails

Duane

 

Collectible Books That May Be of Interest To You

Hello All. I appreciate you looking at my blog posts. I do hope that you find some interest and or use from them. I have posted before that I look for interesting books to sell in my eBay store AnuDirection. I feel that books may soon be a lost resource, in this country, someday. Not unlike newspapers, magazines and other printed material that is being lost through, what some would refer to, as progress. I hope that I don't live long enough to see that day but I am sure that my children will. To me books, particularly antique or vintage books seem to portray a simpler, more artistic and poetic time in our history. That is why when I am "out and about" scrounging in antique stores, flea markets and yard sales I look for interesting and unusual books. I don't know what it is sometimes but they (the books) seem to find me. I like to share them and I like to be able to put them into the hands of people that desire them. My intentions are not all altruistic either. I also like to sell them for a profit. After all I am a capitalist.



I came across this book the other day. Fly Casting by Gilmer G. Robinson

Mr. Robinson was the Dean of Men and assistant professor of physical education at Kalamazoo College in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The book was published and distributed by A.S. Barnes and Company in 1942. Complete with text and drawings on the intricacies of fly fishing. The vintage book is in very good condition.

Air Power by Asher Lee 1955 was published in Great Britain by Gerald Duckworth & Co in 1955. For those that keep up with military information it appears that Mr. Lee was the authority on German, Soviet and American air power in his day. The subject matter would be from WWII into the Cold War era. The book is in excellent condition.

I also search for unusual cookbooks. Here is one that is filled with 101 Recipes using Grandma's Molasses this booklet has recipes for every cooking and consumption use that you can think of. The manufacture of Grandma's Molasses claimed that it "Helps Satisfy Your Family's Hidden Hunger For Iron". Perhaps I should try one of these compelling recipes since all of my iron has turned to lead in my ass......Here is a recipe that you might want to try....1 cup milk....1 tbs molasses (Grandma's of course) and a dash of cinnamon , all spice or nutmeg......yummmmmmy

A Chinese Childs Day by Anice Terhune 1910

This delightful discovery was found at the bottom of a box of sheet music that I acquired at an auction. I was amazed at my discovery. The words and music were by Anice Terhune. Anice was better well known because she was the second wife of Albert Payton Terhune who was a renowned author in his day. The Sunnybrook series was compiled by Albert Terhune. Albertine Randall Wheelan provide the compelling art work for this wonderful book. Ms. Wheelan was better known because she was one of the early female cartoonists. Her work is highly sought out today. G. Schirmer published the book in 1910. You see it is books like this that we may never see again in this form.

Horse Hairs In My oup by John & Susan Coffer 1981

This is a rare publication about the travels of John Coffer across America using a horse and buggy and living a simple lifestyle along the way. John is still today renowned for his work with tintype photography. He still lives off the grid and maintains a simple way of life.

Classroom Photograph Sierra School 1961

This is not a book but I wanted to share this find with you. This may take some of my readers back in time. These are classroom photos of a morning and afternoon kindergarten class and a 1st grade class at Sierra Elementary School in 1961. I found several Sierra Schools mainly located in California. Some of you may remember class photo day. Lets see in 1961 I would have been 12 probably in 6th grade. If any of you recognize these photos (click the link and it will take you into the listing where I have close ups of all three photos) or if you attended Sierra Elementary please leave a comment and let me know.

That is all I have to share with you today. Today is Saturday and a beautiful fall day here in Albuquerque. I wish you all well.

Until we meet again

Happy Trails

Duane

My University of Phoenix Experience....So Far

Hello. I appreciate all of you that take a look at my blog. I know that it is eclectic but I do enjoy posting my thoughts, products and how-to's on here. If you ever have a question or want to leave a comment please do.

Some of you may know that I am a student at the University of Phoenix here in Albuquerque. I am what is referred to as a "mature learner". I guess they are comparing the mature learner to many of the immature learners that are students at this University. I realized, that at 61 years of age and going back to college, that it was going to be a new and different atmosphere for me. The UoP is a night school format combined with self study and I am a member of a learning team. I attend a class one night a week for 4 hours. So the concept is good for a working person or, like me, a mature learner. I don't know why they just don't call a spade a spade and call me an old grouchy fart that should have gotten his degree 30 or 40 years ago. but you know it is all about marketing with a for profit, corporate America, form of higher education. Their format allows a person to get their bachelors degree in 3 1/2 years instead of the customary 4 years in a full time university.

I am in a class of about 20 students. Like I said I am 61 years of age and the next closest class member is probably in her late 30's which in fact her dad and I were the same age. So you know I got that daddy image going on or in some cases granddaddy image and I guess for some it could be great grandaddy image. God I am as old as dirt. The rest of the class is in their mid to late twenties. Hell I even have 20 years on some of the teachers.

So you might be able to recognize that there is a vast generational difference between me and my classmates. I must say that my classmates all have their hearts in the right place but I gotta tell ya some of 'em have their heads up their ass. For some it is a very dark place to be. Then on the other hand there are some (a few) classmates that are articulate, have a desire to learn and truly want to get something out of their edumacation. Hopefully some of that will rub off on some of the others. I have my doubts.

Did I tell you that I am 61 years old? I was last in a classroom in 1967 when I graduated from Coquille High School (Coquille, Oregon). Holy cow Batman that was 43 years ago. I wonder how many of the 100 kids that I graduated with are still kickin'. Actually there are quite a few. If any of you graduated from Coquille High I say howdy you Red Devil. Anyway back to the subject at hand. I wasn't some kind of brainyack at school. I graduated that is about all I can say about it. I will say that compared to what is going on in our education system today that I received a pretty good education. But I really didn't like going to school. Oh sure I liked the sports and friends and by the time I was a senior I was a journey meat cutter so I figured that I would go on working in the meat business. So college really never entered into the picture.

Even though I never went on to college I still had a desire to learn. Many things I have learned have been self-taught, experienced, read about, participated in and I was always curious about the different aspects of life. But that brings us up to today and my experience (so far) at the University of Phoenix. I am sure that many of my classmates have no idea what the University of Phoenix logo represents (a mythical bird). Well I am making an assumption and it may be something that I will have to inquire about some day.

Now I want to make it clear that I am making my comments based on the interactions of just a handful of students. I also want to make it clear that the public school system in New Mexico, particularly Albuquerque is abhorrent. The graduation rate here is around thirty percent. I look at this experience as a microcosm of a symptomatic failure of our education system in this country. There are fingers pointed at the federal government, state governments, local school districts, teachers unions, school administrations, local politicians and the list goes on and on. But you know when you point a finger at someone there are three fingers pointing back at you. Yes it is our fault, we the citizens of this country are to blame for letting our education system get into these dire straits. Until we as a people find value in educating our children so that they will become productive citizens it will remain the same. If it remains the same our country is doomed to become just another third world country. Look around it is slowly becoming that.

As I sit in class and listen to these young people I am constantly amazed at how complacent, ignorant and uncaring about what is going on around them. There does not seem to be any concern for their fellow man in Albuquerque or anywhere else in the world. They seem to be unaware of history beyond the last 24 hours of their life. With their faces focused on their laptops, cell phones and whatever other electronic device that they possess it is apparent that there is no rhyme or reason to look up and see what is going on around them. I shake my head at times at what comes from their mouths about our government, social security, welfare, the poor. the foreclosure debacle, our health care system and the list goes on and on. Here is a little gem of thought from one student recently. This student is not stupid, ex-military, articulate, has resources to find information so there really is no excuse. I don't remember how it came out in class but the student made the comment that polio was caused from a sugar deficiency. I about fell out of my chair save for the fact that my jaw hitting the table preventing me from doing so. The other appalling part was that the instructor did not correct the student. So being the grouchy ol' putz that I am I did. I informed him that I was there at the time and it is my generation that is responsible for wiping out polio in this country. I also informed him that I grew up with a kid that had polio and sugar had nothing to do with it. I also informed him that we were given a polio vaccine that was administered in a sugar cube. He wanted to argue the point with me but I told him that I was not going to do battle with a mental midget. He was to get me the information that supported his argument but I have yet to see it.

Well that is it for now. There is more and I expect that there will be even more to scribe about as the year goes on.I have entered into my fourth five week class which is the humanities (oh the humanity....remember the Hindenburg). If you are a "mature learner" at a college I would like to hear about your experiences. Please leave a comment.

Until we meet again

Happy Trails

May the good Lord take a likein' to ya

Duane

Bling Blang Woody Guthrie Lyrics Vladimir Radunsky Illustrations

Hello. I suppose, here of late you are wondering if this is an actual blog about antique furniture upholstery. If you were to read my welcome header you will see that I am much more than an antique furniture upholster. I do have a project coming up and am working on the post to illustrate how to rebuild an antique chair. But until then I have a book that I came across that I want to share with you.

Woody Guthrie

Vladimir Radunsky

Listing On eBay

Those of the generation that endured the first "Great Depression" knew well of Woody Guthrie. Me I am of the generation that was familiar with his son, Arlo Guthrie. Both men, in particular Woody, were troubadours against social injustice and the plight of the working man. Where the hell is he at when we need him now. In fact where the hell is anyone that is sticking up for the working man? Woody Guthrie would be having a hay day with what is going on in our country today. It makes you wonder what kind of ballads he could have come up with to rail against the un-American corporate greed that is sapping the life blood out of this great country of ours? I hope that we are able to survive.

Anyway enough of that pontificating. This amazing book is what Fernando Lamas would say"absolutely marvelous" or is that ol' whats his name the comedian? Billy somebody oh yeah Crystal. Vladimir Radunsky perfectly matched the lyrics of Woody's with his art.

"You get a hammer and I'll get a nail;

You catch a bird and I'll catch a snail;

You bring a board and I'll bring a saw;

And we'll build a house for the baby-o.

(I wonder if the baby he was referring to was Arlo?)

(everybody sing now the chorus)

Bling Blang

Hammer with my hammer

Zing-o Zang-o

Cutting with my saw.

And so it goes. If you want to see the rest of the lyrics go to one of the links or go buy the damn book.

Well ( I know a deep subject for such a shallow mind) I guess that's 'bout it for now. I hope that you had fun because I know that I did. I will get an upholstery post up soon.

Until next time.

Happy Trails

Duane

Rare and Hard To Find Childrens Books

Hello. As some of you have surmised by now that I sell "stuff" on eBay. One of the items that I like to sell is books. With all of the modern technology that we have today it makes an ol' geezer like me wonder if there will be a time when there are no books. I hope that will not be the case. When I am out there lookin' for stuff and come across a book I don't necessarily have any idea what they are or how much they are worth. Sometimes the book just has a look and feel to it. Maybe it is from experience or just luck I don't know. The other day I came across some older children's books that I would like to share with you. Most of these children's books are from the 1940's, '50's, '60's and a couple are from the 1980's. I am constantly amazed, with some books with the colorful artwork that went in to the publication. That may have been why when I was a young lad that I liked reading books. Because of the pictures.

Buzzita

This book is about a bee and how the bee made its daily tasks fun instead of drudgery. The book was written by Rhoda McBain and artfully illustrated by C. Leslie Crandall. Hollow Tree House published this delightful children's book in 1948 (one year before my arrival). The story is a good lesson but what amazes me is the color and artwork in the book. The book is in fragile acceptable condition with the hardcover being loose from the content pages. That is not to say the the couldn't be read and enjoyed.

Mrs. Silk

Here is another delightful children's book about a day in the life of a black cocker spaniel named Mrs. Silk. She was given the name because her coat was jet black, shiny and smooth as silk. The story is about the dogs interaction with her family of humans. The book was compiled by Helen Hoke and the illustrations were provided by Diana Thorne. The book was published by Veritas Press of New York in 1945. When I go to list a book, on eBay , especially older, vintage books I always try and do a little research about the book, author and illustrator. Helen Hoke was a well known author of children's books in her day. Diana Thorne was a Russian immigrant (she didn't start out with the name Diana) that was highly regarded as an illustrator. Ms. Thorne was particularly fond of illustrating dogs. This book is filled with her work and I must say it is fantastic. The book is in acceptable to good condition. The hardcover is showing wear and tear but the content pages are in very good condition. This book is a rare and hard to find publication.

Red Riding Hood Pop-Up Book

Dinosaurs Pop-Up Book

Here are a couple of fun pop-up books. The classic tale of Red Riding Hood is a Modern Promotions book number 20002. I did not find a publication year but I believe it is from the 1970's.

The Dinosaur pop-up book includes dinosaurs from 150, 100 and 65 million years ago. this book is a Scholastic Book and was published in the late 1980's. For a more detailed description of each book click the link to the listing.

The Little Country Schoolhouse

This is the story of a one room schoolhouse and how the children of the school learned, grew and cared for the school. This is a story of a by gone era that will never been seen again in this country. Where rural children of all ages gathered in a one room school and actually got an education. well you know that ain't happin' today huh? the book was compiled by Virginia H. Ormsby and published by J. B. Lippincott Company in 1958. Virginia Ormsby dedicated this book "to the children of Sunset School". From my research I do believe that the story was based upon Ormsby's personal experience. Click on the link to get a full description of condition and price. In many cases with the books I sell free shipping is provided.

Popeye Goes On A Picnic

I am sure that there are many out there in blogger land that spent some time in front of the tube watching Popeye the Sailor Man. Can you imagine today having a cartoon hero that appeared that he was on steroids, smoked a pipe, ate spinach and had an anorexic girl friend who Brutus was always schemein' on. Not to mention where the hell did Sweetpea come from? Then there was Popeye's pal Wimpy who was far from wimpy and constantly eating those high cholesterol, high caloric hamburgers. I don't want to get into deciphering Brutus, the pervert. It's no wonder that those of us that grew up with Popeye are just a little weird. I speak for myself of course.

The book is in very good condition. Click the link to get a full description of condition and price.

Well that's all of the gems that I have for now.

Until we meet again.

Happy Trails

Duane

Collectibles I Found This Weekend

I came across a few unique and hard to find books and collectibles this weekend. Personally I am not a collector but I do enjoy finding "old stuff" for those that do collect. I also enjoy the history behind some items that I do find that take us back to a much gentler time in our society.

My eBay Store

You can find these items and many more collectibles, books and home decor products in them store.

Antique Frigidaire Refrigerator Parts



I found these parts when I was out scrounging around on Friday. From my research they appear to be off an old Frigidaire (remember when this country actually made stuff) refrigerator from the late 1920's. There are the door handle, hinges, gaskets, ice cube trays, name plate, temperature control plate and some hardware. Hard to find parts for the restorer of these old appliances.

Laboratory Manual of General Chemistry

This manual was compiled by R.P. Williams A.M. and published by Ginn & Company in 1901. The manual was written specially to accompany "Introduction To Chemical Science" by the same author. The manual contains "directions for performing one hundred of the more important experiments in general chemistry and metal analysis, with blanks and a model for the same, laboratory rules and suggestions, and tables of elements, compounds, solutions, apparatus, and chemicals". The book is in very good condition. This is a rare and hard to find publication.

Prop Wash by Bob Stevens 1983

A humorous take on general aviation terms with cartoon illustrations. If you are an aviation aficionado you may see the humor in this book. For instance: A & P Rating....Permits the holder to fly groceries for a major food chain.....Now ain't that a knee slapper (lmao). Written and illustrated by Bob Stevens and published by Village Press in 1983 ISBN: 0-910497-01-X

AAA Approved Auto Repair Sign

Here is a great sign for all of you metal sign collectors. A 29 x 26 double side AAA New Mexico Approved Auto Repair sign. I am selling this sign for $99.99 which includes the shipping.



Vintage B&B Alaron AM/FM Radio 8 Track Player

This one will take you back. This B&B Alaron AM/FM 8 track player is from the early 1970's. The unit still works. The interesting thing about this unit is that the two pieces separate so that you have a stereo effect.

The radio has three power sources which you can plug it in, pug it in to your cigarette lighter in your car or boat or run it on batteries. So dig out those old 8 tracks that you have stored and do a little rockin' and rollin'.





ACME Full Face Gas Mask

Maybe some of my readers are old enough to remember the Cold War era where we practicing "duck and cover" in case the Soviet Union dropped a nuclear bomb on us. Like those wood desks would have protected us right? I think they just wanted all of us to be in nice neat little ash piles when it was all over with. For those that aren't old enough to remember it was a scary time for a little kid. Back then people were looking into and actually building bomb shelters and preparing for the worst, I can remember my Dad brought one of these home one night (yes just one in a family of five) and it was kinda like "just who gets to wear it"? I guess dad figured that since he made us that he could always make some more. So anyway Mom made him take it back and use the money to buy something useful like food or clothes or some other kind of none sense. This personal Acme Full Face Gas Mask kit appears that it was never used and has been in it's storage case for years. I guess that Acme made a full sight face mask so that you could enjoy watching the mushroom cloud approach you just before you were evaporated.

One of the reasons I like to pick up this kinda stuff is the history behind it. Taking you back. It's like the refrigerator parts back to a time where this country made stuff. Stuff that worked well and lasted for generations. Like the B&B Alaron radio which was hot stuff as far as technology goes back then. I know I know it was made in Hong Kong. When I pick up a book in a lot of cases it just feels right. I really don't have any idea at the time (no I don't haul my computer around with me to do searches on the stuff I am going to buy). It just has a feel and maybe that comes from experience.

Just a few of my interesting listings that you can find in My eBay Store

Badeep Badeep Badeep that's all folks

Duane

Etched Mirrors Exciting New Product In My eBay Store

I recently added a new line of very high quality etched mirrors and glass home decor items to my eBay store
AnuDirection. I have just started to list many of these fantastic products. These etched mirrors are made by artisans and crafts people in the USA. This company uses only the finest materials to make their mirrors, coffee tables, end tables and coat racks.

Here is a sample of some of their cowboy motif coat racks. The large one measures 22 x 26 and the smaller one measures 18 x 30 inches. The coat racks feature 4 antiqued brass hangers with porcelain tips, made from 100% solid oak and have a small top shelf so that you can display some of your prized collectibles.

The scenes depicted on all of their mirrors are etched from original paintings. The top secret etching process allows for detail, shading and depth that you don't normally find with lesser quality etched glass.

Here is an example of on of this companies oval mirrors.

I have yet to list this companies coffee tables and end tables but they will soon be in my store. Like the coat racks all products come fully assembled, using heavy glass and the finest of oak. The finish is a hand rubbed natural finish meant to last years and years. Not only are these products quality constructed and hand crafted the company is confident of the quality they come with guarantees that reflect that confidence.

Beautiful & very detailed. Great choice for the 'hard to buy for person'."

Jenny , Findlay, Ohio

Thank you so much for sending out my order so promptly!! The mirror is absolutely beautiful; I know my parents will love it!!"

Robyn, Stevens Point, Wisconsin

"We purchased a wedding heart mirror and the couple really liked it. It is a neat way to provide a memento of their special day and it can serve a functional purpose as well, which is also great!"

Kathy, Avon, South Dakota

Here are just a few raves from some of their satisfied customers.

I will also be offering their beautiful clocks. Quality, unique, beautiful, heirloom, satisfaction guaranteed and at a reasonable price. The selection of  art run the gamut from wildlife, flowers and garden, patriotic, cowboy and western scenes and personalized products are available also. I am proud to be able to offer these fine products in my eBay store  AnuDirection. Look for an increased selection in the near future.

Coupon

Until then "happy trails"..........Duane

New Finds and Products In My eBay Store

My eBay Store

I have been listing up a storm here lately. I have added a bunch of electronic dropships items that you may want to check out.

Electronics Catagory

There are cameras, iPods, MP4 Players and other quality electronic items at reasonable prices .

Sale Items

For a limited time and with a limited inventory I have these Konaki MP4 players on sale for just $99.99 and with free shipping.

That is just a few selections in my store that are on sale.

I have been out and about searching for unique finds at the local antique stores and malls. I came across this really cool antique woven fish trap the other day.

Antique Woven Fish Trap

If you are looking for a beautiful antique oil lamp I have just the ticket for you.

Antique Oil Lamp

One other find was this rustic southwest handmade cross.

Rustic Cross

These are just a few of my over 1800 listings in

My eBay Store AnuDirection

Check it our there may be something there for you.