Cooking

Delicious BBQ Chicken

Lora Knows...

Here’s a classic BBQ chicken recipe for you:

Ingredients:

  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts (or your preferred cut of chicken)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce (good store-bought or homemade)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Optional: a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat
  • Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Prep the Chicken:
  • Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels to ensure a crispy skin.
  • Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper.
  1. Prepare the Marinade:
  • In a bowl, mix together the barbecue sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). This will be your marinade and basting sauce.
  1. Marinate the Chicken:
  • Place the chicken in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish.
  • Pour half of the barbecue marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is coated. Reserve the remaining marinade for basting later.
  • Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours. This allows the flavors to infuse into the chicken.
  1. Preheat the Grill:
  • Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 350-400°F / 175-200°C). Make sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
  1. Grill the Chicken:
  • Place the marinated chicken on the grill, skin side down.
  • Close the lid and cook for about 6-8 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and nicely browned.
  • Flip the chicken over and baste the cooked side with the reserved barbecue marinade.
  1. Baste and Grill Again:
  • Close the lid and cook for another 6-8 minutes, then flip the chicken again.
  • Baste the second side with more marinade.
  • Continue grilling, flipping, and basting every 4-5 minutes until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear. This usually takes about 20-25 minutes depending on the size of the chicken pieces.
  1. Final Touch:
  • Once the chicken is fully cooked, transfer it to a clean plate.
  • If desired, brush on a final layer of barbecue sauce for extra flavor.
  1. Serve:
  • Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
  • Serve the delicious BBQ chicken alongside your favorite sides, such as coleslaw, corn on the cob, or baked beans.

Enjoy your homemade BBQ chicken that’s bursting with smoky and tangy flavors. It’s perfect for a backyard barbecue or any occasion. If I do not make my own sauce, I use Stubbs.

Daily Happenings, Family

Your Dog’s Nutrition

Lora Knows...

Your furry friend’s dietary plan should have vital nutrients and an appropriate calorie count to fulfill their daily demands for growth, activity, and recovery. The majority of commercially available dog food brands are crafted with the right proportions of nutrients suitable for your pet. However, some have additives and fillers that aren’t necessary.

Ensuring the food contains nutrients in a digestible format for your dog is important. Being dogs cannot see the color of their food, it is important that it appeals to their sense of smell and taste buds. If your dog doesn’t find the food appetizing and refuses to consume it, the meticulous balance loses its significance.

Should you notice your dog has dry skin, unexplained weight loss or gain, excessive scratching or the development of stomach discomfort, it is a good idea to change their diet. If the symptoms persist, then it is time for a visit to their favorite veterinarian.

The appropriate protein intake requirement varies among different breeds and exhibits notable changes during periods of rapid growth. During the puppy stage, a protein content of 25% is recommended, while the adult phase necessitates around 17%. Choosing a high-quality dog food brand that aligns with your dog’s activity level should suffice. Also, it is never a good idea to feed your dog people food.

Family, Real Estate

Smart Products Buyers Love

Lora Knows...

From renovating the kitchen to installing a new roof, a range of upgrades is available to enhance your home’s allure for potential buyers. However, if you’re aiming to introduce a technological advancement, consider the allure of smart home improvements. These upgrades not only enhance the livability of your space but also augment its desirability, given that 81 % of prospective homebuyers express a preference for homes equipped with smart products.

Smart Thermostat:

A smart thermostat is a valuable addition that manages your home’s temperature while curbing heating and cooling expenses. Effortless control via your smartphone or schedule-based activation upon your return from work are key features. Acquiring a new smart thermostat ranges from $100 to $300 or more, and the setup process is generally user-friendly, making it an ideal DIY project.

Automated Window Blinds:

Enhance privacy and diminish energy loss with the addition of automated window blinds controllable through a remote, app, or voice commands. These blinds can be programmed to open or close based on time of day or occupancy. During seasons of extreme temperatures, they effectively insulate your home against the outdoor climate. Costs for smart blinds vary based on window count, size, and the choice between battery-operated, plug-in, or hard-wired models. Most models start around $100.

Intelligent Smoke Detector:

While a standard smoke detector is essential for safety, an intelligent version elevates security further by sounding an alarm at home and sending alerts to your phone when detecting potential hazards, and providing reassurance when you aren’t at home. Some models even send a notification to your phone when the battery level is low. Certain insurance companies might offer homeowners insurance discounts for installing upgraded smoke detectors. Costs start around $50.

Video Doorbell:

Elevate the security of your residence by integrating a video doorbell. Placed at your front entrance, this device sends notifications to your smartphone regarding deliveries or individuals at your door, along with saved video footage. Depending on which doorbell you choosen, you can even speak with visitors when you aren’t even in the house. Installation methods include hard-wiring or battery-powered options. Costs start around $75.

Smart Lock:

Strengthen home security by installing a smart lock on your exterior doors. No longer worry about misplaced keys with a smart lock. These devices grant access through a smartphone app, fingerprint scanning, or numerical codes. Also, you can remotely allow entry for guests or offer temporary access codes, useful for babysitters or visitors. Smart lock costs vary based on the model, typically starting around $100.