Last Updated on May 21, 2026 by Daily News Staff

Lay Down a Picnic Blanket and Sip on a Sweet Beverage

(Feature Impact) Salty snacks and savory sandwiches may fill you up at your next springtime picnic, but no family trip to the park is complete without a sweet, refreshing drink to wash it all down. Stay cool and keep the fun going with a light sip that showcases the taste of the season.

This Picnic Cherry Limeade is easy to make from the comfort of home before being transported (in a non-spill container, of course) to the picnic table or blanket. Just don’t forget the cups and ice.

Find more refreshing beverage ideas by visiting Culinary.net.

Picnic Cherry Limeade

Recipe adapted from “Southern Living”

Total time: 5 minutes

Servings: 10

• 1          jar (10 ounces) whole red maraschino cherries, chilled
  
• 6          limes, divided
  
• 1          bottle (2 liters) lemon-lime soda, chilled
  
• 1/2       cup tart cherry juice, chilled

1. Drain maraschino cherries, reserving syrup. Set whole cherries aside.
2. Juice four limes to yield 1/2 cup juice; thinly slice remaining limes.
3. In large pitcher, stir cherry syrup, lime juice, soda and tart cherry juice. Add lime slices.
4. Transfer to container with tight-fitting lid for transport. Serve over ice and garnish with reserved whole cherries.

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

SOURCE:

Culinary.net

At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.

Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience. https://stmdailynews.com/food-and-drink/

(Family Features) As the days get longer and the temperatures rise, it’s time to fire up the grill and elevate your outdoor cooking game. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or just starting out, success comes down to three essentials: quality ingredients, the right seasonings and reliable equipment that gives you full control over heat and timing.

Oven-Baked Hash Brown Potatoes — Crispy & Flavorful Every Time

If you’re ready to turn up the heat this season, explore high-performance grilling solutions from Nexgrill – built to match every cooking style and skill level. From backyard barbecues to weeknight dinners under the open sky, its lineup is designed to help you serve up unforgettable flavors all season long. Visit nexgrill.com to learn more and get inspired.

Unlock a New Level of Outdoor Cooking Versatility

Transform your backyard into a chef-inspired kitchen with the Gourmet Pro 6-Burner Stainless Steel Gas Grill featuring the Griddle Max Cooking System. Designed to go beyond traditional grilling, this powerhouse lets you grill, saute, griddle and smoke all at once or on demand. The innovative system makes it easy to achieve restaurant-quality results, delivering unmatched versatility for any meal. Built with stainless steel burners, angled flame tamers and porcelain-coated cast-iron cooking grids, it ensures consistent heat and fewer flare-ups. With 811 square inches of cooking space, six main burners and a high-heat searing side burner, you’ll get 75,000 BTU of total cooking power.

Take on Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

From sizzling fajitas at your backyard bash to early-morning pancakes before your next adventure, the Daytona 4-Burner Propane Gas Griddle delivers the heat, flavor and performance you need. Designed for versatility, this powerhouse features a 792-square-inch cooktop and four stainless steel burners, giving you the space and control to cook multiple dishes at once. Built-in convenience comes standard with dual side shelves, a lower storage rack to keep tools within reach and a removable grease cup for quick and easy cleanup. When it’s time to pack it in, a heavy-duty lid protects your cooking surface.

From Kitchen to Patio, It Goes Where You Go

Grilling isn’t just for the backyard. When weather or space keeps you inside, the Fuse 22-inch Electric Griddle delivers bold, flame-free cooking anywhere there’s an outlet. Ultralightweight and easy to transport, it’s built for seamless indoor-outdoor use. With 308 square inches of edge-to-edge heat, a durable nonstick surface and digital temperature control, this electric flattop offers precision and power. A hinged lid with a built-in viewing window locks in heat and flavor so you can cook efficiently. From weekday breakfasts in the kitchen to weekend feasts on the patio, it can be your all-access pass to delicious, flexible cooking – wherever life takes you.

SOURCE:
Nexgrill

Few meals capture the flavor of backyard cooking quite like a rack of tender pork ribs fresh off the grill. While traditional barbecue methods can take all day, this quick-and-delicious approach combines a slow simmer with a flavorful grill finish for ribs that are juicy, smoky, and coated in a rich homemade barbecue sauce.

Perfect for weekend cookouts, family dinners, or game day gatherings, this recipe delivers barbecue flavor without requiring a smoker or hours of tending a fire.

Why the Simmer-and-Grill Method Works

The secret to this recipe is gently simmering the ribs before grilling. This process helps tenderize the meat while locking in moisture. Once the ribs are nearly fork-tender, they’re finished on the grill to create caramelization, smoky char, and that classic barbecue texture.

The homemade ketchup-based BBQ sauce adds a sweet, tangy, and smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with pork ribs.

Ingredients

For the Ribs

• 2 racks pork ribs (baby back or spare ribs)
• Salt and black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 onion, sliced
• 3 garlic cloves
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

For the Quick Homemade BBQ Sauce

• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2–3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• Black pepper to taste
• Pinch of salt

Optional:

• Honey for extra sweetness
• Hot sauce or cayenne for heat
• Liquid smoke for added smoky flavor

Instructions

Step 1: Season the Ribs

Pat the ribs dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Let the ribs rest while preparing the simmering liquid.

Step 2: Slow Simmer

Place the ribs into a large pot or roasting pan. Add enough water to partially cover the ribs along with the onion, garlic, bay leaves, and apple cider vinegar.

Bring to a gentle simmer — not a rolling boil.

Cook:

• Baby back ribs: 1½ to 2 hours
• Spare ribs: 2 to 3 hours

The ribs should become tender but still hold together.

Step 3: Make the BBQ Sauce

While the ribs simmer, combine all BBQ sauce ingredients in a saucepan.

Simmer over low heat for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened and smooth.

Taste and adjust:

• More vinegar for tang
• More brown sugar or honey for sweetness
• More spice for heat

Step 4: Grill the Ribs

Remove the ribs from the simmering liquid and pat dry.

Preheat the grill to medium heat.

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Place the ribs on the grill and cook for about 5–10 minutes per side. Brush generously with barbecue sauce during the final few minutes of cooking to create a sticky, caramelized glaze.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with:

• Coleslaw
• Cornbread
• Mac and cheese
• Grilled corn
• Potato salad
• Baked beans

These ribs pair perfectly with iced tea, lemonade, or a cold craft soda for a classic summer barbecue experience.

Pro Tips for Better Ribs

• Avoid boiling the ribs aggressively — gentle simmering keeps them tender and flavorful.
• Apply sauce near the end of grilling to prevent burning.
• Let ribs rest 10 minutes before slicing.
• Reapply a light layer of dry seasoning before grilling for extra flavor.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need a professional smoker or a full day of cooking to make memorable barbecue ribs at home. This slow-simmered and grilled pork ribs recipe delivers tender meat, smoky char, and bold homemade BBQ flavor using simple ingredients and easy techniques.

Whether you’re cooking for a backyard gathering or a relaxed family dinner, these ribs are sure to become a favorite addition to your recipe collection.

Related Links

• National Pork Board – Pork Cooking Tips & Recipes
• Weber Grills – How to Grill Ribs
• AmazingRibs.com – BBQ & Rib Cooking Techniques
• Food Network – Rib Recipes and BBQ Ideas
• Serious Eats – BBQ Ribs Guides & Recipes

For more food, lifestyle, and trending recipes, visit  STM Daily News