I want socks. I rely on xmas for socks. Unfortunately no one else does. One person wants chocolates and likes getting a t shirt though, so that’s good.
One of the people I most like to buy for is whoever’s on the receiving end of mission/women’s refuge christmas presents. This year we got them a mermaid barbie.
I decided this year we are no longer buying Christmas presents for adults. There are more kids now in the extended family and they’re getting older and asking for more expensive presents each year. The stress of trying to figure out what to get everyone is also very annoying as we’re all grown up and can get the things we really want anyway (usually too expensive for gifts).
Not to complain about generosity, but we always get stuff we don’t particularly want or need and it just feels wasteful. So I told my side of the family our plan and to only get gifts for the kids.
Low key envious right now. I tried to do that a few years ago but then I found out all the adults were still going to get each other and me proper presents so I had to scramble.
So now I’ve gone back to trying to get things people like and being stressed.
Honestly, I’ve been wanting to do it for years and decided I need to be the change I wanted to see in the world :)
Some people really enjoy gift giving, so if they sent something I wouldn’t complain. But I’m not expecting anything and have made it clear that I won’t be getting adults anything.
Sounds like my weekend. My gson got a trampoline for his 2nd bday and he’s been begging me to play on it with him. Thankfully my daughter has no close neighbours to see this portly older person’s body parts bouncing in unnatural ways!
Honestly I don’t bother making my own now that there are SO many rubs and seasonings/sauces available. Even in the supermarket or from BBQ places like Low 'N Slow: lownslowbbq.co.nz
Lots of other shops too even Bunnings/M10 usually have some in stock. Pro tip if you’re getting a NZ brand like Rum and Que, they usually sell direct on their own websites and have specials or bundles that can be cheaper
That’s sort of my line of thinking. Had some good results with a off-the-shelf rub for some lamb shanks last week, and will probably be looking at some sort of Peri-peri marinade/sauce/rub type thing.
Don’t underestimate brining your chicken a few hours or overnight beforehand. It can keep it very juicy and prevent the meat drying out. I’m too lazy for this step + cooking it using a probe thermometer means you can pull it out at the right point without overcooking.
If you haven’t got one, an instant read thermometer or multiprobe thermometer you can leave in, is probably the best tool for cooking any meat that isn’t thinly cut.
Not sure if it’s possible on a gas, but on the kettle I have a vortex (like a mini charcoal chimney) to go inside that gets it super hot and can get you nice crispy skin on chicken. Making sure the skin is dry before putting your rub on, helps with crisping it up.
And if you like spending money, getting a rotisserie kit (if they make one for your BBQ) can be fun too.
I once had brined chicken and it was the most delicious thing ever, so much so I was determined to try it myself. This was several years ago and I’ve only just remembered because of your comment so I’ll have to grab a chicken and give it a go.
It works pretty well on anything lean like pork or chicken breast. You can also dry brine instead of having it in brine solution. I can’t remember if you’re meant to leave it longer when dry brining or not though, definitely give it a try!
If you’re using a correct ratio of salt to water (I always have to google the ratio, can never remember it) you shouldn’t need to adjust too much. Obviously it can depend on your tastes, so you might need to do it a few times to find what ratio works for you
Could possibly be more salty if you leave it in the brine too long maybe? or try doing it for less time.
I find you get more salt/flavour throughout the whole piece of chicken versus it just being salty on the surface.
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