Great BIG Hugs and a BBQ Rub

First and foremost, I truly and deeply want to thank everyone who has checked in with me since yesterday's post. It really wasn't my intention to be debbie downer when I started writing, but I'm actually glad that I was honest about feeling a little lost lately. I think these feelings have had a lot to do with the infrequency of my posts....I've always tried to keep content on this blog fairly light and focused on fun things like food and parties and cupcakes and lately there haven't been any parties or cupcakes to speak of.

Anyway, I'm truly moved by all the sweet comments and emails and words of encouragement and parenting wisdom you've been sending my way. You've made me feel so much more hopeful and so much less disconnected. And you've also made me realize that this blog doesn't always have to be sunshine and cupcakes. It doesn't have to have gorgeous photos (though wouldn't that be nice?) or Martha-Stewart-like perfection. It can be about reality and about staying connected with people that I love and respect....and THAT is definitely something I could use right now.

You're encouragement has really lifted my spirits. It may even be changing my luck a bit. In the last week I've met a few friendly moms-to-be at some of my classes (yoga, childbirth) who've expressed interest in getting together for lunches or post-baby stroller walks. I'm trying to walk that fine line of making new friends without displaying crazy-stalker enthusiasm, but hopefully something will stick soon. I've also been investigating local mom's groups. My neighborhood (Miami Beach) seems to be a bit of a mommy group desert, but I'm holding out hope! If you have any leads (local or even on the interweb) definitely send my way!

And thanks again for helping me get my mind right again. Sending every one of you a great BIG belly HUG.

And now on to the RUB. This is an incredibly simple recipe. Hardly a recipe at all really, just something I threw together last night but it turned out surprisingly well. JiT loves barbecue chicken. As in boneless, skinless chicken breasts grilled and slathered in BBQ sauce. Easy enough, but I find it kind of boring. So before we grilled, I thought it might be helpful to coat the chicken in a flavorful rub of spices and seasonings. I mixed all of the following items together in a small bowl, then smeared the mixture on the chicken. Measurements are all estimates, so feel free to tweak based on your tastes. Voila!

The result was so flavorful-- sweet, spicy and a little bit smokey -- you could probably skip the BBQ sauce altogether (though we still used some). Next time, I'm curious to try this on baby back ribs. MMmmmm.

Easy Sweet & Smokey BBQ Rub

2 Tablespoons white sugar

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 teaspoon Kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked pepper

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl or baggie. Sprinkle an even coating on chicken breasts or other meat prior to grilling. Unused rub can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator indefinitely.