8 minute read

Churchill County Cowbelles

from The Progressive Rancher - July-August 2021

from The Progressive Rancher - July-August 2021, page 34

High Desert Grange Update

Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs with Sticky BBQ Sauce

It’s hot outside - try making these beef ribs inside with your InstaPot! ese short ribs are so tender they fall right off the bone and melt in your mouth, and in only about 45 minutes! We suggest using bone-in; they’re more fl avorful and tender.

INGREDIENTS

For the BBQ sauce: 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 2 tablespoons Liquid Smoke 2 teaspoons ground mustard 1 1/4 cups ketchup 1 1/4 cup dark brown sugar 1/2 cup minced red onion 1 teaspoon garlic powder 3/4 cup any good BBQ Sauce

For the short ribs: 4 pounds bone-in beef short ribs 2 tablespoons any good BBQ Rub 1/2 cup apple juice (or pineapple juice)

PREPARATION

Make the BBQ sauce: In a pot, add the vinegar, Worcestershire, liquid smoke, mustard, ketchup, brown sugar, onion, garlic powder and BBQ sauce. Stir to combine and bring to a boil. Turn the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat. Make the short ribs: Sprinkle all sides of the ribs with a good BBQ rub. Heat an Instant Pot with the saute mode on more heat and add a drizzle of oil. Brown each side of the ribs and set aside. Place the apple juice or pineapple juice in the bottom of the Instant Pot and set in a trivet. Add the ribs on top and pour over 1 cup of the smoky BBQ sauce that you just made in the pot. Place the lid on and set the valve to seal. Turn the Instant Pot to pressure cook on high, setting the time for 45 minutes. Allow a natural release for 10-15 minutes, then remove the lid. While you’re waiting, set your oven on broil. Once the InstaPot releases, remove the ribs, placing them on a baking sheet. Brush the tops with a little sauce, then broil for 2-4 minutes in the oven. Remove, brush with more sauce, and serve over your favorite style of mashed/smashed potatoes.

Churchi� County Cowbe� es Update By Susan Van Patten, President

e Churchill County Cowbelles meet each month from September until May.

It is during this time we raise funds, sponsor activities, and donate to youth organizations and activities in the community that promote the beef and agriculture industry in Churchill County. During the summer, many members are busy farming and ranching. is is the busiest season of the year for the agriculture industry. is year we are sponsoring an informational table in the Agriculture Tent and cosponsoring two special live presentations on beef cookery. A few members have chosen to spend their time crafting some fun and informational interactive activities for the Churchill County Cantaloupe Festival in August. Plans at this point are to have informational materials to hand out and short videos to watch, as well as the interactive activities. I have even heard that Fortune Cookies are involved. Sounds like fun to me!

A couple of others are spearheading the organization of a live grilling demonstration and smoking panel discussion. is endeavor is being cosponsored by Churchill County Farm Bureau and the Nevada Beef Council. e grilling demonstration will focus on grilling techniques and grades of beef education. A local chef will explain the beef grading system and provide insight into achieving that perfect grilled steak regardless of the grade of beef. A panel of taste testers will share their thoughts after tasting the fi nished product. For individuals wanting to up their game, this might be the ticket. Our fi nal project is to put together a panel of local meat smoking enthusiasts to discuss their passion. e panel will discuss all things smoking, from meat preparation to wood selection. If you have never smoked any meat, but have always wanted to try it out, this is your chance. We do hope to serve samples throughout the presentation, but we have all learned to adapt to various governmental mandates. At the Churchill County Junior Livestock Show and Sale held in April Cowbelles funded the Meat Carcass Contest and the ultrasound exhibition. roughout the year 4-H, FFA, and Grange members that participate in the show are required to maintain record books by their leaders. Some individuals go even further and apply for the Junior Cattleman’s Award. Each applicant is evaluated in fi ve diff erent areas: the record book, the application, show points, sportsmanship, and an interview. is year there were two applicants and Caitlyn Dock was awarded the prize of $250.00. To apply members must be enrolled in a beef project and be eleven years old. Would love to see the number of applicants tripled next year. e single most defi ning moment between spring and summer for many is when the local schools begin their summer break and hold their Graduation Ceremony. Fallon is no diff erent. Cowbelles believes that recognizing seniors that have worked diligently is worth our time and money. For a substantial number of years, we have awarded a scholarship to a select few from the graduating class. e number of scholarships and the amounts have varied according to club fi nances and the times. e past few years we have awarded thee scholarships of $500.00. is year we had ten applications submitted. It was interesting to review the applications and discover that these students are just as idealistic and naive as I was at their age. Wilhelmina Albaugh is the recipient from the Oasis Academy. Her father is Norris Albaugh, an area rancher and farmer. Her mother, Suzanne Hyatt is employed by the school district. She plans on She plans on pursuing a secondary teaching degree and is planning on teaching Ag Science. Her goal is to create a school farm where students gain hands on experience to supplement their learning from texts.

Elizabeth Ikonen is one of the recipients from Churchill County High School. Her mother, Julianne Ikonen is employed by the Nevada State Department of Welfare. She plans on majoring in Agriculture Education and Agriculture Business. She is planning on attending South Plains College in Levelland, Texas. Elizabeth is excited to begin this journey and be closer to her sister in Texas. Will Swisher is the fi nal recipient from Churchill County High School. His father John Swisher is a game warden, and his mother, Debbie Swisher is an elementary school teacher. He is also planning to work in the education fi eld. He plans on acquiring a double major in history and political science. Will is quite capable and inventive. It is not often we fi nd omas Jeff erson quoted in a scholarship application. Since my words are not eloquent, I will rely on those of the the great omas Jeff erson, who said, “I’m a great believer in luck, and I fi nd the harder I work, the more I have of it.”