Summer Dinner on the Farm Recipes

Carolina Vinegar Slaw


For the Slaw:

  • 1 medium head green cabbage, finely shredded (~6–7 cups)

  • 1 large carrot, peeled and shredded

  • ¼ cup finely diced red onion or green onions (optional)

  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt

For the Dressing:

  • ¾ cup apple cider vinegar

  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard or yellow mustard (classic)

  • 1 tablespoon sugar (or up to 2 for a slightly sweeter version)

  • 1 teaspoon celery seed (essential Carolina flavor)

  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

  • ¼ cup vegetable oil or light olive oil

Instructions:

  1. Prep the cabbage and carrots

  2. In a large bowl, combine the cabbage, carrot, and salt.

  3. Toss and let sit for 20–30 minutes to draw out excess moisture, then gently squeeze or drain.

  4. Make the Dressing:

  5. In a small saucepan, combine vinegar, mustard, sugar, celery seed, red pepper, and black pepper.

  6. Heat just until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is warm (don’t boil).

  7. Remove from heat and whisk in the oil.

  8. Assemble the Slaw:

  9. Pour the warm dressing over the cabbage mixture.

  10. Toss well to coat and evenly distribute flavor.

  11. Rest and Chill:

  12. Let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, or refrigerate for at least 1 hour (overnight = magic).

  13. Stir again before serving.

Pro Tips:

  • Add a splash of hot sauce if serving with smoked pork.

  • Use red cabbage for visual flair, or mix with green.

  • Makes an amazing topping for pulled pork sandwiches or tacos.

Kansas City-style BBQ sauce

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups tomato sauce

  • 2 cups ketchup

  • 1 ¼ cups brown sugar

  • 1 ¼ cups red wine vinegar

  • ½ cup unsulfured molasses

  • 2 tablespoons butter

  • 4 teaspoons hickory-flavored liquid smoke

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper

  • 1 teaspoon paprika

  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

  • ½ teaspoon onion powder

  • ½ teaspoon celery seed

  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

  • ¼ teaspoon chili powder

  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Gather ingredients.

2. Mix together ketchup, tomato sauce, brown sugar, wine vinegar, molasses, butter, and liquid smoke in a large saucepan over medium heat. Season with salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, celery seed, cayenne, chili powder, and cinnamon.

3. Reduce heat to low and simmer for up to 20 minutes. For a thicker sauce, simmer longer, and for thinner, less time is needed. Sauce can also be thinned using a bit of water if necessary.

4. Enjoy!

Quinton West