Lifestyle Mirror

This is the second round of recipes exclusively released on Lifestyle Mirror, courtesy of Alexandra Stafford of Alexandra’s Kitchen. Check back for more In The Kitchen from Stafford and other food bloggers. 

Every group of friends ought to have a Jason Deane in the mix. You know, the guy who arrives at the party with four foil-wrapped barbecued pork shoulders and enough North Carolina BBQ sauce to feed a football team.

At six feet six inches tall and 240 pounds, JD can't be missed at a party. He is the party. He has initiated, planned and executed the whole shebang, all the while making it seem effortless. Ask him about his famed pulled pork, and he'll tell you it's simple, casually noting how he checks the coals every hour beginning at midnight. He may or may not mention the 24-hour dry rub or the apple cider-vinegar juice spritzing, but if you pry, you'll discover that not a detail has been overlooked. 

If you're fortunate enough to know a JD, then read no further—you likely aren't concerned how the 20 guests you've invited over for Saturday's big game will get fed. But for those of you not so fortunate, here are a few ideas: a cheater’s pulled pork, requiring a four-minute sear on the grill, but mostly time in the oven; a fennel and endive slaw—nobody will miss the cabbage; and homemade buns, if you're feeling ambitious. It's tailgate season. Invite over some friends, channel your inner JD and get cooking. —Alexandra Stafford

Get the recipes here.