Here's a quick meal that is sure to be a hit with your kids!  Our boys always fight over who gets the drumsticks.  3 boys.  2 chicken legs.  It's a fight waiting to happen.  SO....buy a whole package of chicken legs (affectionately called drumsticks in our family) and you'll have plenty to go around.  I'm not sure if this can be called a "recipe" because it's just too easy.  If anything, dad taught me a better way to cook meat and usually it requires a couple of steps.  Give it a try and I hope you enjoy!  

It was an amazing day when the phone rang.  It was a newsperson from KAAL Channel 6.  They wanted to hear more about the Grillin' Magic story and about dad's legacy.  I was at work but thrilled to get the call.  I told him about dad and how Grillin' Magic was his invention over 20 years ago.  They loved hearing about our family.  He then asked if Bob and I could be ready for an interview in about an hour.  HA!  I wanted to say no because it seemed so rushed but then I heard my mouth say..."Sure!  I'll head home and we will be ready for you!"  I got out some bottles, labels and spices and got to work.  Bob grilled some chicken, knowing that dad would have wanted us to grill a pork chop, for the newscaster.  We ended up having about a 45 minute interview where we were able to share all about our wonderful parents and the legacy dad left for our family.  Not only a legacy of Grill Seasoning, but most importantly the legacy of loving and caring for people.  You can watch our special segment of "Made in the Midwest" here.  

The next day we did our first expo in Southern, MN at Mayo High School.  It was such a joy to watch our boys tell people about Grillin' Magic and ask if they would like a sample.  Their smiles were beaming with pride.  2 families came through and explained that they came to the expo especially to buy a bottle of the special family recipe seasoning they saw on the news.  Very fun!

We want to take this opportunity to share how proud we are of our mom, Cathy Jo.  She has worked so hard to get moved into her new home and take care of all that goes into downsizing.  It is an emotional journey.  She is excited to head to Florida and Virginia to spend some much deserved time with family.  

Stay tuned in to the Grillin' Magic website as grilling season arrives.  We know that Grillin' Magic is really an all purpose seasoning...however...the magic comes alive in the summer time!  We'll be sharing recipes and pics like crazy.  If you don't have your own bottle of Grillin' Magic yet, don't wait!  Order yours today by clicking here.  

Hey all you Grillin' Magic users out there!  

Super Bowl weekend is upon us!  The Falcons take on the Patriots.  I bet you all are surprised that I know that.  :-)  Actually, I had to google it.  HA!  Sorry to all of our Wisconsin and Pennsylvania family that were rooting for the Packers and the Stealers.  It just wasn't meant to be this year.   

When I hear the words Super Bowl I don't think about football.  I think about FOOD.  We're still not sure who were having over to watch the game but there will be food.  That is a given. Here's a little glimpse at what I'm planning for the spread.  

Recipe 1 - Wings
I know a lot of people who like their wings a lot of different ways.  Some like them slimy with all kinds of sauce.  Not me.  I like mine a little more done.  I won't say dry...but thats kinda what I mean.  I like to do these with a couple steps.  It takes a little longer but it is well worth it.  Step 1:  I lay foil down on a baking sheet and sprinkle a little olive oil on the unfrozen wings and then liberally coat with Grillin' Magic.  Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.  We have a convection oven and really like how that cooks.  Bake the wings for about 35minutes or until the meat is cooked through and the skin is getting a bit golden.  I like to do this step ahead of time to save on prep the day of the party.  Step 2:  Turn on that grill!  Yeah, I know it is cold in Minnesota, but we shovel off the deck and get it done.  Brush on a nice coat of your favorite bbq sauce and grill until wings are heated through and sauce has become a little bit blackened.  Grill marks are a good thing!  Finish off with a quick sprinkle of Grillin' Magic at the end and you are ready to go.

Recipe 2 - Mini Sliders on a Stick
Anything you can eat on a stick is a good thing!  This Super Bowl were gonna try these mini sliders that are held together with a toothpick.  That's the stick.  :-)  Before you work with the meat you will want to et your veggies and cheese ready.  You'll need:
Small sections of lettuce
Small squares of sharp cheddar cheese
Cherry Tomatoes
Possibly a slice of red onion or a pickle slice (my kids would say no to this)
Have these ready with the toothpicks nearby to assemble as soon as your mini burgers are ready.  
Basically, you'll mix up the meat mixture that will resemble a little bit of a meatball mixture.  1lb of good quality hamburger, 1/4cup bread crumbs or panko, one egg and a liberal shaking of Grillin' Magic.  Mix together and form golf ball size balls that flatten out to the size of a silver dollar.  Instead of doing these on the grill (because sometimes they fall through the cracks) were going to do these stove top.  Pan fry until they are at the desired "pinkness" in the middle.  For my husband, you'd barely cook them.  For me, you'd make sure they had a little black on the outside.  Because they are mini - they don't take long at all to cook.
Assembly goes in the same order you'd put them on a burger.  Burger, Cheese, Lettuce, Pickle, Tomato.  The goal is to fit the whole bite in your mouth at the same time.   OH YEAH!

I'm going to have a special ketchup dip with them as well.  Check out this recipe for fry sauce.  I would add a little bit of Grillin' Magic to the sauce as well.  But...that's just me.  

Recipe 3- Steak Bites
There is about the most simple appetizer ever.  But...there's something great about steak on a appetizer buffet.  Basically, it's like steak and garlic butter all cooked together.  You'll need a few good quality sirloin steaks with the fat trimmed off.  Cut them into 1 inch squares.  Coat these little babies in some flour and a generous amount of Grillin' Magic.  These are also cooked on the stovetop.  Add enough butter to the pan to completley cover the bottom of your pan and add a bit of fresh minced garlic to the butter.  "Saute" your steak bites until they are nicely browned on the outside and still a bit pink in the middle.  Serve with your favorite steak sauce and some sauted onions on the side.  P.S - These are toothpick items as well so make sure that you have plenty.  

Ok...there you have it.  No pictures yet.  I'll post my after pictures on our facebook and instagram.  So be on the lookout Sunday night.  Post your favorite GM appetizer recipes in the comments!

P.S - We had a very cool opportunity to be interviewed by our local news this week.  We will be featured on KAAL this Friday night.  We'll post the link.  We're excited for Rochester to learn all about how Grillin' Magic made it to Southern Minnesota.  

I just got an Instant Pot last week. I rarely have time to cook an actual adult meal. I often comment to my husband that we eat like 4 yr. Olds! Enter the Instant Pot! Tonight, i introduced it to Grillin Magic! Here is what i did! Add some olive oil to the bottom of the pan, throw in my dad's Grillin Magic seasoning on top of the oil, the roast, and 1 cup of water with seasoning mixed into it (creating my own flavored broth). I pushed the meat button, set it for 30 mins., walked away to put away groceries, help kids with homework, showers, etc, came back threw in carrots and potatoes with some more seasoning on top...reset it for 10 minutes. And holy cow.... Best meal ever! This machine has revolutionized my life! So...what have you used GM to cook in your IP?

​We know many of you loved our Dad and were not able to make it to the service.  It is our honor to share it with you here. 

​As always, we are still taking orders.  Please have all Christmas orders in by Friday of this week.  Don't forget that HARD TO BUY FOR person in your life!  Grillin' Magic is the perfect solution!

​If you are making a Christmas bird of any kind....don't forget the Grillin' Magic!  You won't regret it!​

​To View the Service:
https://vimeo.com/195051636

Our Dad went home to be with Jesus at 7:15pm this evening.  He is in no more pain...No more suffering... Our hearts are broken but we are comforted in knowing that God is close to the brokenhearted.  

We will continue to honor him with our lives as we serve each other and the Lord.  Please continue to remember our Mom, Cathy Jo, in your prayers.  This was the love of a lifetime.  

We will be holding services most likely next week.  We will post details once they are public.  Thank you friends.  

You are all very important to Dad. We are so grateful for you!  We will continue GM in his honor and memory! We will make sure to get all orders out for Christmas!  

I will sign off by telling you that Dad would want you to get up for church in the morning and spend some time with Jesus, and enjoy a pork chop or steak for lunch!  

Sometimes there are no words to say or hear that make hurting hearts feel less pain.  Better...what is better?  Okay...will we be ok?  Everyone says we will.  Deep down, I know that and I believe that...but in the meantime....Okay seems so very far away.

It has been a blessed week here in MN.  We arrived just as Daddy was transitioning to home.  I was able to make Dad his Mom's famous Poppyseed and Nut Rolls.  I even made him Devil Dogs.  While he doesn't have much of an appetite, he has loved those precious bites. Rachelle cooked a pork roast this week (with the help of um...Grillin' Magic) and was elated to receive Dad's approval!  Those were special little wins for us both!  

We have had several moments of grace.  Several moments of clarity.  When Dad is clearest...he is telling anyone who will listen about Jesus.  Anxious moments are driven away by him expressing his love for the Lord, explaining what Jesus did for all of us, and how we can be sure of an eternity with God in Heaven.  

We have enjoyed sharing memories with each other.  Tonight, Bob and I reminded Dad, who was wearing his World Series t-shirt that we just watched our beloved Cubbies win the World Series.  We have talked about baking our favorite Christmas cookies.  Sang a few favorite songs.  During one song, "This Could Be The Dawning of That Day,"  Dad wanted to know who heard that song.  We explained it was just Bob, Mom, and myself in the room, with one hospice nurse standing near.  He was adamant that she come over so that he could explain the song, explain Jesus, explain Salvation.  We all were blessed to hear that she already knew Jesus and were touched at how much she allowed Dad to pour out his love for the Savior in that moment.

On our most recent Daddy/Daughter date, about 3 weeks ago, I took him to see Hacksaw Ridge.  We watched as the hero single handedly saved 75 men from being slaughtered, by dragging them to safety and lowering them down a cliff.  The hero cries out to God after each man is lowered, "Just one more...give me strength for just one more."  I know that is Dad's cry too.  He wants to see as many people come to Jesus as possible. 

Friends, we are still believing for our miracle.  Dad has coined Remission By Christmas.  We know that there are two kinds of healing...healing here on Earth - that is what we long for so deeply....and our Ultimate Healing to be with Jesus in Heaven.  Dad explained to a slightly overcome grandson, Dominic, how wonderful it will be to someday receive that healing! In the meantime, he wants to still be a Grandpa, Dad and Husband.  He still has souls to reach, college students to teach, fish to catch, and grandsons to mentor.

Honestly, the last 3 months have been a blur.  According to our very loving and caring hospice nurses, the progression of this illness is steadily increasing.  They no longer feel that we are dealing with months or weeks, but rather days.  The last two days have been exceptionally stressful and painful as we see signs that the nurses are more than likely correct.    

Mom (Cathy Jo) faithfully remains at his side, loving and caring for her best friend - her love.  Bob and I are struggling to balance time with Dad, our spouses and kids.  We don't know really what is the right thing at any given moment.  

What we know...Jesus loves us.  We are loved by a Good Good Father.  We rest knowing that a healing will come.  We trust that God knows what is best and remain faithful in our pursuit of Him.  We look to Heaven for our Miracle.  We know it will come.  

Please continue to pray for the Bernard Family.  Now more than ever, we need to bombard Heaven.  I know Mom and Dad would love to hear from you!  Feel free to send an email of encouragement to getgrillinmagic@gmail.com.  We will be sure to read each one to Dad and let him know how loved he is by so many of you!  

​ 

On behalf of the entire Bernard family, we want to extend our deepest gratitude to all who attend the benefit at the Clarissa Ballroom today.  Mom and "Bobby" are home in Rochester and were overwhelmed with all of the love and support they received. (He mentioned that he hasn't been called "Bobby" or "Little Bob" that much in a long time. ha!)  Over 300 people came to show their love for Bob and Cathy Jo.  Your gifts, prayers and attendance only help to remind dad and mom of the influence they have had on so many lives.  
To those who coordinated this event, we couldn't offer enough appreciation. You knocked it out of the park.  Martha DeGary (Aunt Beth to us) and Kristy Brown...your efforts will never be forgotten.  We only wish Dad could have been there to see it with his own eyes.  If any of you were there and have pictures of this wonderful day, please email them to us at getgrillinmagic@gmail.com.  We would love to show dad as many as possible.  

Now an update:
Dad has been struggling with pain control for many days.  He has been in the hospital since last Saturday and it seems like each time he gets close to coming home a new roadblock presents itself. We covet your prayers during this time because we know that dad wants to be home with is family over the holidays.  In order for that to take place the doctors need to help us find the right pain control and manage his symptoms steadily over a period of a few days.  Please pray that over the next days we will see enough improvement for us to move him home and enjoy thanksgiving together. 

Please continue to pray for Cathy Jo.  She has shown so much strength and I'm blessed to have her as my mother in law.  She is going through the unimaginable every day.  The ups and downs of dad's symptoms weigh heavily on her.  I believe I can say that she has more faith than many people I know. I know God is going to bless her for that.  Pray that she can rest and that her mind and heart find peace in the middle of all of this.  

Donna, Josh and the boys will be arriving in Rochester tomorrow.  The Thanksgiving groceries have been purchased.  The Christmas decorations are up.  We will enjoy each moment that the Lord gives us together.  We will find peace in the midst of an unexplainable storm.  Our hearts are heavy but our hope is in Christ Jesus.  He is the only source for us and that is exactly the way it should be.  We'll keep leaning on Him and know that His way is the only way. 

Tonight when I was putting Jackson to bed he asked me about Papa.  He said..."Is papa going to come home soon?"  He thinks it is pretty cool that he stays at our house.  I told him that God is the one who is in control of that.  His reply was..."God is the Boss.  That makes him like a Daddy."  I thought that was pretty cute.  (Bob Bernard III...you must be doing something right cuz he knows that daddy's are the boss. :-)   It was a good reminder to all of us that God is our Father.  He wants the best for us.  He wants the best for Dad.  And he's a GOOD father even when our eyes aren't seeing good things at the moment.  So the Bernard family will continue to rely on FATHER GOD to guide each step because HE is in control.  

Dad, 
I know you're not reading this tonight and I know you are so uncomfortable.  But, know that there are people all over the world who love you and are praying for you.  May the peace of your FATHER in heaven surround you tonight.  We are praying for an infusion of that peace and grace to give you the rest and strength you need to come home.  I know night time is hard, especially in the hospital.  Your GOOD FATHER is right there with you and your entire BERNARD/FALVO team will be here soon.  
Goodnight.

Rachelle

​

Hello Everyone, 
I'm writing to give you an update on Dad.  Dad has dealt with nausea and vomiting quite a bit in the last few weeks.  However, it has been progressively worse in the last few days - enough for the Drs to postpone his chemo treatment by a day.  They were comfortable starting the treatment yesterday and were confident that the nausea and vomiting could be controlled by meds.  Yesterday, dad began his second round of chemo treatment at Mayo.  All went well and he arrived back home late afternoon in time to watch the Cubs play the first game of the World Series.  That game was terrible enough to make anyone feel ill.  :-)  Around 9pm things started to get worse and Dad was up all night with uncontrollable symptoms.  He was brought to the ER this morning around 6am and they have now admitted him to the hospital.   They have placed a NG tube through his nose and down his throat  to keep his stomach clear as he is unable to do this on his own.  They are now checking for potential blockages that are causing these symptoms.  His chemo treatment is still running its course and will be disconnected tomorrow. 

We are back into the unknown.  Actually, it seems like we have lived in the unknown since diagnosis.  We aren't sure how long he will be in the hospital or what the steps are moving forward.  We're trusting God. Your prayers are so important right now.  Please be praying for Dad to get stronger and to respond to the treatment.  Pray for Mom to get rest.  This is an incredibly hard road for her.  Your prayers for the Bernard and Falvo families are coveted as well.  

Dad is especially sad to be missing the Pastor Appreciation service that they were planning in Eagle Bend for him this Sunday.  His heart is there, but for now he has to remain in Rochester.  

Thanks for praying. 
​Rachelle



 

Today, Dad begins Chemo Round 2.  It is slightly less aggressive than his previous dose.  It is our hope that his body receives it without the extreme side effects of the 1st round.  Please continue to pray for him in that regard.  

I wanted to share just a bit of joy that we are experiencing this October while we are all on this journey together.  As I write, it is Tuesday, October 25th and tonight the Cubs will play Game 1 in the 2016 World Series.   While he has lived in MN and been a Twins fan his entire life, the Cubs play a significant part of in our lives.  We moved to DeKalb, IL straight out of Bible College (I always say that I went to North Central twice, the first time - well, I was a toddler!  lol).  We lived in the Midwest our entire growing up years.  There were so many times - we would be given tickets to a Cubs game for one reason or another.  Mom and Dad would pack a bag of snacks (including hot dogs with the fixins!) and off we would go!  We would park in someone's converted yard and walk into Wrigleyville.  (This part always brought such angst to our protective Mama Bear!  I get it now, btw.)  Bob and I always thought this  was the grandest adventure.  We grew up watching the Cubs of the 80's.  My first school girl crush - Ryne Sandberg.  Bob learned to read by reading Cubs baseball cards.  As a 3 yr. old, he would even introduce himself to new people as "Jody Davis!" - the catcher for the Cubs.  

I can't tell you the amount of games we went to, the amount of times we walked around Wrigley just to take it all in, or how many times we have all sung, 'Go Cubs Go!"   Far too many on each account to tell.  It was a beautiful way to grow up.  Wrigley is a place that you can go - and many of the troubles and worries - get set aside for a few hours - while you watched the greatest game being played by the greatest team on Earth.   Baseball and the Cubs - bring us all to a place filled with joy and great memories.  

So, while you go about your week and you see World Series news, or maybe you even watch a game or two, please remember Pastor Bob.  He is cheering for the Cubbies this week!  

Thank you for your Grillin' Magic orders!  Each one is so encouraging to us all!  Don't forget us as you start your Christmas Shopping!  GM is the perfect gift for that hard to buy someone in your life - or the Dad, Son, Brother, Nephew....basically, anyone that EATS!  

Continued Prayers appreciated for...

1.  Dad - as he continues Round 2 this week and for a peaceful recovery next week.  
2.  Mom - that she can rest, has strength, and peace in her heart.