Backyard Freedom & Flavor: Mesquite-Smoked Pork Butt & Your West Texas Home Journey

By Top Lubbock and West Texas Real Estate Agent, Lainie Eilenberger

In West Texas, we take pride in the smoke, the spice, and the savory moments that bring people together. Whether it’s a celebration of freedom or a Sunday afternoon with the family, a mesquite-smoked pork butt injected with bold flavor and glazed with a spicy, meaty West Texas BBQ sauce is how we do backyard BBQ right.

This recipe is for the ones who don’t just cook—they craft flavor. Perfect for a crowd, a holiday, or any day when you’re craving something smoky and deeply satisfying.

🍽️ West Texas Injected Pork Butt with Savory BBQ Glaze

Ingredients (Serves 8-10):

For the Pork Butt:

• 1 whole pork butt (6-8 lbs), bone-in

• Kosher salt & coarse black pepper (generously applied)

• 2 tbsp smoked paprika

• 1 tbsp chili powder

• 1 tbsp garlic powder

• Mesquite wood for smoking

For the Injection:

• 1 cup chicken broth

• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tbsp hot sauce

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp onion powder

For the Savory West Texas BBQ Glaze:

• 2 tbsp beef drippings or bacon grease

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup tomato puree

• 1/2 cup dark beer or strong coffee

• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tbsp yellow mustard

• 1 tbsp chili powder

• 1 tsp cumin

• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

• Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Inject the Flavor: Mix all injection ingredients and use a meat injector to inject the pork butt evenly throughout. Let sit in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight.

2. Season & Rest: Rub the pork with salt, pepper, paprika, chili powder, and garlic powder. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.

3. Smoke It: Set up your smoker for indirect heat with mesquite wood. Aim for 250°F. Place pork butt fat side up and smoke for 8-10 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 195-203°F. Wrap in butcher paper after 5-6 hours for a tender finish.

4. Make the Glaze: Sauté onion and garlic in beef drippings until golden. Add remaining glaze ingredients and simmer for 25-30 minutes until thickened and rich. Adjust seasoning to taste.

5. Glaze & Rest: During the last 90 minutes of smoking, baste pork butt with the glaze every 30 minutes. Once done, let it rest for 30-60 minutes before shredding.

6. Serve & Savor: Shred and toss in extra glaze or serve on the side. Great with jalapeño slaw, fresh tortillas, or Texas toast.

   
   

🏡 Real Estate That Fires You Up

Just like this pork, your next home should be full of character and slow-cooked to perfection. Whether it's a sprawling backyard for the smoker, a shady porch for relaxing, or a welcoming kitchen for Sunday prep—I'm here to help you find it.

From homestead charm to modern West Texas living, I’ll help you carve out your place in this land we love.

🔍 Real Estate Tip: Showcase the Sizzle

A clean, staged patio with a smoker or grill setup helps buyers imagine summer nights and family gatherings. Add a touch of decor or a tray with BBQ tools to suggest a lifestyle buyers can taste.

🌵 Why West Texas?

Because West Texas is more than a place—it’s a way of life. Big skies, big hearts, and homes built with pride. From Lubbock to Levelland, and every gem in between, there’s no better place to live bold and free.

Communities We Proudly Serve

Key & Slate Real Estate Group proudly serves Lubbock and these West Texas gems: Abernathy, Brownfield, Buffalo Springs, Crosbyton, Denver City, Farwell, Floydada, Hale Center, Lamesa, Levelland, Littlefield, Muleshoe, New Deal, New Home, Olton, Plains, Plainview, Post, Ralls, Ransom Canyon, Seagraves, Seminole, Silverton, Slaton, Snyder, Spur, Sudan, Sundown, Tahoka, Tulia, and Wolfforth.

Explore More with Key & Slate Real Estate Group

🔹 https://www.lainieeilenberger.com/ – Discover Lubbock & West Texas listings, real estate tips, and more.

🔹 https://keyandslaterealestategroup.kw.com/ – Browse homes for sale and meet our team.

🔹 https://www.onefordroad-lubbock.com/ – Explore upscale homes in Lubbock’s premier neighborhood.

🔹 https://www.laurierodriguez-keyandslate.com/ – Lubbock & South Plains real estate with heart and hustle.

🔹 Lainie Eilenberger - YouTube – Virtual tours, expert tips, and more!

📢 Let’s Fire Up Your Future

Whether you’re dreaming of backyard BBQs, big Texas skies, or a home that feels like freedom, I’m here to help. Let’s find the one that fits just right—and light a fire under your next big move.

📞 Call or message me today—and let’s get cookin' on your next chapter!

Injecting flavor, West Texas style 🇺🇸🔥 Whether it’s perfectly smoked pork butt or finding your dream home, Lainie Eilenberger brings the heat! Backyard BBQs, wide-open skies, and homes full of character—let’s make your next move unforgettable.

#WestTexasBBQ #LubbockRealEstate #BackyardLife #KeyAndSlateRealEstate #TopLubbockRealtor #TexasHomes #BBQAndBuyers

Reflect, Honor, Celebrate: Why Memorial Day Reminds Us to Cherish and Serve Our Veterans

By Top Lubbock and West Texas Real Estate Agent, Lainie Eilenberger

Lainie Eilenberger, Top Lubbock and West Texas Realtor, stands alongside the military families she serves—not just as a Realtor, but as someone who understands the deep sacrifice, service, and strength behind every veteran’s journey. 🇺🇸🏡 #TopLubbockRealtor #WestTexasRealEstate #HonorOurVeterans #MemorialDayReflections #LainieEilenberger #KeyAndSlate

Why Memorial Day Calls Us to Reflect 🇺🇸✨

Memorial Day is a time to gather, remember, and reflect—not just on cookouts or long weekends, but on the lives given in service to our country.

Every flag we see, every anthem we hear, and every moment of freedom we enjoy is built on the sacrifices of brave men and women who stood for something greater than themselves.

Their service calls us to pause and ask:

✔️ How can we honor their memory?

✔️ How can we help the veterans who returned home?

✔️ How can we bring joy and care to the lives of those who risked everything for us?

Why Helping Veterans Matters 💙🎖️

Honoring the fallen also means standing beside the living. Veterans carry with them not only pride and resilience but often invisible burdens.

By helping veterans thrive—through support, recognition, and real opportunities—we show them that their sacrifices were not forgotten.

💡 A simple thank you matters.

💡 A helping hand makes a difference.

💡 A community that values them brings healing and joy.

When we bring light and celebration into veterans’ lives, we remind them that their fight wasn’t in vain—and that we, as grateful Americans, will always have their backs.

Lainie: A Realtor Who Understands Service and Sacrifice 🏡🇺🇸

For Top Lubbock and West Texas Real Estate Agent Lainie Eilenberger, helping veterans and active-duty military families find the perfect home isn’t just business—it’s personal.

With a grandfather, grandfather-in-law, father-in-law, and brother who all served, Lainie has seen firsthand the dedication, strength, and quiet sacrifice these heroes carry.

That’s why when military families come to her, they’re not just clients—they’re family.

🔹 Military Relocation Expertise – Lainie understands the unique timelines, pressures, and transitions military families face.

🔹 Compassionate Service – Every veteran and active-duty client is treated with the care and respect they’ve earned.

🔹 A Heart for Honor – Lainie’s mission is to make sure these families feel valued, celebrated, and fully supported—because they’ve already given so much.

Communities We Proudly Serve 🌵

Key & Slate Real Estate Group proudly serves Lubbock and these incredible West Texas communities:

Abernathy, Brownfield, Buffalo Springs, Crosbyton, Denver City, Farwell, Floydada, Hale Center, Lamesa, Levelland, Littlefield, Muleshoe, New Deal, New Home, Olton, Plains, Plainview, Post, Ralls, Ransom Canyon, Seagraves, Seminole, Silverton, Slaton, Snyder, Spur, Sudan, Sundown, Tahoka, Tulia, and Wolfforth.

Discover More with Key & Slate Real Estate Group 🏠

📌 LainieEilenberger.com – Explore Lubbock & West Texas real estate listings, tips, and resources.

📌 Key & Slate Real Estate Group on Keller Williams – Learn about our team and view homes for sale.

📌 One Ford Road Community – Discover upscale homes in this exclusive Lubbock neighborhood.

📌 LaurieRodriguez-KeyandSlate.com – Personalized real estate services for Lubbock & South Plains.

📌 Lainie Eilenberger on YouTube – Virtual home tours, market insights, and expert tips.

Honor Through Action 📍❤️

This Memorial Day—and every day—let’s reflect on the lives given, honor the veterans who walk among us, and celebrate their bravery with joyful hearts and grateful hands.

And if you or a veteran you know is looking for a new home or preparing to sell, trust a Realtor who honors their story and serves with heart.

📞 Reach out to Lainie Eilenberger today, and let’s build a future worthy of their sacrifice.

Flying proudly from the porch, the American flag reminds us that every home we help buy or sell stands on the sacrifices of those who served. With deep respect for our veterans and military families, Lainie Eilenberger is here to serve your real estate needs with heart and honor. 🇺🇸🏡 #Patriotism #WestTexasRealtor #LainieEilenberger #KeyAndSlate #HonorAndHome

🍋 Sweet Tea Dreams & Home Goals: Arnold Palmer Pie & Your West Texas Real Estate Journey

By Top Lubbock and West Texas Real Estate Agent, Lainie Eilenberger

In West Texas, we savor the simple joys—sweet tea on the porch, lemon slices in the sun, and pie that tastes like summertime in every bite. Just like our homes, our desserts are full of comfort, character, and a little zing.

There’s nothing more refreshing than an Arnold Palmer on a hot day… unless it’s an Arnold Palmer Pie—that perfect blend of tart lemon and smooth tea in a cool, creamy dessert topped with homemade whipped cream. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, bringing a dish to the church potluck, or dreaming up your future home, this recipe pairs beautifully with sunshine and sweet West Texas skies.

And when it comes to real estate? I believe your home should feel just as satisfying as that first cool bite.

🥧 Arnold Palmer Pie with Homemade Whipped Cream

Ingredients (Serves 8):

For the Filling:

• 1 cup strongly brewed sweet tea (cooled)

• 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice

• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• 1 pre-baked graham cracker pie crust

For the Whipped Cream:

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream

• 2 tbsp powdered sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Optional: lemon zest and mint sprigs for garnish

Instructions:

1. Brew & Cool: Start by brewing a strong cup of sweet tea. Let it cool completely—this is where that signature Arnold Palmer flavor starts.

2. Whip the Filling: In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Slowly add sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, and tea. Mix until silky and fully combined.

3. Pour & Chill: Pour the filling into your graham cracker crust and smooth the top. Chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.

4. Make the Topping: In a chilled bowl, beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.

5. Garnish & Serve: Top the chilled pie with whipped cream. Garnish with a sprinkle of lemon zest or a few mint sprigs for that extra West Texas flair.

6. Slice & Enjoy: Each bite is like sunshine in dessert form—perfect for patio days and porch

nights.

🏡 Real Estate That Hits the Sweet Spot

Just like this pie, your dream home should be the perfect blend of comfort and delight. Whether you're looking for a sunny kitchen for baking, a wide porch for tea-sipping, or a cozy nook for reading—I'll help you find a space that feels just right.

From dreamy kitchens to sprawling backyards, every detail matters when choosing your next home.

🔍 Real Estate Tip:

Highlight Natural Light in Your Home

Buyers love homes that feel bright and open. Clean windows, use light-colored curtains, and strategically place mirrors to make your home feel even bigger and brighter. West Texas sunlight is one of our best features—let it shine!

🌵 Why West Texas?

There’s a reason people fall in love with Lubbock and the surrounding South Plains. It’s the sense of home, the hospitality, and the wide-open skies. Here, you’ll find houses full of charm, neighbors who wave, and room to grow.

From Lubbock to Levelland, and every hometown in between, I’m here to help you turn your real estate dreams into a sweet reality.

Communities We Proudly Serve

Key & Slate Real Estate Group proudly serves Lubbock and these West Texas gems: Abernathy, Brownfield, Buffalo Springs, Crosbyton, Denver City, Farwell, Floydada, Hale Center, Lamesa, Levelland, Littlefield, Muleshoe, New Deal, New Home, Olton, Plains, Plainview, Post, Ralls, Ransom Canyon, Seagraves, Seminole, Silverton, Slaton, Snyder, Spur, Sudan, Sundown, Tahoka, Tulia, and Wolfforth.

Explore More with Key & Slate Real Estate Group

🔹 LainieEilenberger.com – Discover Lubbock & West Texas listings, real estate tips, and more.

🔹 Key & Slate on Keller Williams – Browse homes for sale and meet our team.

🔹 One Ford Road Community – Explore upscale homes in Lubbock’s premier neighborhood.

🔹 LaurieRodriguez-KeyandSlate.com – Lubbock & South Plains real estate with heart and hustle.

🔹 Lainie on YouTube – Virtual tours, expert tips, and more!

💬 Let’s Make It Happen

Whether you’re just starting your search or ready to make your move, I’m here to guide you every step of the way. Let’s mix up something sweet for your future—and find the home that makes you feel like you’ve finally arrived.

📞 Call or message me today, and let’s raise a fork to your next big move.

Top Lubbock and West Texas Realtor Lainie Eilenberger serves up sweet Southern charm—and expert real estate advice—with every slice. 🏡🍋 #LubbockRealEstate #WestTexasHomes #LainieEilenberger #KellerWilliamsLubbock