Friday, September 5, 2014

Blackberry Jalapeno Pork Roast ~Friday Meal Addition

Ok, this one could not wait until next Wednesday's addition of "What's for Dinner Wednesday".  So, without further ado...Blackberry Jalapeno Pork Roast.

This recipe comes from my relatively new cookbook, Make Ahead Paleo (also Gluten Free).

Rub Ingredients:

1 tsp sea salt
1//4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 tsp granulated onion
3/4 tsp granulated garlic
3/4 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp cinnamon
Pinch of cayenne

Roast Ingredients:

4-5 -pound pork roast
3 TBSP coconut oil (we used olive as I cannot have coconut)

Sauce Ingredients:

1 C apple juice
2 C chicken broth
2 C fresh or frozen blackberries (we used frozen)
2 TBS balsamic vinegar
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 medium yellow onion, chopped
2 jalapenos, stems removed, sliced (fresh from our garden)
1/2 tsp red chili flakes

Directions:

1. In a small bowl, combine the rub ingredients.

2. Sprinkle the rub over the pork roast, and rub it in with your fingers to thoroughly coat all sides of the meat.  (I had already placed my roast in a large ziploc after bringing home from the market, so I added the spices and smooshed!!  I know y'all have to love that term, but it worked).

3. In a large skillet, heat the coconut oil (or whatever oil you choose) over medium-high heat.

4. Place the roast in the skillet and brown on all sides, about 8 minutes.

5. Transfer the roast to a slow cooker.

6. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the sauce ingredients.

7. Pour the sauce over the roast in the slow cooker, and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high 4-5 hours.

8. With 2 forks, shred the pork while it is still in the slow cooker.

9. Serve the shredded pork with the juices and berries spooned over the top.

We served with rice a side and it was a nice compliment.

Pretty Before:


Here you can see all the vibrant colors of the pork, berries and jalapenos.


And while the colors have dulled once cooked the flavors have not!! It was delicious!!!

Hope you will give it a go.  And with that, I am off for the weekend.  Hosting the Children's Team on Sunday for ice cream sundaes!!  

Have a fabulous weekend!!!!!

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Whew...2 year olds are busy, busy, busy~


Today was my first day with my littles for Bible study this year.  Who knew that ten 2 year olds could be soooo active.  Whew, this momma of now adult children is plum wore out.  They are a very sweet, loving, inquisitive group.

Can't wait to love on them for the entire year!

So, if I am a bit MIA in the next couple days, I will be recuperating until I host our ENTIRE children's leadership team (family style for ice cream) on Sunday!!

Have a blessed week my friends.

What's for Dinner Wednesday~


Kung Pao Cashew Chicken Pizza
Adapted from Fine Cooking's Pizza on the Grill Magazine 2012
Ingredients:

Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free Pizza Dough Mix (make according to directions-this makes enough for 2 pizzas approximately 13 inches)

1/2 C hoisin sauce (we purchased gluten free from Whole Foods-Wok Mei brand)
1 tsp red pepper flakes
1 C cubed cooked chicken (leftover from a roasted or rotisserie chicken-we used a rotisserie chicken from Whole Foods)
3 scallions (white and green parts), thinly sliced on an angle
1/4 red bell pepper, seeded and cut into paper thin strips
1/2 C grated mozzarella cheese
1/4 C fresh cilantro leaves (I finely chopped)
1/2 C Cashews (unsalted, dry roasted-we used unsalted raw as some roasted are not gluten free)
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper (Sichuan if available) to taste
1 TSP toasted sesame oil (we omitted as I cannot have sesame)

Once you have prepared the dough and pre-baked crust according to directions, spread the entire surface with the hosin and sprinkle with the red pepper flakes.  Top with the chicken, scallions, and pepper strips.  Sprinkle with the cheese.

Finish baking the pizza utnil the cheese is light golden brown or thoroughly melted.  

Remove from oven (or grill), sprinkle with the cilantro and cashews, and season with salt and black pepper.  Drizzle with the sesame oil (if using), slice and serve.

A fun twist on traditional pizza, and tomato free (so hard to do people!!!)

Enjoy!!!