June 4: Cafe Rio Pork

This is definitely a family favorite. The pork is what my family orders every time we go to Cafe Rio. This is a great copy.

2 lbs pork roast
2 cans Coke or Root beer, not diet
1/2 c brown sugar
1/2 tsp garlic salt
1/4 c water
1 can diced green chilies
3/4 can enchilada sauce
1 c brown sugar

Put pork in a reclosable bag to marinate, pour in one can of Coke and 1/2 c brown sugar. Marinade for a few hours or overnight. Drain marinade and put pork, 1/2 can Coke, water and garlic salt in crock pot on high for about 3-4 hours. 

Remove pork from crock pot, drain off liquid, shred pork.

Mix together, in bowl or blender, other 1/2 can Coke, can of chilies, enchilada sauce and 1 c brown sugar. 

Put shredded pork back in the crock pot, cover with sauce, heat just until warmed through. 

June 3: Chinese Chicken Salad with Sesame Dressing

Happy Birthday Richie.  I know you like Chinese food. This is a delicious and easy salad to make.

12 3 inch wonton skins, sliced into 1/4" strips
1/4 c oil
4 c chopped romaine lettuce
1 chicken breast, shredded
2 green onions, chopped
1/4 c sliced almonds, toasted lightly
1 TB sesame seeds
2 c cooked spiral pasta noodles, cooled

dressing:
1/2 c oil
2 TB sugar
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
3 TB seasoned rice vinegar
1 tsp sesame oil

Heat oil in skillet over medium-high heat. When oil starts to shimmer, fry wonton skins in batches of 5-7 strips for 30 seconds each side or until lightly browned, working quickly so they don't burn. Remove from oil and drain on paper towels until cooled.

In a large bowl, combine lettuce, chicken breast, green onion, almonds and pasta. 

Combine dressing ingredients in a small bowl. Whisk well until sugar dissolves. Dress lettuce mixture with dressing and top with sesame seeds and wonton strips and serve. 

June 2: Baked Potato Salad

Pinterest.
I made this for a family gathering.  It was a pleaser.

4 lg Russet potatoes
1/2 c mayonnaise
1/2 c sour cream
1/2 c shredded extra sharp cheddar
1/4 c chopped chives (2 TB dried chives)
8 strips thick cut bacon, cooked crisp and chopped
salt and pepper, to taste

In a medium bowl whisk together the mayonnaise and sour cream until well mixed. Add 3/4 of the chopped chives along with salt and pepper. Whisk to mix. Fold in the cheese and bacon. Chill while you do the potatoes. 

Scrub potatoes. Boil until barely tender. Peel and cube into 1/2" pieces. Fold the cooked potatoes into the chilled dressing. Garnish with the remaining chives and bacon. 

June 1: Neiman Marcus Brownies

A Pinterest "too die for" recipe.

1 box yellow cake mix
3 eggs
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 c butter, melted
4 cups powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 300. Spray a 9x13 pan with cooking spray. Mix cake mix, melted butter and one egg to a soft dough. Press into  the bottom of the ban. Mix powdered sugar, softened cream cheese and remaining two eggs until smooth, about 1-2 minutes. Pour on top of crust. Bake at 300 for 40-50 minutes until top is golden brown.

May 31: Roasted Potato

The most Ah-Mazing Roasted Potatoes! These are so easy to make! Cook a potato in microwave, oven, or pressure cooker until soft all the way thru. Cut in half, then into squares (just down to skin). Season with butter, Parmesan & Lawry's. Place in oven on aluminum foil-lined pan and BROIL for 10-15 mins. Enjoy!!!

April 29: Southwest Chicken Chop Salad

I found this amazing salad while looking through blogs. 

2 cups diced rotisserie chicken
1 green pepper, diced
1 cup black beans
1 cup sweet yellow corn {canned or frozen and defrosted}
2 roma tomatoes, diced
4 scallions, washed and sliced {white and green parts}
1 large romaine heart, washed and chopped
1/2 bunch cilantro, washed and chopped
2 just under ripe avocados, diced
2 cups crushed tortilla chips
for the dressing-
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 tablespoon ranch seasoning
1/2 tablespoon taco seasoning
1/2 tablespoon lime juice {optional}
salt & pepper, to taste

Directions:
In a large bowl, stir all salad ingredients together, excluding the tortilla chips and avocado. In a small bowl, stir all dressing ingredients together until smooth. When ready to serve, toss salad with dressing then gently stir in avocado and tortilla chips.

February 16: Chili Verde Con Carne

This recipe comes from my mother-in-law.  It is a highly requested meal for family gatherings.

1 lb pork
1/3 c flour
1 1/2 tsp salt
1/4 c oil
1 tsp cumin
1 28 oz can tomatoes
2 TB lemon juice
1 clove garlic, crushed
1 beef bouillon
1/2 c boiling water
1 tsp sugar
1 medium onion
1 4 oz can chopped green chilies
1 green pepper, diced

Partially freeze pork and then cut in thin strips. Combine four and salt. Dredge strips and fry in oil, 1/3 at a time. Pour off liquid. Cut tomatoes into pieces and set aside. Add tomato liquid, lemon juice, and garlic to meat. Stir to combine. Dissolve bouillon in boiling water. Add to meat. Also add green pepper, onion and chilies. Cover tightly and cook slowly for 45 minutes. Stir occasionally. Stir in tomatoes for 15 more minutes. Serve over rice.