Tomatillo Avocado Ranch Dressing

This Tomatillo Avocado Ranch Dressing is the perfect companion to the Chipotle Sweet Pork recipe I posted earlier. The two flavors combined will have your pallet singing - you'd probably even think your taste buds were having a party or something after your first bite.

PHOTO CREDIT: CARLSBAD CRAVINGS

TOMATILLO AVOCADO RANCH DRESSING

ADAPTED FROM: CARLSBAD CRAVINGS

SERVES: 1 1/2 cups;   PREP-TIME: 5 minutes;   TOTAL TIME: 5 minutes
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INGREDIENTS:

• 1 tomatillo, husk remover and roughly chopped
• 1 avocado, peeled and pitted
• 1/3 cup cilantro, packed
• 2 garlic cloves, peeled
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• 1/2 cup real mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sour cream

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DIRECTIONS:

1. Add all of the ingredients to a blender or food processor and "chop" then puree until smooth, scraping sides down as needed. Taste and add additional salt, pepper to taste.

2. Chill before serving. Enjoy!

Chipotle Sweet Pulled Pork

Hey y'all! I've tried sooo many sweet pulled pork recipes and haven't found one that I've absolutely LOVED until now. Trust me, this one is a keeper. My husband even told me to share it with my mother-in-law ;) it was THAT good.

PHOTO CREDIT: CARLSBAD CRAVINGS

CHIPOTLE SWEET PULLED PORK

ORIGINAL SOURCE: CARLSBAD CRAVINGS

SERVES: 6;   COOK-TIME: 8 hours;   TOTAL TIME: 8 hours
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INGREDIENTS:

MIXED SPICES

• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons chipotle chili powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper

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MARINADE 

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• 2.5 lbs pork butt or shoulder, trimmed of all fat
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 3/4 cup coke (I used Diet Coke) from 12oz. Coke Can
• 1 tablespoon of above mixed spices

SLOW COOKER PHASE 1 

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• Left Over Marinade
• 1/2 cup salsa
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 (4oz.) can green chiles
• 2 tablespoons of above mixed spices

SLOW COOKER PHASE 2 

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• 1/2 cup mild red enchilada sauce
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 (4oz) can green chies
• All remaining mixed spices
• salt to taste
• Hot Sauce to taste

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DIRECTIONS:

1. Mix all of the mixed spices together in a resealable container. Set aside.

2. Add pork to large freezer bag along with marinade ingredients. Marinate 12-24 hours.

3. Add pork and marinade to slow cooker along with Phase 1 Slow Cooker Ingredients:  Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until tender enough to shred.

4. Shred pork in slow cooker with 2 forks (it should just fall apart at this point) and then transfer all of the slow cooker contents to a strainer to drain of excess liquid.

5. Return Pork to slow cooker and add Phase 2 ingredients. (You can add more enchilada sauce if you want the pork "saucier"). Stir in ingredients and cook for another 15-30 minutes or until heater through. Taste and add additional salt (I usually add about 1/2 teaspoon) and add hot sauce to taste.

6. Serve in tacos, enchiladas, burrito bowls, etc. 

Skillet Fried Rice

Hey everyone! I know it's been forever since I've had a recipe worth sharing. I've had a few people request this recipe from me and I'm here to tell you that it won't disappoint!

SKILLET FRIED RICE

ADAPTED FROM: THE RECIPE CRITIC

SERVES: 6;   PREP-TIME: 20 minutes;   TOTAL TIME: about 30-35 minutes
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INGREDIENTS:

• 3 cups of white rice, cooked in chicken broth
• 1 Tbsp of Sesame Oil
• 5 Strips of Bacon, chopped
• 1 Medium White Onion, chopped
• 4 Green Onions, chopped
• 1 Bag of frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, corn, peas, and green beans)
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 tsp rice wine vinegar
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp sesame seeds
• 1 tsp garlic powder (or to taste)
• Salt and Pepper to taste
• 3 Tbsp of Butter
• 1/3 cup soy sauce
• 1-1 1/2 tsp of spicy szechuan sauce, or more if desired (optional)

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DIRECTIONS:

1. In a large skillet, heat up sesame oil on medium heat and add bacon. Fry until desired cook on the bacon, and add white onion and green onions. Stir for 2 minutes, then add mixed vegetables. Cook until vegetables are tender.

2. Move vegetable/bacon mixture to one side of your skillet. On the other, pour in the lightly beaten eggs and scramble. Once eggs are cooked, mix in with the veggies. 

3. Add rice wine vinegar, ginger, sesame seeds, and salt & pepper to taste. Stir on medium low for about 2-3 minutes

4. Move the heat back up to medium-medium high, add cooked white rice, butter, soy sauce, and spicy szechuan sauce. Continue to stir until heated through for about 2 minutes. 

5. Serve & Enjoy!