Monday, October 5, 2015

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
---------------------------------------------------------------
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
------------------------------------------------------
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
---------------------------------------------------------------
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

MARINADE 

    • 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 

    • 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 

    • 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

------------------------------------------------------
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.