Our One And Only Slow Cooker Recipe

After what feels like a really long hiatus (only a month...ish) we are back with a recipe that we've been trying to post since September.  This is our one and only slow cooker recipe and if we ever post another one I'll be surprised.  I don't really ever use the slow cooker for cooking, but more for keeping food warm during parties.  So I have to admit besides the bourbon barbecue sauce this recipe is all my husband's.  He has made these amazing pulled pork sliders for a few parties, and epic family reunion and at home just for the two us.  It's always a hit and we never have leftovers which may be the reason for our one and only picture.  By the time we get around to taking a photo it's either almost gone, we've had too much wine (our bourbon) or the lighting isn't right.  So you'll just have to trust us on this one beautiful picture that this super easy slow cooker recipe should be made, shared and enjoyed by all!

 

Bourbon Barbecue Pulled Pork Sliders with Dill Coleslaw

4-5 lb bone in pork shoulder

2 teaspoons salt

2 teaspoons ground pepper

2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon ground mustard

2 tablespoons chili powder

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 large yellow onion, sliced

6 garlic cloves, slightly crushed and roughly chopped

6 fresh thyme sprigs

1/4 cup light brown sugar

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Bourbon barbecue sauce, recipe doubled

24 potato slider buns

In a small bowl mix the salt, ground pepper, dried oregano, mustard, and chili powder.  Rub the spice mixture onto the pork shoulder and set aside.  Place the olive oil, yellow onion, garlic and thyme into the bottom of a large slow cooker.  Place the seasoned pork shoulder on top.  Sprinkle the brown sugar on top and pour in the Worcestershire.  Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 10-12 hours.    

When the pork is tender and fully cooked, remove the bone and shred pork.  Drain about half of the juice from the slow cooker.  Add the bourbon barbecue sauce and stir to combine.  

Dill Coleslaw

6 cups green cabbage chopped

1 cup fresh dill, chopped

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1 lemon, juiced

1 tablespoon ground pepper

1/2 tablespoon salt

1-1/2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

Combine all the ingredients into a large mixing bowl.  Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container.  

Assembling the sliders:  Place the barbecue pulled pork on a bun and top with coleslaw.  

NOTE:  The coleslaw and the barbecue bourbon sauce can be made ahead.  I suggest making the coleslaw the night before to really allow the flavors to infuse together.

Holiday Parties: Food And Fashion On A Budget

I can't tell you how excited I am to be collaborating again this holiday season with my dear friend Erica from Conflicted Pixie.  Last year we brought you the best of New Year's Eve and this year we present to you holiday parties on a budget!

Erica is the queen of budget-friendly everything!  I don't ever miss a blog post from her so that I can stay on top of the latest trends and also for the best deals out there!  Staying within a budget when it comes to food however is often difficult for me.  I admit I am a sucker for a really good creamy, stinky and expensive cheese.  However, this holiday season (after I nearly spent my savings on airline tickets for Christmas) I am all about keeping it simple and inexpensive.

Holiday parties can still be festive and creative without being over done and complicated.  I personally love small plates, finger foods and sharing.  Serving your party tapas style can keep you from preparing a big meal, out of the kitchen and enjoying that glass of wine with your guests.

I have created some tapas plates with a holiday twist that won't leave your pockets empty.  All three recipes cost me under $50 to make, herbs, spices and condiments included!  Consider serving wine and beer instead of a fancy cocktail to keep things simple and cost effective.  I've paired one of my favorite Spanish wines that I purchased for under $15 and Greg has suggested to try a great pilsner like this one!  

Now, what to wear to this festive tapas holiday party?  Check out Erica's amazing budget-friendly Lookbook (Did I mention she's a personal stylist for Keaton Row and it's free to have her style you?) created just for you (and me)!

Cheers and Happy Holidays!!

Maple Thyme Barbecue Meatballs

Ingredients
1-1/2 lb ground beef
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup ketchup
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup maple syrup
2 teaspoons lemon juice
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped

Over medium heat in a large sauce pan, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, maple syrup, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce and 2 tablespoons of fresh thyme.  Stir until the sugar has melted.  Continue cooking until the sauce comes to a low boil.  Reduce the heat to low, cover and allow to simmer for 10 minutes.  Remove from the burner and set aside.

In a large mixing bowl combine the ground beef, garlic and onions.  Add the salt, pepper, cayenne pepper and 1 tablespoon olive oil.  Stir to combine.  Roll the mixture into 1 inch balls.

In a large cast iron or non stick pan heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium high heat.  Place the meatballs in the pan and cook for 1-2 minutes on all sides .  The meatballs should be about a medium rare.  Remove the meatballs from the pan and place in the pan with the maple thyme barbecue sauce.  Simmer the meatballs and sauce over low heat for about 10 minutes.  Serve hot and garnish with remaining teaspoon of fresh thyme.  Makes 25-30 meatballs.

Note:  To keep the meatballs warm during a party, place them in a small crock pot on the warm setting.



Chipotle Goat Cheese Stuffed Baby Bell Peppers


Ingredients
10 baby bell peppers
8 ounces soft goat cheese, room temperature
1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, roughly chopped
1 bulb garlic, roasted
Ground black pepper to taste
1 tablespoons chives, chopped

In a small food processor combine the goat cheese, chipotle pepper and roasted garlic.  Season with ground black pepper if desired and pulse to combine.

Cut each baby bell pepper into thirds or quarters depending on the size of the pepper.  Remove the seeds and membranes and discard.  Fill each sliced bell pepper with the chipotle goat cheese.  Garnish with the chives and serve.  Makes 30-35.



Holiday "Stuffing" Empanadas


Ingredients
2 puff pastry sheets, thawed
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cups crimini mushrooms, finely chopped
1 cup celery, finely chopped
1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup fennel, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon fresh marjoram, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
1 egg, beaten
1 tablespoon flour

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

Over medium heat in a large pan, heat the olive oil.  Add the butter and melt.  Add the onions and cook until translucent about 3-5 minutes.  Add the mushrooms, fennel and celery.  Cook for about 7-10 minutes, occasionally stirring.  Add the marjoram, rosemary and thyme.  Stir to combine and cook for another 2-3 minutes.  Season with salt and pepper.  Remove from the heat and allow to slightly cool.

Place the puff pastry on a slightly floured surface.  Flour the top of the dough and roll out the puff pastry until about 1/16 inch thick.  Using a 4 inch round cookie cutter cut circles out of the pastry.

Place 1 tablespoon of the vegetable mixture in the center of the cut pastry.    Brush the edges with the egg wash and fold the pastry in half making a half circle.  Gently pinch the ends together.  Using a fork press down along the edges sealing the empanadas together.  Repeat this until all the pastry is used.  Brush the tops of the empanadas with the egg wash.

Place the empanadas on a parchment paper lined baking sheet and bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown.  Remove from the oven and allow to slightly cool.  Serve with your favorite gravy recipe.  If you need one, here's Greg's favorite.  Makes 12-16.