Carnitas

I started using a Instant Pot during the Fall and I really like it.  I am still getting use to it but there are a handful of recipes that my family loves and it's super easy with the Instant Pot.  

My family loves Mexican food.  I am sure this is not super authentic BUT we like it and it's super easy with the Instant Pot.  

Carnitas

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 3lbs boneless pork shoulder, cut into chunks
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 3/4 teaspoon ground pepper
• 12 oz chicken broth
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin

Directions:

1. Set a 6-qt Instant Pot to the high saute setting,
2. Heat vegetable oil; season pork with salt and pepper.  Working in batches, brown pork.  
3. Stir in chicken broth (or beer), garlic, chili powder, oregano and cumin.  Select manual setting; adjust pressure to high, and set for 40 minutes.  When finished cooking, quick release pressure according to manufacturer's directions.  
4. Remove pork from the Instant Pot and shred meat using two forks.  Season with salt and pepper, if needed.  

This is great for tacos, burritos, nachos, pizzas or just by itself.  We have even tried our own version of a torta with it.  If you don't already have a Instant Pot I highly recommend it.  

Keep cooking friends!

XOXO

Teriyaki Chicken

My kids love Asian food.  But to be honest, my Asian cooking skills are limited.  I am about measurements and if you have watched Asian cooking you know there is not a lot of measuring involved. 

This is my go to teriyaki sauce recipe.  It's super easy to make and stores well the fridge.  

Teriyaki Sauce

Ingredients:

• 1 Tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 Tablespoon water
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 Tablespoons honey
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup rice wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic

Directions: 

1. Whisk cornstarch and water together in a small bowl.  This is for thickening the sauce. 
2. Combine the cornstarch mixture with brown sugar, honey, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, and garlic. 
3. Pour sauce into a small saucepan over low heat.  Allow to simmer while whisking.  Bring to a boil then remove from heat. 
4. Cook with your choice of protein. 

I have started dusting my chicken with cornstarch before cooking.  If you have not tried it you need to.  A little cornstarch give the chicken a little crunch that is a hit with the kids.  

Keep cooking friends!

XOXO

Cilantro Jalapeno Sauce

Cilantro is a source of iron, manganese, and magnesium. Plus, herbs are a great way to add flavor without calories.  

Cilantro Jalapeno Sauce

Ingredients:

• 4 jalapenos, halved
• 2 cups cilantro, stems removed
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 lime, juiced
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Directions:

1. Combine everything in a food processor.  

This dip is super easy to whip up and stores well in the fridge.  So make some burger and drizzle this on.  Don't forget the fries!

Keep cooking friends!

XOXO

Brownie

Dessert is a must in my house.  We are a family who likes our dessert.  This is a super easy brownie recipe that I love to whip up.  The best part about this recipe is it is all ingredients that you would normally have in your pantry.  

Brownie

Ingredients:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup all purpose flour
• 1/3 cup cocoa 
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 large eggs, room temperature 
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 teaspoon instant coffee
• 1/3 cup semi sweet chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350F.  Spray a 9 inch pan with cooking spray
2. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl.  Combine until you do not see anymore dry ingredients or egg. Pour into prepared baking dish.
3. Baking for 20-25 minutes.  
4. Let cool and serve!

Baby Girl loves to help make this.  I am working on having her measure out the ingredients and mix.  It's a work in progress.  But I am glad she is interested.  

Keep cooking friends!

XOXO

Better-than-sex- Cake

I have not made this cake in foooooooreva!  I use to make this cake back in the day for potlucks.  It's sooooo good.  

This bundt cake is super easy it make.  It a box cake recipe.  I am sure you can change the cake and pudding flavors around.  But you can't go wrong with yellow cake and chocolate.  

Better-than-sex Cake

Ingredients:
1 box yellow cake mix
1 box instant vanilla pudding (4oz)
4 eggs
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 cup water
1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips

Directions:
1.  Preheat oven to 350F and grease a bundt pan
2.  Mix cake mix, vanilla pudding mix, eggs, sour cream, oil and water.  Mix well.
3.  Stir in chocolate chips.
4.  Pour batter into prepared bundt pan and bake for 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
5.  Allow to cool in pan for about 15 minutes.  Turn cake out and let cool before eating.

I did not have mini chocolate chips and had to use regular chocolate chips.  The cake was still good.  BUT I am going to make this again with mini chocolate chips soon ... very soon!

Keep cooking friends!

XOXO

Cilantro Lime Marinade

New Year!  2020 was rough.  But we are ready for 2021 and ready to make the best of things and live our best life again.  With a mask, Clorox wipes and Lysol spray of course!

Starting the year with my favorite chicken marinade.  

Cilantro Lime Marinade

Marinade:

• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 5 cloves garlic minced
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon lemon pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup olive oil

Direction:

1. Mix everything together.  
2. Marinade with your favorite meat for 2 to 48 hours. 

The marinade is great on chicken, beef, and shrimp.  It's my go to for meal prepping.  Sometimes I like to double the recipe and save half in the fridge to make things easier.  

Keep cooking friends!

XOXO