One of the great ways to force yourself out of the rut of always cooking the same thing is to let your shopping dictate your menus. This technique accomplishes two things…it not only expands your horizons food-wise and adds variety to your meals, but it also saves you a lot of money…a win-win situation.
Here’s the way this works…it’s simple. First, you get your weekly flyer from the local supermarket and see what’s on sale. It doesn’t matter that you never cooked a picnic pork shoulder (or even heard of one)…if it’s on sale for 49 cents a pound, you’re buying it. The next thing you do is get on the internet (I know you know how to do that…you’re here, aren’t you?) and search for recipes for whatever is on sale that week. You’ll be amazed to find that no matter what you buy there are about a bazillion recipes for it, at least one of which I guarantee you’ll want to try. After a while, you’ll start seeing which sites and blogs have great recipes that suit your tastes…bookmark them and make them your go-to sites. Remember that pork shoulder you bought for 49 cents a pound…well, here you go…see, it really works!
One of the great joys of cooking is experimenting and trying something new…give it a shot. The worst thing that could happen is you’ll save a little money and add some much-needed diversity to your dining.
I love my knives and, as incongruous as it might sound, a sharp knife is a safe knife. When a knife is dull, more pressure is needed when using it and that increases the chance that the knife will slip and do some damage…a sharp knife is not only much easier to control, but it really adds to the joy of food preparation.
Sharpening a knife using a sharpening stone is best left to professionals. It’s a great skill to learn, but it takes a lot of practice as it’s tough to get the proper angles. The Accusharp Knife and Tool Sharpener is an inexpensive, safe and easy to use tool that makes knife sharpening a pleasure. It has diamond honed Tungsten Carbide sharpening blades set at the proper angle so you can’t make a mistake, and in about 10 seconds, you have a nice, sharp edge.
The are a lot of myths and facts about knife sharpening, but if you use the right knife for the job and you keep it sharp, you’ll find food prep to be a pleasure.
This addictive Thai-inspired hot sauce, named after the seaside city of Si Racha, is made from sun-ripened chili peppers, vinegar, garlic, sugar and salt. The greatness of this sauce lies in the fact the it isn’t just hot…it has an incredible balance of flavors. Don’t get me wrong…Sriracha (sree-RAH-cha) does deliver some kick-ass heat, but it is also subtly sweet and tangy with great garlic undertones. It’s really versatile and adds flavor to just about any dish, but goes especially well in eggs, salsas, chili, mac and cheese, red beans and rice, and just about all sauces, dips, soups and stews…anything that needs a little, tasty kick. I always add a couple of squirts to my Tuscan Bean Stew right before serving. It’s available just about everywhere these days, and if you can’t find it in your local supermarket, you can get it here. If you like spicy, you have to give this a try…
This dessert is delicious, impressive and, best of all, deceptively easy to make. You can make your own cheesecake (here is a great recipe from Cook’s Illustrated magazine) , but even a good store-bought cheesecake works well for this enticing dessert. First, put the cheesecake in the freezer until it gets nice and firm. Then remove it and scoop golf ball size hunks out of the cheesecake and quickly roll them into balls before they start to melt. Insert a lollipop stick (you can also use wooden skewers) into each ball and pop them in the freezer for around 2-3 hours until frozen.
While the lollipops are freezing, prepare your toppings by crushing oreos, peanuts, pistachios, almonds, malted milk balls, coconut or toffee. Almost anything can be used, and it’s great to mix and match the flavors.
The next step is whip up a simple chocolate ganache, which is just a mixture of equal parts chocolate and heavy cream, where you bring the cream to a boil, remove it from the heat and pour it over the bowl of chopped chocolate and whisk it together.
When the lollipops are frozen solid, take them out of the freezer, dip them in the ganache, roll them in your favorite toppings and then immediately stick them back in the freezer to set (you should lay them on parchment paper so they don’t stick)…that’s it.
Just take them out of the freezer about 30 minutes before your ready to serve them (make sure they’re served very cold or they will start to drop off the sticks!) and arrange them like a bouquet of flowers…I guarantee your guests will be impressed!
Another one of my favorite unessential-but-cool to-have utensils, the Aerolatte, makes a great cappuccino and really adds to the enjoyment of your morning coffee. It’s fast, inexpensive, easy to use and simple to clean. One of the cool things I do is add flavorings to the milk before I froth. This morning I sprinkled in some cinnamon and a little sugar before I frothed and it made an amazing topping for my French Roast coffee. Also, immediately after frothing, I put the mixture in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds (keep an eye on it because it will expand quickly) and then top my coffee with it for a nice warm, delicious first sip to start the morning. It also makes a great gift (that’s how I got it…thanks to my sister) for any coffee lover.
These are a great addition to any breakfast, but with a couple of eggs and some bacon and toast, you feel like you’re having breakfast in a great New Jersey diner (and make no mistake about it…there are no better diners than Jersey diners). Extremely simple (and fast) to make…just 1/4 inch dice a russet potato and some onions. Then put the diced potatoes in the microwave, covered, for a minute or two (depending on the quantity) until partially cooked. Heat up a skillet (preferably a cast iron one), add a couple of tablespoons of vegetable oil and/or butter (and if you are cooking bacon, use about 1-2 tablespoons of the bacon grease instead of the oil to add tons off extra flavor), toss in the potatoes and onions, season with salt and pepper and let them fry, stirring occasionally, for about 4-8 minutes until golden brown. I use a cast iron bacon press to press them down between stirs so they crisp up faster and more evenly, but it’s not necessary. That’s all there is to it…try and you’ll agree it doesn’t get any better then this!
One of the great all time nonessential-but-cool-to-have kitchen tools is the cast iron bacon press. You use it to keep bacon from curling up as it cooks, and that makes it great for topping sandwiches (like killer BLTs, bacon cheeseburgers, grilled cheese and The Ultimate Breakfast Sandwich). Used in conjunction with a heavy, seasonedLodge 12″ Cast Iron Pan (an essential addition to any kitchen because of its excellent heat retention and diffusion properties), it’s also perfect for weighting down chops, burgers or steaks while pan-frying, which helps to keep more of the surface area of the meat in contact with the pan. This browns them more evenly and helps develop complex flavors and aromas via the Maillard Reaction, all while forming a tasty caramelized crust. The cast iron bacon press is magic!
I think this may be my favorite breakfast sandwich. It puts all those fast food breakfast sandwiches to shame and it couldn’t be easier. It consists of one egg over easy, topped with melted extra sharp cheddar cheese and crispy bacon on a soft roll.
One of the secrets to making the sandwich is how to get the cheese melted perfectly without overcooking the egg. The best way to quickly melt the cheese is, as soon as the egg is flipped, lay the cheese on top of the egg and drop a teaspoon of water into the pan next to the egg and immediately cover the pan. The resulting steam will melt the cheese in seconds. This technique also works great for cheeseburgers.
Another really cool tool to have in your kitchen is what’s called a bacon (or steak) press. One of its many uses is to keep bacon flat as it cooks…it’s especially good for the B in BLTs.
Do you love the taste of slow-cooked pulled pork sandwiches, but don’t have the time or energy to prepare them from scratch? This may be one of the best pulled pork sandwiches ever! Of the great all-time euphoric sandwich-eating experiences, a slow-cooked, pulled pork sandwich topped with my grandmother’s amazing Cole Slaw has to be right near the top of the list. The best thing about this pork recipe is it’s done in a slow cooker Crock-Pot. The prep is really simple, the cooking is low and slow (it can be done overnight), and the resulting flavors are really incredible.
Pulled pork sandwiches are a classic comfort food that has been a favorite of many for years. They are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or a backyard barbecue with friends. With a little bit of preparation, you can have a tasty pulled pork sandwich ready in no time.
One of the best things about pulled pork sandwiches is their versatility. They can be customized to your liking with various toppings and sauces. For example, just add some tangy coleslaw, sweet and spicy barbecue sauce, jalapenos or crispy fried onions. The possibilities are endless, and you can create a unique and flavorful sandwich every time.
The Secret
The secret to making the perfect pulled pork sandwich is slow-cooking the pork. Slow cooking allows the meat to become tender and juicy, while also infusing it with flavor. To make pulled pork, you’ll need a slow cooker. The process is simple: season the pork with your favorite spices and let it cook for several hours until it falls apart with a fork.
When it comes to seasoning the pork, in my recipe below, I included the ingredients for my Porkman’s Pork Rub, but you can get as creative as you want. I also always add a dash of old-school classic Colgin Liquid Smoke for a delicious smoky flavor.
After the pork is cooked, the next step is to shred it. This can be done with a fork, or you can use a handheld mixer or a stand mixer with a paddle attachment for faster results. Shredding the pork is important because it allows the sauce to penetrate the meat and gives the sandwich its signature texture.
Once you have the pulled pork ready, it’s time to assemble the sandwich. The traditional way to make a pulled pork sandwich is to use a soft hamburger bun, but you can also use a baguette or a ciabatta roll. Start by adding a generous portion of pulled pork to the bun, and then add your favorite toppings. My favorite toppings are coleslaw, pickles, onions, and jalapeños.
If you’re looking for a healthier option (and I don’t know why you would!), you can also try using lettuce wraps or whole wheat buns instead of traditional buns. This will reduce the amount of refined carbs and calories in your sandwich while still maintaining its delicious flavor.
How to Freeze Individual Portions
After I cook and shred the pork, I divide it up into serving-size portions (4-5 oz each), wrap each tightly in plastic wrap and freeze them. When I get that unmistakable craving for a delicious pulled pork sandwich, I just pop one in the microwave for a couple of minutes. Then I top it with some bbq sauce (Bull’s Eye Original Barbecue Sauce is my favorite for this dish), put it in a steamed bun, slap on some cole slaw and, in minutes, I’m in pulled pork nirvana with what is absolutely one of the best sandwiches ever!
In conclusion, pulled pork sandwiches are a delicious and versatile treat that can be enjoyed anytime, anywhere. By using a slow cooker or pressure cooker, you can prepare a large batch of pulled pork in advance and freeze it for later use. With the right toppings and sauces, you can create a unique and flavorful sandwich every time. So why not give it a try and see for yourself why pulled pork sandwiches are so popular? Just click Read More below to get my fantastic recipe. Read More …
One of the great ways to force yourself out of the rut of always cooking the same thing is to let your shopping dictate your menus. This technique accomplishes two things…it not only expands your horizons food-wise and adds variety to your meals, but it also saves you a lot of money…a win-win situation.
