Pulled Pork Tacos

Originally I was only going to have this as the recipe indicates - on a roll with cabbage slaw. After having it once this way (which was quite tasty) I noticed that the pork wasn't at all like a bbq flavor: just a nice pork.  Perfect for tacos!

The next night we had the leftover pork on corn tortillas with avocados, cilantro, lime, sour cream, and hot sauce.

Delicious.

Derek's rating: 10/10

Easy Brown Sugar Pork Chops

Easy Brown Sugar Pork Chops

I was at work today thinking, "Oh my goodness, I forgot to put something in the Crock Pot so we would have a nice meal tonight" I mostly felt guilty because I've felt a little under the weather and hadn't made a nice meal for Derek in a few days.  But then I knew exactly what I would try when I got home - Brown Sugar Pork Chops.  I combined a couple recipes, and added my own pinch of heat.  And it turned out fabulously! Derek approves, too.

2 Pork Chops
1/4 Cup Brown Sugar
1 Teaspoon Paprika
1/2 Teaspoon Salt (Kosher)
1/2 Teaspoon Course Ground Black Pepper
1/2 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
Nice-sized pinch of Crushed Red Pepper
1 Tablespoon Olive Oil

Coat your pork chops with as much of the rub as you can. 

Heat your olive oil (medium/high) in a large skillet or grill pan.  Once hot, add your rub-covered pork chops.

Cook for about 5-minutes per side.

Serve with potatoes, however you like them best, and your favorite vegetable.

I went with mashed potatoes and green beans. Yum!

Derek's Rating: 9/10

Tangy Mandarin Pork

Tangy Mandarin Pork

Ok, it really doesn't get easier than this! Which, today, was absolutely perfect.  We had a week off of school and I'm dead tired after my first day back of getting up, working out, and then teaching for 8 hours.  I don't think I could have handled anything more complicated.  It also helps to have an amazing husband who will dump it in the crockpot for you at the perfect time.


2 lbs Boneless Pork Chops
1 Green Pepper 
1 Red Pepper 
1 Bottle BBQ Sauce (I used Sweet Baby Ray's)
1 Can Mandarin Oranges


Chop up the peppers. Drain the can of mandarin oranges. Then, dump everything into a crockpot.  Stir so that everything is coated.  

Cook on low for 6-8 hours.

That's it. 

P.S. I know the pictures aren't as pretty, but I promise, it tastes yummy!

Changes for next time: More veggies! The sauce is really delicious on the peppers, I just wanted more! Also, maybe making the sauce just a tiny bit thicker (cornstarch, perhaps?).

Derek's rating: 7/10