BBQ anyone?

I think it's safe to assume that most people like a good barbecue every now and then.  whether it's chicken, pork ribs, beef, meatballs- they're all good and tasty and give you that 'down home' comfort feeling that makes you wanna jump up and yell "howdy pardner!  it shore is a fine day to be alive!  yesssiree!"  okay, well maybe not. maybe it's more of a contented sigh as you lean back, rub your belly and notice a couple BBQ stains on your shirt staring back at you.  "darn tootin'!"

I do have to say that the best barbecue I've ever eaten is hands down at Lucille's.  but I can't be running down to Tempe or heading to Cali to satisfy my every barbecue craving.  so I peruse magazines and on-line food sites to find new recipes, instead.  and that's fun, too.

about a month ago, I was waiting in line at the grocery store (yes, I have been back since then) and in a weak moment picked up a slow cooker recipe magazine put out by Better Homes and Gardens.  I thought maybe it would inspire me to use my crock pot more, and it did...for about a week.  the two recipes I tried were fantastic.

yesterday, I was inspired again to pull out the crock pot and decided to try the shredded pork sandwiches with vinegar slaw.  I put the ribs cooking overnight and the meat just fell apart. it was definitely a tender moment.  *sniffle*
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here's the Pork recipe:

• 3 to 3 1/2 pounds boneless pork shoulder
• 1 cup chopped sweet onion
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 12-ounce bottle chili sauce
• 2 Tbsp packed brown sugar
• 2 Tbsp cider vinegar
• 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 Tbsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper

1. Trim fat from pork.  Place pork, onion and garlic in slow cooker.  In a medium bowl, combine chili sauce, brown sugar, cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, salt and pepper.  Pour over pork in slow cooker.
2. Cover and cook on low heat for 10-11 hours or on high heat for 5-6 hours.  Remove pork from cooker. Using two forks, shred pork, discarding any fat.  Makes 6 cups.
BBQ sauce recipe:

• 1 1/2 cups bottled barbecue sauce
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 2 Tbsp. yellow mustard
• 1 Tbsp packed brown sugar
• 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried thyme, crushed (if you crush dried spices it intensifies the flavor)

1. Place shredded pork in slow cooker.  In medium bowl combine the BBQ sauce ingredients and pour over shredded pork.  Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours.
Shredded Pork Sandwiches and Vinegar Slaw recipe:

• 2 cups coleslaw mix
• 1/4 cup cider vinegar
• 3 Tbsp honey
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp black pepper
• shredded BBQ pork
• kaiser rolls

1. In a medium bowl combine the vinegar slaw ingredients.  Toss to combine.  Cover and chill for 2 to 24 hours, stirring occasionally.
2. To serve, strain cabbage mixture, discarding liquid.  Divide pork mixture onto kaiser roll bottoms.  Top with cabbage mixture and roll tops.
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It seems like a lot of steps but basically it's 1.) cooking up the pork, 2.) shredding it, 3.) throwing the BBQ sauce on top and 4.) serving up the sandwiches with the vinegar slaw.

mm-mmm good.  and your taste buds will thank you!
y'all come back now, ya hear?
-happy thursday!