Fall-Apart Roasted Pork Shoulder with Rosemary, Mustard and Garlic

A super tender slow-cooked, marinated pork shoulder or butt roast recipe.  

I used this seasoning combo and sauteed some medallions of pork shoulder (left over from a pulled-pork taco night with the extended family) and it was DELICIOUS.  

Overview:

• Prep Time:  20 mins
• Cook Time:  6 hrs
• Marinating Time: 2 hrs
• Total Time: 8 hrs 20 mins
• Diet: Gluten Free 
• Servings: 12 People 
• Author: Katie Workman 
• Cost: $30

Equipment

• Food Processor
• Instant Read Meat Thermometer

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons chopped garlic
• 3 anchovies, rinsed
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons coarse Dijon mustard
• 1 6-pound boneless pork shoulder trimmed of excess fat and tied

Instructions

In a small food processor combine the garlic, anchovies, rosemary, salt and pepper. Add the olive oil and process until it forms a paste, scraping down the sides. Remove the blade and use a fork or spoon to stir in the mustard. Rub the paste all over the pork shoulder, loosely cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate from 2 to 24 hours.

Preheat the oven to 450°F and bring the pork to room temperature while the oven heats. Place the pork in a shallow roasting pan and roast, uncovered, for 30 minutes, until the top starts to brown a bit. Turn the heat down to 250°F and continue to cook, uncovered, for 6 to 8 hours until the middle of the roast registers 180°F. on an internal thermometer, and as you slide the thermometer in you can feel that the meat is very tender throughout. If there are juices in the pan (and I have found that sometimes there are and sometimes none) pour off the juices from the pan into a heatproof container, like a Pyrex measuring cup. Place this in the fridge, where the fat will rise to the top, while the meat rests.

When the meat is cooked, if you think that the outside of the roast could use a bit more crust/brownness, turn the heat back up to 450°F and let it cook for another 15 to 20 minutes, to give the outside a bit more of a crunchy texture.

Remove from the oven and let sit for about 20 minutes. Spoon the fat off the reserved juices in the fridge and pour the cooking juices into a serving pitcher or bowl (warm it a bit in the microwave or in a small pot if you like). Slice the pork as thinly or thickly as you like, knowing the meat will fall apart at least slightly. Sprinkle the sliced meat with a bit of salt before serving, and pass the pan juices on the side to drizzle over.

Notes

You can also make this recipe and others like it with a pork butt roast or Boston Butt pork roast, which are actually also from the shoulder area, a little further up, but essentially a similar cut of meat.  

Nutrition

Calories: 333.64kcal | Carbohydrates: 0.75g | Protein: 51.55g | Fat: 12.39g | Saturated Fat: 3.09g | Cholesterol: 136.68mg | Sodium: 539.9mg | Potassium: 869.92mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 0.04g | Vitamin A: 9.75IU | Vitamin C: 0.49mg | Calcium: 22.27mg | Iron: 2.17mg

Recipe from TheMom100.com

Marry Me Chicken

I couldn't resist making this for Mama, Papa and the Palmers the week after Laura and Patrick were married.  I added some white mushrooms to the original recipe, but otherwise it's straight from delish.com.

Chicken breasts are seared until golden, before being baked with a simple (but extremely satisfying) cream sauce that results in a chicken that's packed with flavor in every bite. Whether you’re making this for your partner in crime or special someone for an extra-special Valentine's Day, get ready for sounds of pure joy after the first bite.

Many of you have probably heard of Ina Garten's "Engagement Roast Chicken" before, but this, if I may say, is so much tastier. When Delish editors started devouring this dish, people started blurting out marriage proposal-adjacent praises for this creamy, savory chicken dinner ("I'd marry you for that chicken," and "OH MY GOD THAT'S MARRIAGE MATERIAL," were some of the favorites). Hence, the name and this dish were born: A chicken dinner so good, you just might get a proposal by the last bite. 

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp. fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
• 3/4 c. low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 c. heavy cream
• 1/2 c. chopped sun-dried tomatoes
• 1/2 c. chopped mushrooms
• 1/4 c. freshly grated Parmesan
• Freshly torn basil, for serving

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°. In a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, heat oil. Season chicken generously with salt and pepper and sear until golden, 5 minutes per side. Transfer chicken to a plate and pour off half the fat from skillet.
2. Return skillet to medium heat and add garlic, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Cook until fragrant, 1 minute, then stir in broth, heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, and Parmesan and season with more salt. Bring to a simmer, then return chicken to skillet.
3. Transfer skillet to oven and bake until chicken is cooked through (and juices run clear when chicken is pierced with a knife), 10 to 12 minutes.
4. Garnish with basil and serve.

 From Delish.com

Rice Paper Dumplings

These Rice Paper Dumplings are crispy on the outside, chewy and filled with flavourful goodies on the inside.

Author: Cooking with Ayeh

Prep Time: 15 mins, Cook Time: 5 mins, Total Time: 20 mins

Servings: 12 dumplings 

Ingredients

For 12 dumplings                           Single Serving (2 lg dumplings or 3 rolls)

• 20 rice paper sheets                  4 or 6 sheets
• 6.5 oz firm tofu                           1 oz
• 7 oz mushrooms                          1 oz
• 2 small carrots                             1/3 carrot
• ¼ small green cabbage                1/12 cabbage
• 2 spring onions (aka scallions)    2/3 of a scallion 
• 4 garlic cloves                              1 clove
• 2 tbsp soy sauce                           1/2 tbsp
• 1 tsp sesame oil                            1/4 tsp
• 1 tbsp olive oil                              1/4 tbsp
• Salt and pepper
• Ginger
• Oil for frying

Instructions

Prepare your filling by shredding the cabbage and carrots finely. Finely dice the garlic and mushrooms into small cubes.

Using your fingers, crumble the tofu into small pieces.

In a large pan sauté mushrooms for a few minutes in olive oil. Once browned add the carrots, cabbage,  garlic and tofu. When they’re half cooked and starting to soften, season and grate in some ginger

Add soy sauce along with a dash of sesame oil, stir through and take off the heat. Stir in chopped spring onions and set the mixture aside to cool down.

Make a dipping station with a tray of water, along with a wet chopping board or damp clean tea towel to wrap the rice paper dumplings on.

Dip a rice paper sheet in water for a few seconds and place on the damp surface. Add a spoonful of the filling mixture in the center of the sheet in a rectangular shape.

Starting at the bottom, fold over the rice paper sheet to cover the filling. Then fold the top of the sheet over the filling, then the same with the sides so you will be left with a square/rectangle shape pocket

Dip a second rice paper sheet in the water, place on the damp surface and place the pocket in the middle. Wrap the pocket the same way by folding from the bottom first and so on, to double-wrap the filling

Repeat this process until all the filling has finished

If not air frying, pan fry the dumplings in your preferred oil over a medium-high heat for a few minutes on each side until lightly golden.  If air frying, lightly brush with oil and air fry.

Serve with a dipping sauce.

Spiced Chickpea Stew with Coconut and Turmeric

By Alison Roman for New York Times Cooking

Spiced chickpeas are crisped in olive oil, then simmered in garlicky coconut milk for an insanely creamy, basically-good-for-you stew that evokes stews found in South India and parts of the Caribbean. While the chickpeas alone would be good as a side dish, they are further simmered with stock, bolstered with dark, leafy greens of your choosing and finished with a handful of fresh mint. When shopping, avoid low-fat coconut milk, coconut milk meant for drinking or cream of coconut: All are very different and would not be suitable here.

INGREDIENTS

• Yield: 4 to 6 servings
• ¼ cup olive oil, plus more for serving
• 4 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 1 (2-inch) piece ginger, finely chopped
• Kosher salt and black pepper
• 1½ teaspoons ground turmeric, plus more for serving
• 1teaspoon red-pepper flakes, plus more for serving
• 2 (15-ounce) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 2 (15-ounce) cans full-fat coconut milk
• 2 cups vegetable or chicken stock
• 1 bunch Swiss chard, kale or collard greens, stems removed, torn into bite-size pieces
• 1 cup mint leaves, for serving
• Yogurt, for serving (optional)
• Toasted pita, lavash or other flatbread, for serving (optional)

PREPARATION

1. Heat ¼ cup oil in a large pot over medium. Add garlic, onion and ginger. Season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally until onion is translucent and starts to brown a little at the edges, 3 to 5 minutes.
2. Add 1½ teaspoons turmeric, 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, and the chickpeas, and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, so the chickpeas sizzle and fry a bit in the spices and oil, until they’ve started to break down and get a little browned and crisp, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove about a cup of chickpeas and set aside for garnish.
3. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, further crush the remaining chickpeas slightly to release their starchy insides. (This will help thicken the stew.) Add coconut milk and stock, and season with salt and pepper.
4. Bring to a simmer, scraping up any bits that have formed on the bottom of the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until stew has thickened, 30 to 35 minutes. (Taste a chickpea or two, not just the liquid, to ensure they have simmered long enough to be as delicious as possible.) If after 30 to 35 minutes, you want the stew a bit thicker, keep simmering until you've reached your desired consistency. Determining perfect stew thickness is a personal journey!
5. Add greens and stir, making sure they’re submerged in the liquid. Cook until they wilt and soften, 3 to 7 minutes, depending on what you’re using. (Swiss chard and spinach will wilt and soften much faster than kale or collard greens.) Season again with salt and pepper.
6. Divide among bowls and top with mint, reserved chickpeas, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, and a good drizzle of olive oil. Serve alongside yogurt and toasted pita if using; dust the yogurt with turmeric if you'd like.

Mexican Black Beans

 

Serves 4

From Food Lovin Family

Ingredients

• 1 16 oz can black beans
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 cup diced onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 4 oz can diced green chiles (These can be omitted.)
• 1/4 cup cilantro
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

• Pour oil in large skillet or saucepan. Warm over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté until softened, or 4-5 minutes.
• Stir in garlic and cook another 30-60 seconds. Pour in black beans, diced chilis, cumin, salt and cilantro.
• Simmer for 5 minutes. Serve warm.

Slow Cooker Pulled-Pork Carnitas

 Yield: 4 to 6 servings                    Original recipe from the Food Network

Ingredients

• For Step 1:
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• Juice of 2 oranges
• Juice of 2 limes
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• Small pinch ground cloves
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• For Step 2:
• 1 medium white onion, quartered
• 6 cloves garlic, peeled
• 2 bay leaves
• 3 pounds boneless pork shoulder, fat trimmed, cut into 2-inch pieces
• For Steps 3 & 4
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup lard (I used butter and it was fine)
• For Serving:
• Soft corn tortillas
• Cilantro leaves
• Sliced jalapenos
• Pickled red onions

Directions

1. Add the chicken broth, orange juice, lime juice, cumin, chili powder, oregano, red pepper flakes, cloves, and 2 teaspoons kosher salt to a large slow cooker and whisk to combine. 
2. Add the onion, garlic, and bay leaves and stir to combine.  Add the pork and toss to coat. Cover and cook on high until the meat is tender, about 5 hours.
3. Transfer the pork to a large bowl with a slotted spoon and discard the bay leaves, onion, and garlic. Shred the pork into bite-size pieces with 2 forks, leaving some larger chunks, and season with salt and pepper.
4. Heat 2 tablespoons of the lard in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add half the shredded pork and press down into an even layer with a spatula. Cook, occasionally pressing with a spatula, until crisped and browned, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a serving platter and cover with foil to keep warm. Repeat with the remaining 2 tablespoons of lard and shredded pork.
5. Serve with tortillas, cilantro, jalapenos, and pickled red onions.
   

Pickled Red Onions

Ingredients

• 2 small red onions, thinly sliced
• 3/4 cup white vinegar
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 3 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
• 1 tablespoon Kosher salt

Directions

• Put the sliced onions in a medium heatproof, nonreactive bowl. 
• Put the vinegar, orange juice, lime juice, bay leaves, sugar, coriander and 1 tablespoon kosher salt in a small saucepan and whisk to combine. Bring to a boil over high heat and cook, whisking occasionally, until the sugar dissolves, about 1 minute. 
• Pour the mixture over the red onions and set aside until cooled to room temperature. 
• Serve at room temperature or cover and refrigerate up to 4 days.

Morning Glory Muffins

 

Prep time: 15 minutes

Ready in: 45 minutes

Servings: 12 smaller muffins

Ingredients

First bowl:

• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• 2 tsp baking soda
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg

Second bowl:

• 3 eggs
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup honey
• ⅓ cup oil
• ⅓ cup orange juice
• zest of 1 orange
• 2 cups grated carrots
• 1 cup grated apple
• ¼ cup chopped walnuts
• ¼ cup ground flax seed
• 1 tsp vanilla
• ½ cup dried cranberries or raisins + more to sprinkle on top
• ¼ cup pumpkin seeds + more to sprinkle on top
• ¼ cup sunflower seeds + more to sprinkle on top

INSTRUCTIONS

• Preheat oven to 425° and prepare muffin tins with liners and cooking spray.
• Into one large bowl add the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg. Whisk together and set aside.
• In a separate bowl, mix together the rest of the ingredients and mix thoroughly. Spend time here making sure the brown sugar is fully dissolved.
• Now, pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Using a spatula, fold everything together. Make sure to mix thoroughly to avoid any clumps of flour.
• Scoop the batter into each prepared muffin tin.  Add toppings. 
• Bake for 6 minutes at 425°, and then reduce the temp to 350° (open the oven door briefly to bring the temp down) and bake for an additional 17-19 minutes.   Remove from oven when you can poke with a toothpick and it comes out clean.
• Once baked, remove from oven and let sit in muffin tins for 10 minutes.

From Andy's East Coast Kitchen, with modifications.

Juicy, Tender Meatloaf

• PREP TIME: 15 min
• COOK TIME:  1 hour
• RESTING TIME: 10 mins
• SERVINGS: 6 servings

INGREDIENTS

Meatloaf Mixture:

• 1 lb. Ground Turkey or lean Ground Beef
• 1 cup Panko Bread Crumbs
• 1 Yellow Onion, diced
• 1/2 cup Milk
• 1 Egg
• 2 Tbsp Ketchup
• 1 Tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
• 1 tsp dried Parsley
• 3/4 tsp Salt
• 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1/4 tsp Black Pepper

Topping

• 1/4 cup Ketchup
• 2 Tbsp Light Brown Sugar
• 1 Tbsp Balsamic Vinegar

INSTRUCTIONS

• Heat oven to 375 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
• In a large bowl, mix together the ground meat, panko, onion, milk, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire, parsley, salt, garlic powder, and pepper until combined.
• Transfer the mixture to a baking sheet.
• In a small bowl, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, and balsamic. Spoon the mixture onto the loaf and spread evenly over the top and all four sides, using up all the mixture.
• Bake at 375 degrees F until the internal temperature reads 165 degrees F, about 50 to 60 minutes. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Pumpkin Bread

 

Ingredients

• 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1 1/2 cups canned pumpkin (12 oz.)
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/3 cup raisins
• 1/3 cup walnuts

Directions

• Preheat oven to 350°. 
• Grease 9"x5" loaf pan.
• Combine the first five dry ingredients in a medium bowl.  
• Whisk eggs, sugar, oil, and pumpkin in a large bowl.  
• Whisk the dry ingredients into the large bowl until smooth.  Stir in nuts & raisins.  Pour into loaf pan. 
• Bake for 70 min. or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.  Cool on a wire rack 10 minutes. Remove from pan and cool
• Can be frozen for up to 1 month.

Baked Cranberry/Orange Sauce

 

Ingredients

• 1 lb. (2 cups) cranberries
• 1 jar (12 oz.) orange marmalade
• 3/4 cups sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 cup chopped, toasted pecans

Directions

• Preheat oven to 350°.  
• Combine everything but nuts in a 13x9 glass baking dish.  
• Bake uncovered 45 minutes.
• Stir in nuts.

Keeps up to 1 week.

Maple Sweet Potatoes (make ahead)

Ingredients

4 lb sweet potatoes

2 tablespoons butter

1/4 (?) Maple flavor pancake syrup

Directions

Peal potatoes, chop into small pieces, and place in boiling water until tender. 

Add butter/syrup and mash or whip. Spoon into greased 2 quart dish. Cover and refrigerate.

To reheat: bake at 375° for 25 to 30 minutes.

Overnight Sausage Souffle

 This recipe was given to Elaine Garvey by Margo Conley in March, 1991.

Serves 6-8

Ingredients:

• 1 lb sausage links
• 6 slices white bread, crust removed, cubed
• 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
• 4 eggs
• 1/2 tsp. dry mustard
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 2 cups milk

Directions:

The day before:

• Fry sausage links.  Drain and cut (lengthwise) in thirds.
• In a buttered 2 1/2 quart casserole, alternate layers of bread cubes, sausage, and cheese.
• Beat the eggs, and add mustard, salt, and milk.  Pour the mixture into the casserole, cover & refrigerate overnight.

Next morning:

• Bake at 325 degrees for 45-50 minutes.  

Notes:  As you saw, I use a flat baking dish - I feel it cooks better.  I tripled the recipe for 14, and had a "little" left.

Sauce (optional)

• one 10 1/2 oz can cream of mushroom soup
• 1/4 cup sherry
• one 12 oz. can mushrooms (drained) or 1/2 lb. sliced mushrooms sauteed in butter.

Blend & heat gently.

Great for Xmas breakfast!  Good luck -

                            Love - Margo   1991