Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Ka-Chow!

OK. So Riley is absolutely in love with this guy:



He will watch the movie and line up all of his characters from the movie and plays with them all day long. I am a total enabler! I am constantly on the hunt for the characters he doesn't yet have. horrible I know. He gathered all of his trains up the other day and brought them to me and said "no trains mommy". I think Lightning McQueen and all his radiator spring friends are here to stay awhile. So I was curious If I am the only one who indulges my little one with his obsession ( which clearly is becoming mine!) and If you do what is it? I know in the near future I need to stop, as to not make it a habit. But for now, Oh Well :0)

Saturday, March 27, 2010

Melt in your mouth Pork carnitas

I am always on the look out for new inexpensive tasty recipes. And ways to stretch my dollar. I came across this recipe in a book I purchased Awhile ago ( and use often). There are a few recipes in there worthy of passing on. This one is super simple, but because of cooking time takes a little bit. But it is totally no fuss. Let me know if you try it. It is one of our new favorites!


one 3lb pork shoulder ( at winco they call it pork carnita)
1 can lemon lime soda ( acts as a meat tenderizer)
2 cups water
2 teaspoons salt
12 8 inch tortillas warmed
salsa, sour cream or guacamole for serving


1. trim pork of excess fat and cut into 2-3 inch cubes. combine pork cubes in a large heavy pot with soda, water and salt. bring to a simmer over high heat, then reduce heat to low and continue to simmer, uncovered, for 2 hours. Do not stir.
2. after 2 hours, turn up heat to medium and cook, covered, until all liquid has evaporated and pork fat has rendered, about 45 minutes. Stir a few times, just to keep the pork from sticking to the bottom of the pot. If it starts to stick, add a little more water as you complete cooking time. When done, pork will be brown on both sides, and just a little liquid fat will remain in pot. pork will be so tender it will fall apart to the touch.
3. serve pork in warm tortillas with salsa or sour cream or guacamole.

that's it, super easy and soo yummy. it lives up to the name. melts in your mouth!