• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

I am a Honey Bee

All about my adventures with cooking, crafts, and travel

  • Home
  • About
    • About Me!
    • Press
    • Privacy Policy & Disclosures
    • Contact
  • Recipe Index
  • Exploring
    • Exploring- Florida
    • Exploring- Boston
    • Exploring- Cruises
    • Exploring- New England
    • Exploring- New York City
  • Resources
  • Disney Fun!

Meat

Pineapple Jerk Grilled Pork Tenderloin

August 18, 2016

Pineapple Jerk Grilled Pork Tenderloin

Don’t even get me started on how it’s already half way through August. I can’t even.

It feels like I just moved to Tampa in February, but it’s already been 6 months. It’s just crazy. Time flies when you’re having fun at the beach.

Pineapple Jerk Grilled Pork Tenderloin-01

In years past, hitting August would fill me with panic as it meant that summer was almost over and cooler weather would be setting it. I felt I had not yet had my fill of hot summer days, long nights, the hum of the AC, grilling, cold beers at the patio table, and trips to the beach. I loved fall but summer is when I feel like myself. When I can breathe, even when it’s so hot outside that you can barely breathe.

But now that we are here in Florida I don’t have to fear mid August. I am enjoying it because it doesn’t mean that there will be an option of snow arriving in 2 1/2 months. Yep, earlier recorded measurable snowfall in Boston was October 29th 2005. So yeah, I am glad to be done with that.

Pineapple Jerk Grilled Pork Tenderloin-02

But here’s the thing, no matter where you are or when it gets cold, there always is time to grill. So grill this weekend. Grill in 2 weeks. Shoot! Dust off the snow on the grill!

This Pineapple Jerk Grilled Pork Tenderloin is such a great option too! It’s a nice lean cut of meat that is quick to grill so it’s perfect for a week night meal. Want to enjoy it this week? Then marinate it while at work, once you get home take it out of the fridge to come to room temperature while you prepare the sides (while enjoying a glass of wine!) and heat up the grill. In no time you can have this dinner ready!

Pineapple Jerk Grilled Pork Tenderloin-5 Pineapple Jerk Grilled Pork Tenderloin-6

Pineapple Jerk Grilled Pork Tenderloin-7 Pineapple Jerk Grilled Pork Tenderloin-8

Pineapple Jerk Grilled Pork Tenderloin-9 Pineapple Jerk Grilled Pork Tenderloin-10

Pork Tenderloin is one of my favorite meats to grill up. Burgers are great. Chicken is great. But there is just something that I love about grilling up a pork tenderloin. I think it really is about giving it that char.

Plus that marinade… oh yeah baby! The pineapple gives it some great sweetness while the jerk spices pack that punch. I couldn’t resist adding in the fresh rosemary either since that goes so well with pork. In all, everything just works so well together

Pineapple Jerk Grilled Pork Tenderloin-03

Fire up your grill to enjoy this super flavorful tenderloin. The pineapple and jerk marinade packs so much flavor! yum!

Pineapple Jerk Grilled Pork Tenderloin-04

Pineapple Jerk Grilled Pork Tenderloin

Makes 4 4-oz servings

Ingredients 

  • 1 1-lb pork tenderloin
  • 1/3 Cup Pineapple Preserves
  • 1 Tablespoon fresh finely chopped rosemary
  • 1 Tablespoon jerk seasoning
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Process

  1. Trim any excess fat from the tenderloin. Place in a large bowl.
  2. Combine the rest of the ingredients and rub on the tenderloin. Let marinade for 1 hour at room temperature. (If you are marinating longer, then keep refrigerated and remove from the refrigerator to come to temperature 1 hour prior to grilling)
  3. Prepare your grill to preheat it to medium heat.
  4. Just prior to putting the tenderloin on the grill, brush the grates with vegetable oil. Place the tenderloin in the center of grate. Discard any remaining marinade.
  5. Cover your grill and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, turning every 1 1/2 to 2 minutes. The tenderloin is done when an internal temperature of 140 degrees F.
  6. Remove the tenderloin from the grill place on a cutting board. Tent with aluminum foil and rest for 10 minutes. Slice into 1/2″ to 3/4″ thick slices. Serve with your favorite summer sides.

Filed Under: Meat, Recipes, Summer BBQ Tagged With: grilling, jerk seasoning, pork tenderloin

Layered Taco Bake

June 28, 2016

Layered Taco Bake

We are almost half way through the week. yay!!!!!

…

Read More

Filed Under: Cinco De Mayo, Meat, Recipes Tagged With: layered taco bake, recipe, taco, taco bake, taco tuesday

Red Chili Beef

May 31, 2016

Red Chili Beef

So I can’t find my beloved sunglasses. I have looked all over. ALL OVER. For 2 weeks. And I can’t find them. So annoying.

Red Chili Beef-1

First of all, I need them driving to and from work every day so that’s annoying to deal with.

Second of all, I just loved the frames.

Red Chili Beef-2

I just ordered 2 new pairs from Firmoo. (Totally not sponsored!) I figure that since I ordered new ones I will now find the ones I can’t find. And if not, then I have 2 new pairs.

Plus, I mean, how could I resist?!?! They are having a BOGO sale now so I got 2 prescription sunglasses for $71, and that included expedited shipping. That $12 is so worth is since they just take 3-5 business days that way vs 2 weeks since they are from China. So worth it.

Red Chili Beef-5 Red Chili Beef-6

I can’t wait to get them and wear them 24/7, or at least when it’s sunny out!

Any who, I purchased a package of New Mexico chilies on a whim and they have been taunting me since then. I had no idea what to do with them, I just picked them up.

Red Chili Beef-7 Red Chili Beef-8 Red Chili Beef-9 Red Chili Beef-10 Red Chili Beef-11 Red Chili Beef-12

Well, I dove into the interwebs and found this awesome recipe for Red Chile Beef.

Now, don’t stress if you can’t get your hands on New Mexico Chilies, you can substitute California or ancho chilies. New Mexico chilies have a bit more heat but you’ll still have great results.

Red Chili Beef-3

I seriously can’t get over how much I love this sauce. It gives the tender beef so much flavor and a subtle richness. And the kicker is that it wasn’t hard to make at all. Just don’t touch your eyes… lesson learned! (duh!)

Be sure to give this a try so that you can enjoy it in tacos, enchiladas, burritos, quesadillas, and much more!

Red Chili Beef-4

Red Chili Beef

Makes 8 Servings

Ingredients

For the pork

  • 3 pound boneless pork roast/shoulder (or 3 1/2 pound bone-in)
  • 1/2 Cup beef stock
  • salt and pepper
  • 2 Tablespoons oil

For the sauce

  • 3 ounces (about 12) dried new mexico chilies
  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Process

  1. Prepare the roast by sprinkling salt and pepper on all sides.
  2. In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Brown all sides of the roast.
  3. Place the roast and beef stock in a slow cooker. Cook on low 6-8 hours, until tender and falling apart.
  4. While the beef is cooking, prepare the red chili sauce. Begin by removing the stems and seeds from the dried chilies.
  5. Fill a medium-sized pot 2/3 full with water. Add the chilies to the water, turn the heat to high and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and place a small plate on the chilies to keep them under the water. Cover the pot and let sit for 30 minutes.
  6. Place the chilies with 1/2 Cup of the soaking water in a food processor or blender. Blend until smooth.
  7. Press the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer to remove any seeds and remaining tough skins.
  8. In the pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until it just starts to brown, about one minute. Add the chili puree, cumin, and salt. Stir continuously while cooking for one minute or two. Remove from heat.
  9. When the roast is done cooking, remove the roast to a rimmed cutting board. Pull apart the beef with 2 forks, or by hand. Remove any big chunks of fat or gristle.
  10. Mix 1/4 cup of the slow cooker liquid juices from the beef into the (warm) red chili sauce. Discard the excess liquid.
  11. Place the pulled beef back in the slow cooker. Pour the sauce over the beef, stirring to coat. Serve or keep on “warm” or “low” setting until ready to serve.

Adapted from From Scratch to Plate

Filed Under: Meat, Recipes Tagged With: beef, red chile, red chili, slow cooker, taco tuesday, tacos

The Mega Goat Cheese and Slow Roasted Tomato Topped Burger

May 25, 2016

Mega Burger with Goat Cheese and Slow Roasted Tomatoes

I can’t believe that Memorial Day is coming up this weekend!!!

I am so looking forward to hanging out with my family. The 3 day weekend is going to be really enjoyed. Of course, it makes the preceding and following weeks crazy, but so worth the extra hustle to enjoy 3 days off in a row.

…

Read More

Filed Under: Meat, Recipes, Summer BBQ Tagged With: burger, Burger month, cheeseburger

Quick Meat Sauce with Zucchini Noodles

May 2, 2016

Quick Meat Sauce with Zucchini Noodles

So a few weeks ago Autumn and I went to a farmer’s market a few miles away from my dad’s house, where we are staying. We picked up a few things, but the big hit of the day was the honey we picked up.

She sampled a few kinds and picked out the kind that liked the most and every few days I give her a big spoonful of the local honey. It’s a special, healthy treat that is great for preventing allergies here.

…

Read More

Filed Under: Gluten Free, Meat, Recipes, Whole 30, Zucchini Tagged With: meat sauce, paleo, Whole30, zoodles, zucchini noodles

Pulled Pork Carnitas (Whole30 Compliant!)

April 26, 2016

Pulled Pork Carnitas

We’re a week into Whole30 and I am loving it.

And I might just kill you.

It all depends on any given moment.

…

Read More

Filed Under: Meat, Recipes Tagged With: carnitas, paleo, pulled pork, pulled pork carnitas, taco tuesday, Whole30

Extra Cheesy Baked Tacos

April 12, 2016

Extra Cheesy Baked Tacos

So right now, my life is super focused on work and pricing out the house that we want to build. It’s exciting and draining.

We really like the community that we are looking into and the house too. We’ve been hooked since we walked into the model of it a a different community. And even then we looked at hundreds of plans from other builders and are still hooked on it. The big struggle now is figuring out the finishes we want to upgrade. Well, I should clarify, we have our wishlist and now we are purging through to get to the finishes that we can’t live without and the ones that financially/logistically make sense to have in the house when we move in vs do on our own later on.

Extra Cheesy Baked Tacos-01

Flooring is the hardest part since…

1) we don’t want carpet for the look, cleanliness, and allergens

2) upgrading flooring from carpet to tile or hardwoods is $$$.

So we have basically given up and are opting for standard carpet in the bedrooms and in some rooms on the first floor. We’d love to tile the whole first floor and have hardwoods on the 2nd but our bank account says otherwise.

Extra Cheesy Baked Tacos-02

At this point we are working though another round of edits to get a better idea of what the house will come to and go from there. I am hoping to figure it out soon since building is a 6 month process and I really wanted to be in the house by Christmas. But, we’ll see how it all works out.

Extra Cheesy Baked Tacos-05 Extra Cheesy Baked Tacos-6

Extra Cheesy Baked Tacos-07 Extra Cheesy Baked Tacos-08

 Extra Cheesy Baked Tacos-09 Extra Cheesy Baked Tacos-10

Anyway it’s Tuesday so I have another Taco Tuesday post for ya.

It’s super special. It’s super cheesy.

Extra Cheesy Baked Tacos-03

While I am normally all about soft tacos, I had been craving hard tacos recently. So I just figured I would make them extra crunchy by baking them. And, of course, it just made sense to load them up with cheese that would get extra awesome in the oven when it melted. Yasss!!

Extra Cheesy Baked Tacos-04

Extra Cheesy Baked Tacos

Makes 10 tacos

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground turkey or beef
  • 2-3 Tablespoons taco seasoning
  • 1/2 Cup water
  • 1/4 Cup fresh chopped cilantro
  • 4 ounce can diced green chilies
  • 2 Cups shredded cheese, I suggest a ‘Mexican Style’ blend
  • 10 flat bottom hard taco shells
  • Toppings, such as diced tomatoes, sour cream, chopped green onions, olives

Process

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
  2. Over medium heat, in a large skillet, break up the meat while browning. When it has been just browned, but not cooked through, add the taco seasoning, water, cilantro, and chilies. Turn down and simmer on low until most of the water has been absorbed.
  3. Arrange the taco shells in a 13 x 9 baking pan, sprinkle 1 cup of the cheese in the bottom of all of the taco shells. Bake for 2-3 minutes, just until the cheese has begun to melt.
  4. Evenly distribute the meat into the taco shells. Try to leave excess liquid in the pan to prevent the taco shells from getting soggy.
  5. Sprinkle with the remaining cheese and return to the oven for another 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese has melted.
  6. Top with your favorite toppings and enjoy!

 

Filed Under: Cinco De Mayo, Meat, Recipes Tagged With: baked tacos, taco tuesday, tacos

Coca-Cola Carnitas

March 22, 2016

Coco Cola Carnitas

All of our stuff arrived today!!!!!

Coco Cola Carnitas_01

I was so dang excited when that massive truck pulled up to the house.

The shipment was 2 days late so I was not that happy since I had to take a day off of work for it, but I was excited to have our stuffs! Yay stuffs! At least we got a $200 credit, but now I’m behind in work. Can’t win them all.

But for the next 4 hours I played air traffic control to the 2 guys unloaded all our stuff to the different rooms in the house. A lot of that was tricky since we are not really unpacking everything since we are living at my dad’s house while we a house is built. So there was stuff that was from Autumn’s room but shouldn’t go there now since we didn’t need it for the next 6-8 months so that and then had to go in the garage/other bedroom WIC. So I was trying to mentally cull them out as the guys had boxes as high as me on dollies to roll into the house and unload. They were great with my directions and setting things up.

Coco Cola Carnitas_02

And I might have hugged my box of shoes when they were unloaded from the truck. I missed all my Sperry’s. Okay, I totally did! ha!

But the unpacking will have to wait since I have 3 (insane) deadlines next week and Price is already traveling for work. I think I need to actually work both days because of stuff to do and from having to take yesterday off for the movers. Yes, I know Easter is Sunday. Oh well, a deadline is a deadline. Plus, yay OT. I’m gonna have to treat myself some more Sperry’s for the spring.

Coca Cola Carnitas-5 Coca Cola Carnitas-6 Coca Cola Carnitas-7 Coca Cola Carnitas-8 Coca Cola Carnitas-9 Coca Cola Carnitas-10

Anyway, I made a big batch of these Coca-Cola Carnitas this past weekend which is helping us get through the week since it makes life so much easier when you don’t have to cook dinner at night. Plus, they are dang awesome.

They are great to serve to a crowd since you don’t have to worry about someone saying they are too spicy. They are perfectly seasoned and kinda sweet without you being like ‘eww soda!’ Trust me. Aside from a few Sonia Limeades, I haven’t had soda in a year and a half. So I sorta felt wrong buying it, but this might just have to be my exception to the no-soda rule.

Coco Cola Carnitas_03

We always get bone in pork shoulders since I love how the bone gives the meat just a bit more flavor and keeps it really moist. Okay, I could be making that up, but that’s what I think so let’s go with it. So, in this case, I just cut the majority of the meat off the bone and adding the bone to the cut up meat in the pot. Super simple.

The carnitas are really versatile, so be sure to enjoy them in tacos, burritos, quesadillas, rice bowls, salads, and on nachos. You’ll love making, and devouring, these carnitas!

Coco Cola Carnitas_04

Coca-Cola Carnitas

Makes 6-8 servings

Ingredients

For the Carnitas

  • 3 1/2 -4 pounds fatty pork shoulder or pork butt*, cut into 2-inch cubes
  • 3-4 Tablesoons Cup garlic powder
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 2-3 Tablespoons Canola or vegetable oil
  • 3 Cups Coca-Cola
  • 1/2- 2 Cups water
  • 10 sprigs fresh tarragon
  • 5-6 bay leaves
  • 6 sprigs fresh thyme

For Serving

  • Corn tortillas
  • Suggested toppings: salsa verde, diced onions, cilantro leaves, sliced radishes, lime wedges and sliced avocado

Process

  1. Sprinkle the pork on all sides with the garlic powder and plenty of salt and pepper
  2. Heat the oil over medium-high heat in a heavy Dutch oven or thick bottomed pot. Add the pork and fry on all sides until well browned, about 20 minutes.
  3. Add the Coca-Cola and water (there should be just enough liquid to cover the sides of the meat). Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Add the tarragon, bay leaves and thyme.
  4. Cover and simmer until the pork is tender, about 2 – 2 1/2 hours. The Coca-Cola will have caramelized and the liquid will just about completely evaporated.
  5. Transfer the pork to a cutting board and shred with your hands or forks. It may be preferred to remove some fattier bits as you shred the meat
  6. Serve with warm corn tortillas (charred over a flame) and toppings on the side.

*If you purchase bone-in pork shoulder, then you will want a large one to account for the weight of the bone, 4 – 4 1/2 pounds

Adapted from Chef Marcela Valladolid

Filed Under: Meat, Recipes Tagged With: carnitas, Coco Cola Carnitas, taco tuesday

B.L.T. Tacos

March 15, 2016

BLT Tacos

I literally can’t even with this week.

BLT Tacos_01

Mainly, I can’t deal with Instagram.

Who the hell do they think they are trying to mess with the algorithm?

Have you heard? If not, brace yourself.

They are planning on changing the way that you view your feed. Instead of the chronological order in which you currently see it they are doing to change it up so that you see the posts so that most popular ones appear first. I get it, IG stays that we miss 70% of our feed so this will help us see what we want to see. But no, just no. I like what I see, the way I see it. Don’t touch it.

I like FB, but part of the reason I really truly hate it is that they rank things for you and present to you what they think you want. I’m sure there are load of smart people that work there and they have this all figured out, but, again, no…

BLT Tacos_02

Part of the reason that I love Instagram is that it is a mix of the things I love… food pictures, baby pictures, dog pictures, kids clothing consignment. I just like to randomly scroll through it. But if they now edit what I see and how I see it I am going to be turned off by the whole damn thing.

I know that writing a ranty post about it is silly, but my week is crazy and this is just the icing on the damn cake.

Hey, Instagram… YOU DON’T KNOW ME.

BLT Tacos_05 BLT Tacos_06

In other news, my current approach to cooking is ‘just do it’ I’m all sorts of Nike right now, except when it comes to physical exercise since I have no time for it. And don’t even give me some BS about making time for it. I projected out my work week and I’m prob going to be close to 60 hours so don’t even.

Anyway, just do it…

Just cook up some bacon. Just cut up a tomato. Just toss some lettuce on a tortilla. Just slap your bacon on there. Just toss some tomato on there. Just, drown your sorrows in ranch dressing.

I used a thick cut pepper bacon and let me tell you, da bomb. Get some.

BLT Tacos_03

Just make these and just enjoy Instagram while you still can.

BLT Tacos_04

B.L.T. Tacos

Makes 8 Tacos (4 servings)

Ingredients

  • 1 pound of bacon, thick cut is suggested
  • 2 large tomatoes
  • 8 tortillas
  • lettuce, I used mixed greens
  • ranch dressing

Process

  1. Cut bacon slices in half. Cook bacon in batches until desired doneness. Place on a paper towel lined plate to absorb excess drippings.
  2. Cut tomato in thin wedges.
  3. Place a bit of lettuce, 3-4 pieces of bacon, a few wedges of tomato on a tortilla. Spoon a bit of ranch dressing on each taco. Enjoy.

Filed Under: Cinco De Mayo, Meat, Recipes Tagged With: BLT, BLT Taco, taco, taco tuesday

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Cuban Sandwiches- SRC

January 25, 2016

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Cuban Sandwiches

Get ready to sink your teeth into these babies!!!

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Cuban Sandwiches-01

But first let’s recap this weekend!

Since Price was gone this weekend in FL for interviews and to set up my dad’s house for our arrival in less than 3 weeks, it was just me and Autumn. I ditched the dog at the dog walker’s house so that I didn’t have to juggle him, Autumn, and the snow that really wasn’t here in Boston. So Autumn asked for the dog the whole weekend, which was heart breaking, but I’m sure that if she knew that having him around would have meant long walks in the cold in the baby carrier she wouldn’t have minded his little vacation.

Autumn and I did a whole lot of nothing. It was great. It was a live in your PJ’s and not wear a bra sort of weekend. Plus, we baked some brownies and a cake. And played with play-doh, thankfully we did not eat that. I had a friend over for dinner on Saturday after she went to bed and I’m just thankful that our constant laughter didn’t wake up Autumn.

As well, did a lot of snapping and chatting with a friend who is going through so tough times. Which, reminds me, hey dudes, how about not beating the shit out of your wives so you don’t get arrested? Good idea, right?! RIGHT!

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Cuban Sandwiches-02

Okay, now that that’s over, let’s get back to these awesome Cuban Sandwiches.

I picked this recipe out for this month’s Secret Recipe Club post because it sounded to easy and delicious. I mean, Rebecca had so many great recipes on her site, Making Miracles, so it was not a quick decision. I poured over a lot of recipes on her site, like her Blueberry Coffee Cake Muffins, Reese’s Krispie Popcorn, and Pizza Quesadillas. But I just had to try making my own Cuban Sandwiches.

Cubans Sandwiches are such great sandwiches!! I’ve had some really great ones but my most memorable one was when Price and I were on our Babymoon in the Florida Keys and we had one from Cuban Coffee Queen, shack like stand in Key West. It was totally awesome! We sat on benches in the sun while some random chickens ran around at our feet as we ate our sandwiches. ha!

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Cuban Sandwiches-05 Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Cuban Sandwiches-06 Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Cuban Sandwiches-07 Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Cuban Sandwiches-08

I never considered making Cubans before seeing this recipe on Rebecca’s blog, but it seemed easy so I just figured I’d give it a try. Plus, I’m so glad I tried it since I love trying something new. It makes me feel great to learn something new.

There are just 3 basic processes to the make this sandwich- make pulled pork in the slow cooker (simple!), assemble sandwich (simple!), and press & cook sandwich (simple!).

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Cuban Sandwiches-09 Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Cuban Sandwiches-10 Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Cuban Sandwiches-11 Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Cuban Sandwiches-12 Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Cuban Sandwiches-13 Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Cuban Sandwiches-14

So, I totally forgot pickles at the grocery store and I just couldn’t go back when I realized it while I was unpacking the stuff. I really just couldn’t go back, it would have been my 3rd trip to the grocery store in that Sunday. But I improvised the next day even before having to make another trip to the store, I went to the cafe in my office building and hit up the salad bar to get pickles. ha!!!

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Cuban Sandwiches-03

Once you’ve made these Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Cuban Sandwiches you will be hooked. So, now whenever you have a major craving for a Cuban Sandwich you will be able to satisfy it yourself!

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Cuban Sandwiches-04

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Cuban Sandwiches

Makes 10-12 sandwiches

Ingredients

For the roast

  • 1 2-pound pork shoulder or butt
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 Tablespoon white vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon oregano or marjoram
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the sandwiches

  • Sliced Swiss cheese (1-2 slices per sandwich, depending on thickness of cheese)
  • Sliced ham (3 slices per sandwich)
  • Sliced dill pickles
  • Rolls (hoagie rolls or something oblong works best)
  • Yellow Mustard
  • Mayonnaise
  • Butter

Directions

  1. For the roast, combine garlic, oil, vinegar salt, oregano, and pepper. Rub the pork with the spice mixture and refrigerate overnight.
  2. Cook in a crock pot on low for 8-12 hours with 1/2 Cup of water. Shred when
  3. To assemble the sandwiches, spread a thin layer of both mustard and mayo on the insides of the sliced roll. Layer cheese, ham, pickles, roast, and another slice of cheese on the bottom of a roll; top with other half of roll.
  4. Press sandwiches in a buttered panini press or under a heavy cast iron skillet until bread is crispy and cheese is melted, about 3-4 minutes on medium-high heat. Cut on an angle and enjoy.

Adapted from Making Miracles

____________________

newsrcbanner

Check out all the other great Secret Recipe Club posts HERE this month!

And be sure to check out my 4+ years of Secret Recipe Club posts!!!!

____________________

Thanks for visiting. Please leave me a comment to provide some feedback. I appreciate all the comments I receive.

Filed Under: Meat, Recipes Tagged With: cuban sandwich, slow cooker

Your New Taco Tuesday Favorite: Taco Pie

January 19, 2016

Taco Pie

So, let’s see what’s been going on?

Yesterday was my birthday. I woke up feeling great and went to bed with a cold. And my phone has been broken for like a week. I’m dying. Not from the cold. But because of my phone situation. Although I am questioning if one can sneeze their own nose off…

Taco Pie-01

And as I write that I realize how that is such a #FirstWorldProblem. But it actually is a problem. Like, since how I’m trying to tell my house and don’t have a working phone to talk to people. Yeah, that’s sorta a problem.

Plus, no IG surfing while on the bus. And I am missing out on sending and receiving ridiculous snaps with Amanda. Also, very important reasons to have a working phone.

Taco Pie-02

So right now I’m struggling with figuring out what to do about the phone situation. It’s a hot mess right now with contracts, data packages, new phone releases. I feel so conflicted about all the things.

But I am not conflicted about anything related to this Taco Pie. Nope, it’s going to be your new family favorite. I swear by the stars in the moon in the sky, I swear…

Taco Pie-05 Taco Pie-06 Taco Pie-07 Taco Pie-08

I first had this while in Florida last September. We headed over to my Dad’s friend’s house for dinner and they served Taco Pie. I was hooked immediately. And Autumn was hooked with their pool. We each have our priorities.

Taco Pie-09 Taco Pie-10 Taco Pie-11 Taco Pie-12 Taco Pie-13 Taco Pie-14

It is super easy to make. Super easy. And delicious. Super delicious. (I’m horrible. Blame the cold meds to prevent the mouth breathing)

I know everyone is all about that taco crescent wreath thing, but I wear this is better. Okay, so I never had that thing, but I can bet this is better since the toppings go ON the pie, not like with that wreath where the fun toppings get plopped in the middle.

My one suggestion would be that if you were thinking that keeping this around for leftovers then just serve the pie without the lettuce. Lettuce will get gross when it’s reheated, so no thanks. But tomatoes would still be cool on it.

Taco Pie-03

Taco Pie-04

Taco Pie

Makes 8 slices

Ingredients

  • 4 Tablespoons butter
  • 2/3 cup milk
  • 6.6 ounce box of mashed potato flakes OR 2 2/3 Cup mashed potatoes (omit the butter and milk)
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 1/2 cup salsa
  • 2 Tablespoons Taco Seasoning
  • 4 ounces of shredded sharp cheddar
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce
  • 1 cup chopped tomato
  • Other optional toppings: Sour Cream, Guacamole, Sliced Black Olives, Chopped Cilantro, Salsa

Process

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. In a medium sauce pan, melt butter. Add the milk to slightly warm. Remove from heat and add potato flakes, mixing well until incorporated. Press mixture into the bottom of a 10-inch pan. Bake for about 10 minutes, until it evenly turns a light golden brown.
  3. While the crust is par-baking, cook the ground beef and onions until beef is browned and cooked through. Drain.
  4. Add the salsa and taco seasoning. Cook until bubbly. Pour into the crust. Bake for 15 minutes, or until crust is golden brown.
  5. Top with the shredded cheese and return to the oven for another 2-3 minutes to melt the cheese. Let cool for 5 minutes.
  6. Top with lettuce and tomatoes. Cut and serve with additional preferred toppings

Filed Under: Cinco De Mayo, Meat, Recipes

Carne Asada Tacos with a Roasted Tomatillo Salsa

January 12, 2016

Carne Asada Tacos with Roasted Tomatillo Salsa

I think Taco Tuesday is my new favorite day of the week.

Sure, it’s not Saturday or Sundays- those cherished weekend days- but it has tacos. So that’s a total win!

Carne Asada Tacos with Roasted Tomatillo Salsa-1

Another win? I got my move date!!!

You see, back in November in a fit of I-hate-Boston-and-I-must-get-out-of-here rage, I walked into my HR office asking about my transfer and impulsively said that my move date was flexible since I was just moving into my dad’s house, not like waiting for a rental to start. So this info was passed on, and before Christmas I spoke to the HR woman out of Atlanta coordinating the move for Tampa. She mentioned that Tampa was interested in an earlier move date, as early as February 1st! ZOMG.

So then the holidays arrived and everyone was off and I had to anxiously wait for an official start date and offer letter. As the days ticked on I was getting more and more anxious about finalizing the date as February was just around the corner!

But alas, I got the call yesterday and I am all set up with my last day in Boston on the 12th and I start up in Tampa on the 15th! So 1 more month! I’m so excited, nervous, and everything all rolled up into one!

Carne Asada Tacos with Roasted Tomatillo Salsa-2

In related excited news, I am super excited to share this recipe for Carne Asada Tacos with a Roasted Tomatillo Salsa. Super excited.

There is a lot of excitement going on today!!!

Carne Asada Tacos with Roasted Tomatillo Salsa-5 Carne Asada Tacos with Roasted Tomatillo Salsa-6 Carne Asada Tacos with Roasted Tomatillo Salsa-7 Carne Asada Tacos with Roasted Tomatillo Salsa-8

The steak is great in this taco, but the real amazingness thing is the Roasted Tomatillo Salsa. You’ll be saying “I put that $#!% on everything!” like that old lady in those hot sauce commercials. It’s great on eggs, chicken, tacos, nachos, enchiladas… I could list it all out but the list would be as long as a CVS receipt.

Carne Asada Tacos with Roasted Tomatillo Salsa-9 Carne Asada Tacos with Roasted Tomatillo Salsa-10 Carne Asada Tacos with Roasted Tomatillo Salsa-11 Carne Asada Tacos with Roasted Tomatillo Salsa-12

While this is grilled recipe, I don’t think that it’s completely insane to share it now… in January. We regularly grill throughout the year in Boston, so I feel that these work for any time of the year wherever you live. And if you don’t feel like standing out in the cold at your grill, then just use an indoor Grill Pan. Or if you don’t have one of those, then just give it a quick sear on both sides, let it rest, and then slice it up. Super simple.

Carne Asada Tacos with Roasted Tomatillo Salsa-3

Take a bite of these Carne Asada Tacos and you’ll be transported back to the summer. Let’s skip this cold and just enjoy summer life with tacos. Forever.

Carne Asada Tacos with Roasted Tomatillo Salsa-4

Carne Asada Tacos with a Roasted Tomatillo Salsa

Makes 4-6 servings

Ingredients

For the Carne Asada

  • 1 12 -ounce jar sliced pickled jalapenos
  • 1 1 3/4 -pound flank steak,trimmed
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

For the Salsa

  • 1 pound tomatillos, husked and rinsed
  • 1-2 jalapenos, stemmed, sliced in half
  • 4 large garlic cloves, peeled
  • 1 large onion, peeled, cut into wedge
  • 1/4 Cup vegetable oil
  • 1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 Tablespoon honey
  • 1/4 Cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • Salt

For the Tacos

  • corn tortillas
  • thinly sliced radishes
  • thinly sliced fresh jalapenos
  • fresh chopped cilantro
  • lime wedges

Process

  1. Marinate your carne asada by pouring the jar 0f jalapenos in a baking dish and press the steak on top. Cover and set aside at room temperature for about 1 hour.
  2. While your steak is marinating, make the salsa. Halve or quarter your tomatillos. Place on a baking sheet with the jalapenos, garlic, and onion. Drizzle with olive oil, mix to coat everything.
  3. Place the baking sheet until a broiler for 4-5 minutes, until everything is starting to char. Set aside to cool a bit.
  4. Pour the roasted vegetables into a blender, then add the rest of the salsa ingredients. Blend until smooth. Store in an air tight container for up to 48 hours.
  5. When your seak is done marinating, preheat a grill or grill pan to high. Remove the steak from the marinade, pat the steak dry and then sprinkle with seasoning.
  6. Grill the steak for 4 to 6 minutes per side for medium-rare. Let rest for 10 minutes, then slice against the grain.
  7. To assemble the tacos, stack 2 tortillas on a plate,  lay a few pieces of steak in the middle, then top with salsa, radishes, jalapenos,  and cilantro. Squeeze lime wedges on the tacos right before eating.

Carne Asada  adapted from from Aaron Sanchez

___________________

This post contains affiliate link(s).

Filed Under: Cinco De Mayo, Meat, Recipes

  • « Go to Previous Page
  • Go to page 1
  • Go to page 2
  • Go to page 3
  • Go to page 4
  • Go to Next Page »

Primary Sidebar

EMAIL NEWSLETTER!

Sign up HERE for meal planning suggestions & tips to take a great trip!

Top Posts & Pages

  • Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies
    Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies
  • Easy Pepperoni Pizza Roll Ups
    Easy Pepperoni Pizza Roll Ups
  • New Haven Style White Clam Pizza
    New Haven Style White Clam Pizza
  • Halloween Dessert Charcuterie Board
    Halloween Dessert Charcuterie Board
  • Room Review: Cars Family Suite in Disney World's Art of Animation Resort
    Room Review: Cars Family Suite in Disney World's Art of Animation Resort
  • Meghan Markle's Zucchini Pasta Sauce
    Meghan Markle's Zucchini Pasta Sauce
  • Southwest Orzo Salad with a Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette
    Southwest Orzo Salad with a Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette
  • Easy Dutch Apple Pie Cheesecake
    Easy Dutch Apple Pie Cheesecake
  • Lemony Raspberry Zucchini Bread with a Lemony Glaze
    Lemony Raspberry Zucchini Bread with a Lemony Glaze
  • The Ultimate Weekend Away Packing List for Babies and Toddlers
    The Ultimate Weekend Away Packing List for Babies and Toddlers
collage of recipes of common ingredients
collage of soup stew and chilis bowls

Follow Us

Copyright© 2023 · Brunch Pro Theme by Feast Design Co.

 

Loading Comments...
 

You must be logged in to post a comment.