Rice has to be one of the best foods invented…EVER. Think about it:
I don’t think there is anything else that fits that quite as well as rice does. This particular dish can be made as a risotto or you can dump everything in the pan, cover it and just let it cook for a slightly more rustic texture. Continue reading
Filed under Main Dish, Uncategorized
I wanted to do something a little different for Easter. The celebration this year really wasn’t much of one. Half the family was off doing other things. A ham with all of the usual fixings was not going to be a great choice, and frankly I didn’t feel like fixing one. While I was shopping for candy I saw pork loin on sale and decided that might be a nice alternative. But… I wanted something besides the normal stuff…I just wasn’t sure what.
I remembered making a cola glazed ham years ago and it was good. The idea of a Coca Cola glaze was appealing but still not quite what I was looking for. I went down the possibilities…coke and lemon, coke and vanilla, coke and onion…. coke and chipotle…
Excuse me?
Coke and chipotle? Yes please. Perfect.
The roast comes out fragrant and beautifully colored; sweet with a fiery bite at the finish depending on how much chipotle you use. Brush your roast a couple of times with glaze during the baking process and don’t overcook it. Overcooked pork is dry and tough, pork cooked perfectly is buttery and tender. The rub gives it a nice crust and seals in the flavor.
You can make the glaze ahead of time if you like. This is an easy dinner and would be great done on the grill.
Spicy and sweet roast, glazed pork loin is a great substitute for ham. You can even make it on the grill for more flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
Filed under Meat
Shrimp should be marinated in a little vodka for one very good reason. It brings out a sweet, pure flavor in them that I haven’t tasted any other way.
Now, the odd thing is that, believe it or not, I don’t drink. A glass of wine once in awhile is about it for me. So, even if you don’t drink there is probably a place for alcohol in your kitchen. Continue reading
These are great…They are perfect summer food, as you can eat them hot from the grill, or later chilled in a salad or sandwiches. You can also broil these using the grilling directions OR bake them for about 30 minutes at 375, covered. 
(I hate writing from the library. Didn’t it used to be a quiet place??????)
Anyway. Marinate these for 24 hours prior to grilling. You can even put them in a marinade in a freezer bag and freeze them in the marinade and then take out at a later time, thaw and grill. Don’t you love versatility?
Serves 8
8 pork loin chops
1/4 c hoisin sauce
1/4 c soy sauce
1/4 c honey
2 tbs rice vinegar
4 cloves garlic minced
2 Tbs chopped fresh ginger
Combine ingredients except pork in a casserole dish or ziploc type bag. Mix well. Add prok and marinate for 4 to 24 hours. Make sure all surfaces of meat are exposed to the marinade by turning meat at least once.
Drain pork and discard marinade. Grill on a hot grill, 4-5 inches from heat source for 5-6 minutes per side, until juices run clear or until desired internal temperature is reached. You can stop at this point and refridgerate if you would like the pork for salad or sandwiches.
I like to top with chopped scallions as a nice finish and serve with an orange, red onion and lettuce salad, some crusty bread, maybe a nice fruity red wine, and Aisa’s apple tart for dessert woul be perfect!
The orange and onion salad is quite simple. You just tear mixed leaf lettuce, or lettuce of choice into bite sized pieces, add sliced red onions. Now, cut the peel and skin from an orange, clementines or blood oranges are great for this salad. Add gently to the salad.
Use about 1/4 c fresh orange juice, 2 tbs honey, 2 tbs vinegar (your choice in this, balsamic is nice, rice is nice..whatever you have) or to taste, and about 2 tbs olive oil. Shake in a pint jar until well mixed and add salt, pepper and freshly grated orange peel to taste. Do be sure to check seasoning and adjust to personal taste.
This is a fabulous summer meal to share with family and friends. And really, that is what makes summer special doesn’t it?
Be blessed this weekend!
Hi, and welcome to Restless Chipotle! Get ready to channel your inner tart and create irresistible delights! 
