Monday, October 31, 2011

Halloween Dinner: Pulled-pork sandwiches


slow-cooked (crock pot) pork shoulder
homemade barbeque sauce (see ingredients below)
chopped romaine
smoked gouda
sesame seed buns

corn on the cobb
criss-cut fries



Curtis's Homemade BBQ sauce:
4 cups ketchup
1 cup water
1 cup apple cider vinegar
1 cup brown sugar
6 garlic cloves (minced)
6 Tbsp. olive oil
to taste:
parprika
cayenne pepper
chili powder
hot sauce (louisiana style)
salt
pepper

sautee garlic in olive oil on medium until brown (1-2 minutes)
reduce to low
add all other ingredients and simmer for 1 hour
stir occasionally

refrigerate in pot until cool

transfer to container and refrigerate until use




Espresso-infused vodka


Ever have plans to go out but can't seem to get motivated?
Here's your answer!!!

1 cup whole coffee beans (espresso roast for a sweeter flavor)
the remaining bottle space (this is a 750mL bottle) of vodka
i used grey goose, but any mid-grade to premium vodka will do

take 2 shots about 5 minutes apart and you're ready to go!!

recipe ideas if you're averse to shots:

**white russian**
prepare a rocks glass with ice (preferably small cubes)
pour over
2 parts espresso-infused vodka
1 part kahlua
float of half & half or cream
stir gently

**espresso martini** (picture to follow)
2 parts espresso-infused vodka
1 part kahlua
1 part bailey's irish cream
pour all ingredients in shaker with ice
shake vigorously
strain into chilled martini glass
garnish with whole coffee beans or shaved chocolate if you're feeling frisky