Slow Cooker Pulled Barbecue {Slow Cooker Monday}

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~This recipe was originally posted in June of last year, however, I am digging it out of the archives in celebration of Slow Cooker Mondays.  Happy Reading~

Today on the blog.....Barbecue!!  Pulled Barbecue at that! 

Lately I have been on a Colorado kick, making meals and dishes from the kid's and I's lovely vacation trip up there back in May.  This recipe actually belongs to my sister, who in turn adapted it from allrecipes.com :)  Before I tried it, I really didn't think any other recipe would come close to the pulled barbecue that I have been making for 4 years (click here to view it).  Boy was I ever wrong!  Not only is this recipe simpler to make, it also is just as tasty as the one I normally make.   

My go-to barbecue recipe has homemade barbecue sauce made from the drippings of the pork after it's cooked...with beer being the main ingredient. In this recipe, the barbecue sauce is made from the juices of the meat, mixed in with any pre-made barbecue sauce of your choosing.  The original recipe calls for brisket, however, I looked high and low for some and could not find any...so I had to settle for using a 3.5 lb. pork butt instead.  Despite this slight change, it still came out wonderful :)  I debated tossing my other recipe and keeping this one, but Husband Man suggested that I keep both ;)  I think I will ;)  Make it for dinner this week.  I promise you won't be sorry ;)

Slow Cooker Pulled Barbecue

(Serves 8-10)

Ingredients:

1 tbsp. dried thyme leaves

1 tbsp. dried paprika

2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

2 tsp. salt

1 tsp. onion powder

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper

3 lbs. beef brisket OR 3 lbs. pork butt

1 tsp. liquid smoke flavoring

2 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce

1 and 1/2 cups barbecue sauce (any flavor, we used Jack Daniels Honey Smokehouse)

Directions:

1.  Combine thyme, paprika, pepper, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and cayenne in a small bowl.  Set aside.

2.  Rub brisket or pork butt all over with liquid smoke, then rub with the spice mixture. 

3.  Pour Worcestershire and barbecue sauces into a slow cooker and place the meat on top. 

4.  Cover and cook on low 8 to 10 hours if using brisket....if using pork butt...cook on high 8 to 10 hours...until fork tender. 

Recipe Source:  My sister and allrecipes.com

Korean Ribs {Slow Cooker Monday}

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Ribs!  Some love em', some don't.  I normally don't make them around here because Husband Man isn't a huge fan.

However, I wanted to put something different down on our menu this go round and these fit the bill.  

This recipe is what happens when you combine sugar and soy sauce with other ingredients.

I have to admit, I was pretty darn skeptical about making this from the get go.  Mostly due to the fact that it required 5-10 Jalapeno peppers!  

No.  That last sentence was not a typo.  You read that right.   5-10.  Not only 5-10....but 5-10 WHOLE ones.   My curiosity won again however and I pushed on with making them.

One may think (like I did) that putting that many peppers in this dish would make it spicy and hot.  Not the case.  It actually added a smoky flavor, like the original recipe stated it would.  And it made a nice compliment to the other ingredients that were in there.  

Husband Man stated that they taste like the popular Korean dish, Bulgolgi.  He was stationed in Korea many moons ago so he knows his stuff when it comes to that.  I, however, had to take his word on it ;)

The best part about this whole thing is....it's only 5 ingredients!  Genius huh?  

Make them for your family today ;)  

Korean Ribs

(Serves 8-10)

Ingredients:

1 package of beef or pork short ribs (we used half a package of long ones.  We just cut them in half to fit inside the crock pot)

1 cup soy sauce

1 cup brown sugar

5-10 Jalapeno peppers, whole...not chopped (we used 6)

1/2 cup of water

Directions:

1.  Place ribs inside the slow cooker.

2.  Place peppers all around and on top of the ribs.

3.  Combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, and water in a bowl.  Pour on top of the ribs.

4.  Cook on low for 8 hours.  

5.  Serve with rice or mashed potatoes, beans, or salad.

**Libby's Notes:  I ended up cooking ours on high for 1 hour due to the ribs still being frozen.  Then I cooked it on low for 8 hours. 

Recipe Source:  A Year of Slow Cooking

Red Hot Apple Cider {Ava's Corner/Slow Cooker Monday}

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I'm starting a new section on the blog called, "Ava's Corner."  

It appears that all the cooking that I have exposed my lovely daughter to has rubbed off on her :)  While raiding my cookbook collection one afternoon, she found the kid's cookbook that I had purchased for her last year.   

She came up with the idea of making a few recipes a month to share with y'all.  I thought it was a GREAT idea...so let's get started...

In Ava's words:

"Today was a great day.  We cooked the apple cider.  It was good.  So I am going to show you how to make your own apple cider."

First you're going to take your Hot Tamale's and allspice (not pictured) and place it in the slow cooker.

Then you're going to pour your apple juice (or cider) inside the slow cooker on top of the candy.  My mom had to help me with this step....

Lastly, stir everything together really good.  

Let it cook on low for 2-3 hours...until heated through and the candy has melted.  

The cider tasted great!  You can put a cinnamon stick inside for decoration when it's ready.  

Bye!!  See you later alligator :)

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I think she did an awesome job!  And just an f.y.i...she personally picked out this recipe to make for y'all.  I asked her which recipe she wanted to make first and this was the one.  Can't wait to see which one she picks next :)

The drinks would be perfect to make for the upcoming fall season or even for Valentine's Day.  Thanks to her, we had a little taste of "fall" in July ;)  Awesome!

Red Hot Apple Cider/Juice 

(Makes 16--one cup--servings)

Ingredients:

1 gallon apple cider or apple juice

1 and 1/2 cups Hot Tamales Candy (or more...depending on your taste)

1/2 tsp. all spice

Directions:

1.  Place Hot Tamales and all spice inside the slow cooker.

2.  Cover with apple juice or cider until the top is almost full.

3.  Stir until everything is well blended.

4.  Cook on low for 2-3 hours.

5.  Garnish with cinnamon sticks if desired.

**Libby and Ava's Notes:  This drink is best served warm.  

Recipe Source:  Adapted from the book, "Fix It and Forget It: Kids' Cookbook" 

Pumpkin Recipes

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How to Make Your Own Pumpkin Puree'

Pumpkin Swirl Loaf

Pumpkin Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Aunt Ruthie's Pumpkin Bars

Crockpot Pumpkin Spice Latte's

Spiced Pumpkin Waffles

Pretty Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Pumpkin Pie Pudding

Celebrity Cooks/Chef Recipes

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Paula Deen

Strawberry Pretzel Salad
Blackberry Muffins
Crispy Rice Candy Corn Treats

Slow Cooker Spaghetti Sauce

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~This recipe was originally posted in November of 2010, however, I am bringing it to the front of the line today as part of Slow Cooker Mondays!  Enjoy ;)  ~

Homemade spaghetti.  Or as my four year old likes to call it, spasghetti.  Yummy!  I can't think of a better way to enjoy the chilly fall season then to make this dish.  Over the years, I have had plenty of requests for this recipe and truth be known, this was the first dish that I ever posted on this blog ;)  I deleted the post though because I was not sure how to go about taking a picture of the dish.  Two years and a hundred posts later, I've decided to re-post it ;)

This is my go-to recipe for homemade spaghetti sauce.  I have made this dish for quite a few new mothers in our area because it is just so darn easy to make....and freezes very well.  I discovered it four years ago and it has become one of my favorites to make for friends and family.  Husband Man and I have yet to come across another recipe that tops this one ;) 

The original recipe calls for two different kinds of meat (Italian Sausage and Hamburger), however, Husband Man is not a big fan of Italian Sausage so I tend to just make it with regular ole' hamburger meat.  The spices in the recipe also can be adjusted to your individual taste.  

This is one rockin' recipe because it cooks in the slow cooker!!!  I cannot tell y'all how great it is to be able to mix all the ingredients together, throw it in the crock pot, and let it cook all day.  Love it.  Love it.  Love it. 

Try it out and see for yourself ;)

Slow Cooker Spaghetti Sauce
(makes enough to fill a 4 qt. slow cooker)

Ingredients:

5 links of mild, Italian Sausage OR 1 lb. of ground beef Or both

1 medium onion, chopped

1 small green pepper, chopped (optional)

2 garlic cloves, crushed or minced

29 oz. canned crushed tomatoes 

15 oz. canned tomato sauce

12 oz. can tomato paste

1/8 cup sugar

1 tsp. dried basil

1/2 tsp. black pepper

1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

1/2 tsp. Italian Seasoning

Half a jar of spaghetti sauce or marinara sauce (optional)(we tend to use Ragu's spaghetti sauce...half of a 24 oz. jar)

Vermicelli Noodles 

Directions:

1.  Brown sausage links and/or ground beef in a frying pan over medium heat until brown and crumbly.

2.  Using the same pan, add the onions, pepper (if you choose), and garlic.  Cook until the onions are transparent and the peppers are soft. 

3.  Place the meat/onion mixture into the slow cooker.  Combine the rest of the ingredients in the slow cooker until well mixed. 

4.  Cook on low, 8-10 hours or on high 4-6 hours. 

5.  Serve over vermicelli noodles and top with Parmesan Cheese.

***To freeze:  Place left over spaghetti sauce (without the noodles) in a Tupperware safe bowl or a freezer safe gallon bag.  Label with the date and freeze.  It should freeze for a good 2-3 months***

***To Defrost:  Place bag or bowl in the fridge overnight.  Heat in microwave or on stove top before serving.  Or you can place the bowl in the microwave on 'defrost' for a faster option.***

Recipe Source:  Compiled from various recipes off the internet

 

Summer & Barbecue Recipe Ideas

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Appetizers, Dips, and Drinks

Seven Layer Skinny Dip

Orange Glorious Shakes {Copycat of Orange Julius}

Cheesy Spinach Artichoke Dip

Sunshine Pineapple Coconut Smoothie

Soups and Sides

Slow Cooker Garlic and Herb Corn on The Cob

Summer Squash Casserole

MaMaw's Cooked Creamer Peas

4th of July Potato Salad

Backyard Garden Tomato Soup

Homemade Macaroni and Cheese

Main Dishes

Beer Braised Barbecue Pulled Pork

Grilled Marinated Shrimp

Pulled Barbecue Chicken

Slow Cooker Pulled Barbecue

Desserts

Cherry Kool-Aid Pie

Homemade Lemon Meringue Pie

Quick and Easy Peach Cobbler

Snickerdoodle Ice Cream 

Creamy Pomegranate Ice Cream

Jell-O Fruit Cocktail Dessert

Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars

Strawberry Jell-O Cake

Mama's Strawberry Pie

Lemon Apricot Supreme Cake

4th of July Apple Pie

Creamy Coconut Pineapple Cake

Spring & Easter Recipes and Ideas

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Easter Basket Cupcakes

Pretzel Butterflies

Jen's Deviled Eggs

Easter Recipe Ideas {Side Dishes and Desserts}

Sugar Cookies

Valentine's Day Recipes and Ideas

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Chocolate Chip Cookie Bouquet

Heart Shaped Buttermilk Pancakes

Chocolate Peanut Butter Hearts

Chocolate "Sin" Dessert

Double Chocolate Mousse

Buckeye Bars

How to Make Valentine's Day Gifts in a Jar

Valentine's Day Recipes and Ideas {From the Blog}

Sugar Cookies

Red Hot Apple Cider

Rocky Road Candy

Halloween, Fall, and Thanksgiving Recipes

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Sides

Mummy Dogs

Candied Sweet Potatoes

Drinks

Crockpot Pumpkin Spice Latte's

Red Hot Apple Cider

Minty Hot Chocolate

Breakfast, Biscuits, and Breads

Sweet Potato Biscuits

Mom's Zucchini Bread

Pumpkin Swirl Loaf

Candied Sweet Potato/Yam Bread

Spiced Pumpkin Waffles

Cinnamon Chip Muffins

Cinnamon and Pumpkin Spice Baked Oatmeal

Apple-Cinnamon Pull Apart Bread

Desserts

Scarecrow Cupcakes

Witches' Fingers and Peanut Masks

Homemade Apple Crisp

Pumpkin Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Aunt Ruthie's Pumpkin Bars

Cinnamon and Apple Bread Pudding

Oatmeal Scotchies

Paula Deen's Crispy Rice Candy Corn Treats

Sugar Cookies

Pretty Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
Pumpkin Pie Pudding

Misc.

How to Make Your Own Homemade Pumpkin Puree

What to Do with Thanksgiving Leftovers {Recipes from the Blog}

Thanksgiving Dessert Ideas {Recipes from the Blog}

Christmas Recipes and Ideas

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Sugar Cookies

Peanut Butter Buck Eyes

Peanut Blossom Teardrop Cookies

Peanut Butter Chocolate Cookies

Christmas Eve Soup

Christmas Breakfast Ideas {From the Blog}
Minty Hot Chocolate
German Chocolate Cake
Rocky Road Candy

Pizzas

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Recipes with the star sign (*) indicate our family's all time favorites.  The one's that have graced our dinner table over and over again. 

*Basic Herb Pizza Crust*

Three Cheese Vegetable Pizza

*Italian Cheese and Herb Pizza*

Basic Herb Pizza Crust

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It is order season down here in Louisiana.  Meaning the Military is once again, handing out orders to everyone and their mama.  And once again, our family got passed up for this cycle.  For the past 5 years, there was talk about us "possibly" getting sent to Minot Air Force Base.  Ha!  Never happened. 

Husband Man has attempted to put in and apply for orders to California...twice in the last 8 months.  We are still here.  He called me up the other day and told me that yet, another position has opened up in California.  He's thinking of applying for it....again.  And now we are doing the "should he or shouldn't he apply for it"...dance.  Weighing the pros and cons.  So grueling and so emotionally draining.  

It's been a roller coaster ride over here....so what did I do this past week to cope??

I made a pizza ;)

This recipe has been in the works for months!  I have made it four times so far, each time tweaking it a little here and a little there.  The combination of seasonings are just the right amount.  Not to spicy but not to bland.

My previous attempts at making homemade pizza crust failed miserably compared to this one.  Either they were to doughy/flour-ee or they just lacked that 'crusty' flavor.  Luckily my family and I can call off the search for a recipe because we have found it!  

Slow Cooker/Grilled Garlic & Herb Corn {Slow Cooker Mondays}

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~This was originally published in March of last year, however, I am dusting it off and re-publishing it again to add to the Slow Cooker Mondays feature on the blog.  Enjoy!~

Spring is officially here! I have to say, besides fall/autumn, spring is my most favorite season.  It's not to hot and it's not to cold.  It's just right.  Spring equals lots of barbeque's, blooming flowers, and taking the kids to the park ;)  It also equals 85 degree weather, huge, monstrous bugs (if you live down my way) and the start of those wonderful outdoor allergies that some of us are blessed with every year.  But why focus on all that?  Corn and barbecue.  That is what we need to focus on!