Apple Bourbon Brown Sugar Boneless Pork Country Ribs

A wise man's heart inclines him to the right, but a fool's heart to the left.  - Ecclesiastes 10:2

An ej original recipe!

2 lbs Pork country ribs, cut into chunks

1 Grated Apple, I used honey crisp 

2 T olive oil

1 Onion, sliced

3 T Bourbon 

2 T Worcestershire sauce

2 t Soy sauce

1/4 c Brown sugar 

1 t Smoky cumin

1 t salt Smoked salt

1 t Black Pepper

1 t Smoked paprika 

1 c water

Season meat with salt and pepper. 

Brown in Dutch Oven and add rest of ingredients.

Cook covered in a preheated 350 degree oven for 1 hour, take out and stir.

Return to oven and bake an additional 30 minutes.

Stir again.

The meat should fall apart.

Serve over rice or on a bun for a sandwich.

Pork and Chicken Shawarma Mexican Pizzas

 1 But all this I laid to heart, examining it all, how the righteous and the wise and their deeds are in the hand of God. Whether it is love or hate, man does not know; both are before him.

2 It is the same for all, since the same event happens to the righteous and the wicked, to the good and the evil, to the clean and the unclean, to him who sacrifices and him who does not sacrifice. As the good one is, so is the sinner, and he who swears is as he who shuns an oath.

3 This is an evil in all that is done under the sun, that the same event happens to all. Also, the hearts of the children of man are full of evil, and madness is in their hearts while they live, and after that they go to the dead.

4 But he who is joined with all the living has hope, for a living dog is better than a dead lion.

5 For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing, and they have no more reward, for the memory of them is forgotten.

6 Their love and their hate and their envy have already perished, and forever they have no more share in all that is done under the sun. - Ecclesiastes 9:1-6

6 slices Pork Tenderloin, pounded thin

6 Boneless skinless chicken thighs, pounded thin 

2 large Onions, trim top and bottom so that it sits flat

4 wooden skewers 

Soft Corn tortillas 

Can of refried beans

Lettuce

Quesadilla Cheese

Fire roasted Salsa, recipe this blog under salsa

Greek Yogurt marinade for meat:

1 c plain Greek yogurt

3 T olive oil

3 T roasted garlic

1 T coriander 

1 T toasted cumin

1 T cardamom 

1/2 t Aleppo pepper

2 t smoked paprika

2 t salt

1/2 t black pepper

1/2 of a lemon squeezed 

1 t sumac

Marinate 24 hours.

Cover large pan with foil.

Remove oven racks except lowest one.

Preheat oven to 400.

Take onions and stick skewer in leaving point up.

Remove meat from marinade and place on skewers.

Bake 1 hour.

If you want the meat more crispy, remove from skewers and spread out on the same pan.

Put under broiler.

Remove meat to cutting board and chop.

Preparing tortillas:

Dry out tortillas in a preheated 350 degree oven.

Put 1/4 c olive oil in small skillet and heat to medium.

Fry tortillas until crispy and push down with tongs, flip.

Salt and drain on paper towels.

Assemble, begin layers with refried beans, meat, cooked onions, lettuce, cheese and salsa.

The kids loved these!!! They ate 3 each! 

Lazy Man's Quick Sticky Buns

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." - John 16:33

1 package frozen puff pastry, thawed

Clarified butter

Cinnamon 

Sugar

Crushed smoked almonds 

Lay dough on parchment.

Cover dough with parchment.

Roll the dough out just to thin out.

Brush with clarified butter.

Sprinkle sugar and cinnamon over dough, enough to lightly cover dough.

Leave roll end of dough with no sugar mixture.

The seam won't stick together.

Add nuts.

Roll tightly.

Slice into 2 inch rounds and mash slightly.

Bake preheated 425 degree oven for 20 minutes.

Check for doneness. 

If they look doughy, add 10 minutes.

Rolls should be lightly browned.

Cream Cheese Frosting

1/4 of a bar of cream cheese, softened

3 T butter, softened 

4 T powdered sugar

1 t milk

1 t vanilla 

Using a fork, mash cream cheese and butter until smooth and combined, add sugar. 

Keep mashing to incorporate sugar, add vanilla and milk.

Spread on cooled cooked buns.

Apple Bourbon Mustard Pork Roast

8 For you have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling; 

9 I will walk before the LORD in the land of the living.  - Psalm 116:8-9

An ej original recipe!

This was ridiculous, so good!

1 pork roast, 4-5 lb., tied, fat side up

Smoked Salt 

Pepper

Basting Sauce

2 Apples, grated ( I used Honeycrisp)

1-1/2 c water

Boil and reduce to half.

To the mixture add the following:

3 t grey poupon mustard

2 T Bourbon 

1 T Worcestershire sauce

1 T soy sauce 

1/4 c brown sugar

Reduce until thickened, around 10 minutes.

Remove roast from fridge and bring to room temp for 30 minutes.

Place tied roast on pan fitted with rack.

Salt and pepper.

Roast 1 hour in preheated 375 degree oven.

Roast an additional hour basting with sauce every 15 minutes until roast reaches 155-160 degrees.

Remove to counter.

Remove ties.

Give a last coat of sauce and let rest 15 minutes. 

Slice and serve.

Angel Hair Pasta Salad

fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.  - Isaiah 41:10

2 c cooked al dente angel hair pasta, drain set aside

1 small English Cucumber, chopped

4 small tomatoes, chopped

1/2 c sautéed sliced onion rings, cooled

1 small can drained black olives

1/4 c Olive Garden Italian dressing

1/2 c grated Parmesan 

1 t seasoned salt

1/2 t Black pepper

Place dressing and cheese in bottom of bowl.

Place veggies and pasta on top.

Twirl with tongs to incorporate.

Greek Yogurt Baked Chicken

17 Let not your heart envy sinners, but continue in the fear of the LORD all the day. 

18 Surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off.  - Proverbs 23:17-18

8 boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut in half and pounded

24 hour Marinade

1 c whole fat Greek Yogurt, I love Okios 

3 T roasted garlic

1 T coriander 

1 T toasted cumin

1 T cardamom 

1/2 t Aleppo pepper

2 t smoked paprika

2 t salt

1/2 t black pepper

1/2 of a lemon squeezes 

1 t sumac

4 T olive oil

Mix well in a gallon zip lock bag.

Add chicken, massage around to coat pieces.

Refrigerate 24 hours.

Bake in a large foil pan.

Bake preheated 400 degree oven for 15 minutes each side.

Brown under broiler, each side 6 minutes.

Internal temp should be at least 165 degrees.

Filet of Beef Shawarma

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you,

5 who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. - 1 Peter 1:3-5

This made the best gyros!! 

3 large thick fillets of Beef, sliced thin and cut in half

Seasoning Spread

3 T roasted garlic, mashed

1 T coriander 

1 T toasted cumin

1 T cardamom 

1/2 t Aleppo pepper

2 t smoked paprika

2 t salt

1/2 t black pepper

1/2 of a lemon squeezes 

1 t sumac

4 T olive oil

1 c plain Greek yogurt 

3 medium onions, cut root off and top so they will be sturdy

3 medium tomatoes 

6 wood skewers

Large roasting pan covered with foil and a sheet of parchment 

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

Stick 2 skewers through onion.

Start adding the beef, spoon the seasoning spread on each slice of Beef, repeat until you have around a 4 inch stack.

Top with a tomato.

I made 3 stacks.

Roast 45 minutes.

Remove to cutting board and chop.

Serve on warmed pita or warmed tortillas with cucumber yogurt sauce, the grilled onion, lettuce and sliced tomatoes.

Cucumber yogurt sauce recipe this blog under dip tab.

Toasted Sunflower Tahini

1 "At this also my heart trembles and leaps out of its place. 

2 Keep listening to the thunder of his voice and the rumbling that comes from his mouth. 

3 Under the whole heaven he lets it go, and his lightning to the corners of the earth. 

4 After it his voice roars; he thunders with his majestic voice, and he does not restrain the lightnings when his voice is heard. 

5 God thunders wondrously with his voice; he does great things that we cannot comprehend. 

6 For to the snow he says, 'Fall on the earth,' likewise to the downpour, his mighty downpour. 

7 He seals up the hand of every man, that all men whom he made may know it.  - Job 37:1-7

1 c shelled sunflower seeds, dry toasted in a skillet ( these will burn so keep them low, stir with a wooden spoon continuously

Set aside to cool.

In a food processor, add seeds, then begin with 3 T of olive oil.

Pulse until smooth adding a little oil at a time only if necessary.

Your paste should be smooth and have a roasted nutty smell. 

Mine resembled a thicken version of peanut butter.

Place in airtight container and refrigerate. 

Will keep a few weeks.

Roasted Red Pepper Hummus

26 Help me, O LORD my God! Save me according to your steadfast love! 

27 Let them know that this is your hand; you, O LORD, have done it!  - Psalm 109:26-27

2 T tahini, I made my own using sunflower seeds I toasted, recipe this blog under dip tab

4-6 T tap water

2 T olive oil

1/2 t toasted cumin

1/2 t kosher salt

1/2 t sumac

3 T roasted garlic, mashed

Juice of a 1/2 of lemon

1 can 15 oz size of garbanzo beans, drain and rinsed

Topping

1 t light Olive oil 

1/2 Bell pepper cut in strips, roasted in a splash of olive oil and chopped, set aside

1/2 t sumac

Add all ingredients to food processor except garbanzo beans.

Pulse until smooth, then add beans. 

Pulse 3-4 minutes, stopping to scrape down sides of bowl.

When it's smooth, add to a bowl and top with peppers and oil.

This was delicious! 

Eat with taco chips, pita chips or raw veggies!

Chicken Shawarma

1 Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.

2 Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

3 For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.

4 But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor.

5 For each will have to bear his own load.

6 Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches.

7 Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.

8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.

9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.

10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. - Galatians 6:1-10

8 Boneless Chicken Thighs, cut in half and slightly pounded

2 large onions

4 Wood skewers

Marinade

3 T roasted garlic

1 T coriander 

1 T toasted cumin

1 T cardamom 

1/2 t Aleppo pepper

2 t smoked paprika

2 t salt

1/2 t black pepper

1/2 of a lemon squeezes 

1 t sumac

4 T olive oil

1 c plain Greek yogurt 

Add to Gallon zip bag.

Marinate for at least 24 hours.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees

Take 2 large onions and cut top and bottom to even up so it will sit sturdy.

Take a couple of wooden skewers and stick through the middle. 

Place 1/2 of thighs on each skewer.

Cover flat pan with parchment. 

Roast for 1 hour.

Chicken should be 165 degrees, if not roast a little longer and check again.

Chop, serve on pita bread with cucumber sauce, lettuce and tomatoes.

Delicious!

Cucumber Yogurt Sauce

1 c Greek yogurt

1/2 of a English Cucumber seeded and diced

Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 t sugar, can add more

1 t dill

1 t cumin

1/2 t smoked paprika 

1 T roasted garlic

1 T Lemon juice

Mix well and refrigerate!