Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sandwiches

A very Happy Birthday to the Quiet Man today. This is a big one, folks. The big 4-0. I've been telling him for the last decade that he was almost forty, just to ruffle his feathers, so now what will I say to tease him? He's almost fifty? And to top it off.....My little boy West was coloring a birthday card and approached me with two crayons in his hand asking, "What color is Daddy's hair?" I wasn't sure how to answer. I think he already knew the answer anyway. One of the crayons in his little fist was brown, and the other was gray. I told West that in the interest of historical accuracy he'd better use both crayons. Since his Dad is just a mere decade away from 50, he'd better get used to the idea. (Besides, he really does look rather dashing with gray hair.)

And now, on to the food. You're really going to heart this one. It's a big sloppy pulled pork sandwich, dripping with savory and sweet juices, with a nice crisp and creamy slaw on a homemade wheat roll. If you're busy, skip the rolls and serve them on bakery buns. I've been using pork chops in various forms quite a bit lately, especially since Albertson's keeps having 2 for 1 sales. They're cheap, fast, convenient, healthy, and can be made into all kinds of delicious concotions. Like this sandwich. Have a great weekend everybody! See you Tuesday with a scrumptious treat for TWD.
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Estimated Cost: $4.00

1 lb. pork chops

1/2 cup ketchup

1/3 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

2 tablespoons mustard

1 teaspoon or more tabasco sauce

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke, optional

Place all ingredients in slow cooker and cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours. Shred meat.

Cole Slaw

Estimated Cost: $2.50

3 cups finely chopped cabbage

1 carrot, grated

1/2 cup chopped green onions

1/2 cup mayonnaise or whole milk yogurt

4 tablespoons sugar

4 tablespoons cider vinegar

Combine all ingredients in medium sized bowl. Season to taste with salt and pepper. (I don't bother to mix the dressing separately.)

Homemade Wheat Rolls

Estimated Cost: $2.50

3 tablespoons warm water

2 and 1/4 teaspoons yeast

1 cup warm milk

4 tablespoons melted butter

3 tablespoons sugar

1 egg

1 teaspoon salt

2 cups wheat flour

2 cups all purpose flour

milk to brush on top

In the bowl of a standing mixer, combine water and yeast. (Make sure the water is baby bottle warm.) Let sit for five minutes. The yeast should be dissolved and starting to puff up. To the same bowl add milk, butter, sugar, egg and salt. Beat for one minute. Add wheat flour, then white flour about 1/2 cup at a time. Knead for about ten minutes. Shape into a ball. Coat the outside of ball with a thin layer of butter and return to bowl. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and let dough rise until doubled, about one hour. Grease a cookie sheet. Shape dough into 12 equal size balls. Place on cookie sheet and cover with plastic wrap and let rise until doubled, about 45 minutes. Preheat oven to 375. Brush rolls with milk. Bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until nicely browned.

PS These rolls are insanely good plain with just a slick of butter.

Next Up: Split Level Puddings