Old Farmhouse Roast Beef in the Crockpot

1 Beef Roast

1 pkg. Brown Gravy Mix

1 pkg. Italian Salad Dressing Mix

1 pkg. Ranch Dip Mix

Combine mixes in a bowl for good distribution of  flavors.

When purchasing a roast, allow 1/2 pound per person.

Look for good marbling, as it adds flavor, tenderness and juiciness.

The Bread and Butter Roast is one of my favorites.

Press seasoning onto both sides of the roast 

and place in crockpot.

Cook on low for 8 hours.

Add liquid if needed.

Allow to stand for 20 minutes before carving.

Serve with the Au Jus.

Pork Carnitas

Pork Carnitas

1 bone-in pork roast, 6 to 8 pounds

1 tbsp. coarse salt

1 tbsp. ground cumin

1 tbsp. ground black pepper

1 tbsp. dried oregano

2 tsp. ground cinnamon

1 tsp. cayenne pepper

6 to 8 cloves garlic, smashed

1 can diced tomatoes

2 cups liquid, beef stock, juice, or beer

Trim excess fat from the pork.

Remember to prepare your slow cooker with a liner.

Mix the herbs and spices.

Place all ingredients in the slow-cooker. Cook on low for 8+ hours.

The meat is done when it falls off the bone.

Let the roast cool enough to handle.

Shred the meat.

For Carnitas Tacos

Tortillas

Sour Cream

Cilantro

Radishes

Pineapple

Red Onion

Lime wedges

Prepare accompaniments.

Warm tortillas.

I used a little olive oil in my skillet.

Assemble with shredded pork and toppings of your choice.

Tuesday Tip of the Day ~ Planned Overs & Simplify your Clean Up

First, remember to use your slow cooker in these cold, dreary days of winter.

There's nothing better that coming home after a day's work and having dinner ready for you.

Next, take advantage of the sales at your supermarket.

Since protein foods are the most expensive items on your shopping list, you want to watch the ads and take advange of the best deals. 

Purchase a roast that is large enough for more than one meal.

These are "planned overs"... not "left overs".

for example:

Meal one ~ Roast with German Noodles and Salad

Meal two ~ BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Meal three ~ Hot Pork Combo with Mashed Potatoes and Gravy

Choose your rub with your nose...

if it doesn't smell good,

it probably won't taste good either.

And last, remember to use your slow cooker liner.

This makes your clean up a snap!

Pork Loin in the Slow Cooker

Select a pork loin roast, 3 to 4 pounds

The weather has been too hot to use the oven,

so I chose to roast the loin in my slow cooker.

Don't forget the liner for easy clean up.

3/4 cup water

3/4 cup red wine

3 tbsp. soy sauce

Seasoning of your choice, 

such as Kansas City Classic Rub

4 tbsp. minced garlic

Freshly Ground Black Pepper

Onion Soup mix is another seasoning option, 

in place of the KC Rub.

Place the pork loin in your slow cooker.

Pour the liquids over the roast.

Press the seasonings on the top.

Mince the garlic cloves and evenly distribute on the roast.

Season with freshly ground black pepper, to taste.

Cook on high for 4 hours.

Reduce to low, and continue cooking for 2+ hours...

Times may vary, depending on your slow cooker.

The pork is tender and flavorful.

Slice and Serve.

And the "planned-overs" (not left-overs) 

make excellent pulled pork sandwiches.