Al Pastor (Pork with Hot and Sweet Flavor)

Ingredients 1 tbsp olive oil 4 lb pork shoulder (boneless) chopped into a 2 inch chunks 1 pineapple (ripe!, can sub cans drained well as well), chopped into small chunks. Use only HALF for instant pot. Save other half for toppings on tacos or whatever. 3 tsp dried oregano 1.5 tsp cumin 1 tsp garlic powder 1 tsp garlic salt 1 tsp chipotle powder 1.5 cups chicken stock 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar 1 7-oz can chipotles in adobo sauce 1 small white onion 3 garlic cloves Instructions In food processor mince the can of chipotles/sauce, onion, half the pineapple and garlic. Add minced ingredients and rest in first section to instant pot. Cook high pressure and heat for minimum of 1 hour (preferably 1.5 hours). Release pressure. Remove meat shred, then return to pot. Ready to serve with whatever (tacos, enchiladas, quesadillas, etc.) If making tacos, also grab for toppings: ...

July 15, 2026

Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf with Spicy Ketchup

Ingredients ? cup spicy ketchup with a little sriracha added in 2 tbsp brown sugar 2 tsp white vinegar 2 tsp Vegetable oil 1 med onion diced 3 garlic cloves minced 2 large eggs 1 tsp dried thyme 3 tsp salt 2 tsp black pepper 2 tsp garlic salt 2 tsp dijon mustard 2 tsp worcester sauce 1/2 tsp hot red pepper sauce (like sriracha or hotter) 1/2 cup milk 2 pounds ground meat (half beef and half pork (can be italian sausage too)) ? cup crushed saltine crackers ? cup minced parsley Package of thick cut bacon Instructions Mix glaze (first three ingredients) and set aside Cook onion and garlic until transparent. Mix rest of ingredients (except the bacon) in bowl well using your hands. Form that onto a greased baking sheet to a meatloaf shape. Cover with and wrap with bacon. Cover that with glaze mixture. Add more spicy ketchup as needed, Preheat and bake at 350 for 75 minutes or until cooked through completely. Serve. Serving side suggestions: mashed potatoes, greens (brussels, carrots, etc.), rice, gravy, etc.

July 15, 2026

Carnitas (Mexican Shredded Pork)

example using the carnitas to make tacos! Ingredients 1 tbsp olive oil 4 lb pork shoulder (doesn’t matter if has bone or not, preferably not though for more meat) 3 tsp salt or more to taste 2 tsp black pepper or more to taste 1 large onion diced 1 jalapeno diced (do NOT remove the seeds, toss it all in) 5 cloves garlic minced 3/4 cup juice from squeezed oranges (just buy a couple oranges and squeeze them well) 1.5 tbsp dried oregano 2 tsp ground cumin 2 tbsp olive oil 1 cup water Instructions Put all the ingredients in an instant pot (oil and water then meat then rest of ingredients) High heat and pressure for minimum 1 hour. 1.5 hours total though is better and makes it a bit easier to shred Serve with whatever meal (tacos, enchiladas, quesadillas, etc.). This recipe is only how to make the carnitas themselves; please reference one of the other taco recipes in this book for more ideas how to use the carnitas

July 15, 2026

Swedish Meatballs (MD Special)

Ingredients 2 tbsp olive oil, divided 1 onion, diced well 1 lb ground beef 1 lb pork or sausage 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs 2 large egg yolks 1/4 tsp allspice 1/4 tsp nutmeg Salt and pepper to taste 1/4 cup butter 1/3 cup flour 4 cups beef broth (kitchen basics preferred) 3/4 cup sour cream Salt and pepper to taste 2 tbsp chopped parsley Instructions Heat some oil in large, deep skillet over medium heat and saute onion until translucent (2-3 minutes) In large mixing bowl, combine meats, panko, egg, spices, AND cooked onion. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well, make meatballs ~1.5" diameter meatballs and spread back on skillet with some more oil (should be ~24 of them) Saute meatballs until browned, 4-5 minutes. Transfer to paper towel lined plate In same skillet, melt butter and whisk in flour until slightly browned, about 1 minute. Whisk in beef broth and cook, stirring constantly, until slightly thickened, 1-2 minutes. Stir in sour cream and season with salt/pepper to taste Stir in meatballs and cook, stirring occasionally, until heated though and thickened, about 8-10 minutes Serve immediately Notes Leftovers go well mixed with beef stew Serve with something green by golly. Sauteed asparagus and a salad is nice

July 15, 2026