Here's To The Baconator

There happens to be a lovely girl (who dominates the kids class by the way) who is known as "The Baconator." She like myself, has a huge love for bacon. I saw the idea of wrapping meatloaf in bacon on Rachael Ray; although, she made hers with bread crumbs soaked in milk and various other poison's. I made mine squeaky clean, and I have to say it was delicious! This recipe makes a giant meatloaf and was enough food for 2 dinners for hubby and I, plus lunch for me...

Spinach Fire Roasted Tomato Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf

2# Ground Beef

1 C. Frozen Spinach- run under hot water in a colander and squeeze all the liquid out before measuring.

1 Can Fire Roasted Tomatoes- drained in colander

2 Eggs

1 Tsp Salt

1/2 Tsp. each Onion Powder, Garlic Powder and Pepper

1/2 Large onion- chopped finely

3 Cloves Garlic- minced

1 12oz Package Bacon

Mix all the ingredients together, excluding the tomatoes. Mix well and add the tomatoes last gently folding them in to keep them in large chunks.

Shape your meatloaf into a log on a cookie sheet



Cover with the bacon. I laid it across the top diagonally, slightly overlapping it. Lay strips of bacon around the bottom edge to keep the bacon from folding up on the sides.

Backe at 375 degrees for approx. 1 hour. I used a digital thermometer and cooked it until it had an internal temperature of 170 degrees. Once it is cooked through, turn the broiler on high and crisp up the bacon to your liking. I think the crispier the better!

Are you kidding me with how good that looks?!!?

Carnitas

You asked for it and here it is, more slow cooker meals! This recipe is so easy I almost didn't post it, but my hubby was raving over how good it is so I thought I would share it. We ate this plain and on a lettuce leaf taco style. I also made a simple veggie slaw and topped it with the warm pork and it was to die for! Maybe you will think of a special way of eating it, post your ideas to the comments.

Pork Carnitas

1 large pork shoulder

1 large onion

salt, pepper, cumin and chili powder

1 can diced tomatoes

1/2 jar of your favorite clean salsa

Place the pork shoulder into the crock pot and season with liberal amounts of salt,pepper,cumin and chili powder.

Add the tomatoes and salsa and top with the onion cut up into large pieces.

Set your slow cooker on low for 6 hours. a bit


Use two forks to pull the pork apart, taste to make sure the seasonings are just right and dig in!

Are You Sweet Or Savory?

I Personally am sweet, not only in personality(hehe), I have a huge sweet tooth! I am waist deep in my love for winter foods right now. What says comfort like a nice winter squash? My personal favorite is a butternut squash. It is so sweet and I feel that it can be used interchangeably with pumpkin. Its a super food and is great for a post wod re-fuel. So pick your poison are you sweet or evil I mean savory?

Step 1: For either dish is to peel your squash, use those muscles and your patience for this job!

Step 2: I like to cut it into round disc's, then cube it or cut it into strips from there, you can see both ways here.

We will start with the savory version first. I like to use the cubed squash for this. Take about 3 cups of the cubes squash and put it on a lightly greased cookie sheet. Pour over a few TBSP balsamic vinegar and sprinkle with 1 tsp. garlic powder, 1 tsp. paprika, 1/2 tsp. cayenne (you can leave this out I just LOVE the added spice) and a few dashes salt and pepper. Give it a quick toss right on the pan and put into a 375 degree oven for about 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes until the squash is fork tender.

Here is the finished product, it gets all nice and caramelized and is so tasty!

Now for the sweet this is simple and tastes like candy to me! Just take some of the squash and cut it into strips. Place on a lightly greased sheet pan and sprinkle generously with cinnamon and nutmeg. Add a little sprinkle of sea salt and put in the oven using the same directions as above.

Look at how good they look! They get a crust of tasty deliciousness and really are like candy trust me! I like to make a batch of both and snack on them throughout the week.