Pulled Pork with Root Beer Sauce

I was trying to think of a recipe to post that I make a lot. This one was originally from Better Homes and Gardens, but I kind of came up with my own variation. I watch for pork roast to go on sale at the grocery store and then I buy one to make it. I typically serve it on buns with coleslaw and corn cake on the side.

Pulled Pork with Root Beer Sauce

1 2 1/2-3 lb. pork sirloin roast (I actually like to buy Hatfield Peppercorn marinated ones.)
Seasoning Salt (The one I have has salt, pepper, garlic, paprika, etc.)
1 Tbsp. cooking oil
2 onions, cut into wedges (I use Vidalia or Spanish Sweet.)
2 Tbsp. minced garlic
3 c. root beer (not diet)
1 c. bottled chili sauce

1. If you use the peppercorn meat, you can skip the seasoning salt. Otherwise, season the outside of the roast with seasoning salt, brown meat on all sides in hot oil in skillet.

2. Transfer meat to slow cooker. Add onions, garlic, chili sauce and root beer on top of meat.

3. Cover and cook on low-heat setting for 8-10 hours.

4. When finished cooking, use 2 forks to pull meat apart into shreds.

5. Serve on buns by itself or with barbecue sauce.

This recipe is really easy and the leftovers are even better than the first time you serve it. Yum!

Ideas for Freezer Recipes

I was wondering if anyone has any ideas for freezer recipes? I started thinking about this on Sunday because there is a couple from our church who is going through kidney transplant surgery this week (the wife is donating to her husband). They will both be laid up for a few weeks and need meals during that time. You could remember them in prayer on Wednesday, that is when the procedure is being done.
I found a great recipe for a version of "Shepherd's Pie" a couple of months back that I thought might work. Here is the link, just in case you are interested. . .

http://www.kraftfoods.com/main.aspx?s=recipe&m=recipe/knet_recipe_display&recipe_id=69212

I thought some of you ladies might have some other ideas. I remember a friend from the Alpha Class cooking and filling her freezer before the birth of her second child so her family would be prepared. I remember a teacher friend awhile back who would cook once a week and fill her freezer so she didn't have to worry about "prep time" for dinner after school. I was also inspired by watching Kate on "Jon & Kate + 8" on the Discovery Health Channel, she prepared frozen meals for her family before she went in for surgery. I can't imagine cooking for a family of 10!!

Anyway, please, please, share your ideas! I am excited because our little chest freezer was sitting unplugged in our basement since January when we moved and we plugged it in today. I want to use it to freeze some meals for church members and have some extra's on hand as well.

Welcome!

Everyone likes to get new ideas for recipes and meals, right? I have found myself getting tired of the same old meal plan lately. I thought it would be fun to start this blog as a "recipe exchange" or a place where you can come and get ideas from others and contribute some of your own.

I have had a lot of ideas swirling around in my mind lately, such as. . . How can I save money on groceries? Are there recipes that are small-family friendly, less excess? (By the way, thanks Ruth, for your ideas) What are some fast, easy meals that don't require a box of Hamburger Helper?

I would love to have as many "contributors" as possible for this page, "the more the merrier!" So, if you would like to contribute by posting your questions for others, kitchen tips or good recipes that you have found, e-mail me at craving.ideas@gmail.com and I will add you as a contributor! Also, feel free to forward this to your friends/family and get them involved too!

If you would like to just comment and reply to posts that other's have made, this is an "open blog" and anyone is able to make comments!