Monday Meal Planning and Pulled Pork Dinner Three Ways

 

 On Monday I am putting the pork loin roast I got last week into the crockpot to make pulled pork BBQ. It is one of the easiest meals I make. I just put the roast in, sprinkle with seasoning salt and pepper and let it cook on low all day. Then when I am ready, I pull of any fat then shred the meat. All that is left is to add the BBQ sauce. You can use bottled BBQ sauce, or make your own.

 I am serving baked potatoes with my pork sandwiches so that everyone gets nice and filled up without eating a lot of meat. You can make them in the oven, in the microwave, or in the crockpot with the roast. The preparation is the same, wash and pierce several times with a fork. In the crockpot it will take about 3 hours on high or 6 on low. In the oven it will take about an hour. In the microwave it will take about 10 minutes.

I plan to use the BBQ pork in three different ways this week. One way is to make sandwiches, this allows you to use a thin layer of meat for maximum flavor on a bun to be the filler. I always keep a little BBQ sauce to spread on the bread. Another way I plan to use it is to copy a meal I saw on a food truck. Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese. Now I saw this on a food truck and they had a beautiful meal of smoked pulled pork over homemade mac and cheese for $9. I am planning on using my slowcooked pork over mac and cheese to replicate it for less than half the cost for the one meal. Once again the meat is used like a condiment instead of the main food, which is the mac and cheese. But that BBQ pork will add a lot of flavor. 

The third way I am going to use the BBQ pork is in tacos. I saw this idea on a cooking show and am excited to try it out. They served the pork in a tortilla topped with cole slaw. Im not sure how the kids will feel about the slaw on their taco, but will definitely eat it on the side.

Stretching meat is so important. My food budget is a constant struggle anymore, but hopefully there is some relief coming for SNAP and food stamp recipients. Here is a link to a story highlighting a 12.5% raise. That is good news, although it doesn't match the actual food cost inflation of 13.4%, at least it will give some people more breathing room. If you need help, please, please, please contact a local church and they can direct you to community resources that can help you.

 

 Homemade BBQ Sauce

• 3/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons light-brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon vinegar- white, white wine or apple cider
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, (optional) 

Mix all ingredients in a sauce pan. Cook until smooth

 
 

Monday-

• Breakfast- Leftover pancakes, banana
  
• Lunch- Thai Ramen, carrots and celery sticks, crackers
• Dinner- Pulled pork BBQ sandwiches, salad, baked potatoes
  

Tuesday-

• Breakfast- Oatmeal, banana
  
• Lunch- Ham and cheese roll ups, crackers, carrot and celery sticks
  
• Dinner- Cheesy White Bean and Tomato Bake, rice, corn, bread and butter
  

Wednesday-

• Breakfast- Oatmeal, banana
  
• Lunch-  PB&J Sandwiches, crackers, apples
  
•  Dinner- Pulled pork mac and cheese, green beans, garlic toast
  

Thursday-

• Breakfast- Oatmeal, banana
  
• Lunch-  Ham and cheese roll ups, crackers, carrots and celery sticks
  
• Dinner- Spinach and Mushroom Quesadilla, chips and salsa

Friday-

• Breakfast- Oatmeal, banana
• Lunch- PB&J Sandwiches, crackers, carrots and celery
  
• Dinner- Pulled Pork Tacos, cole slaw, chips and 5 minute cheese sauce

Saturday-

• Brunch- Fried egg and bologna sandwiches,fried potatoes and onions
  
• Dinner- Chicken Thighs, Baked Beans, Vegetable Casserole, garlic toast

Sunday-

• Brunch- Pancakes, homemade pancake syrup, scrambled eggs
  
• Dinner- Meatballs in Onion Gravy, mashed potatoes, peas, biscuits
  

 Have a good week!

~ Sarah