Sunday, January 25, 2009

Anyone for Cafe Rio?


For a couple of years now I have been trying to duplicate the infamous Cafe Rio Pork Salad. A friend sent me her recipe and so far this is the closest I have ever come. I made it tonight and it was delicious. Instead of cooking the pork overnight, I just cooked it all day. I actually didn't try the sweet rice because I had another recipe, but I posted it on here for others to try and then let me know if it is any good. Also, I cut the recipe in half on both the pork and the dressing and it made plenty. It could have fed 8 people easily. I am still on the hunt for the tortilla chips they put on top, but you can find the uncooked tortillas at Costco and then just melt cheese on them as they cook. Hope you enjoy! Let me know if you end up making it and what you think.

Sweet Rice:
1 Tbl. vegetable oil
1/2 white onion, chopped
1/4 bunch cilantro, chopped
1 1/3 c. white rice
3 cups chicken broth
1/3 c. white sugar
Put oil in bottom of pan, saute onion and cilantro. Add rice, and saute. Combine chicken broth and sugar, letting sugar dissolve. Stir broth into rice, bring to boil, cover and cook on medium low until rice is done. About 30 minutes. Serves 6

Pulled Pork:
3 1/2 lb pork loin roast
2 Tbl. brown sugar
1 tsp. red cayenne pepper
1 tsp. salt
2 tsp. cumin
1 can Coke or Dr. Pepper
1 c. chicken broth
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 onion, chopped
1 cup brown sugar
Night before: Mix together brown sugar, cayenne, cumin, and salt. Rub on roast and put in crock pot on LOW all night.
Next morning: Take fat off roast. Add Coke or Dr. Pepper, chicken broth, garlic, and onions. Keep on LOW until ready to serve. About 1 hour before serving, shred roast and add 1 cup brown sugar. Serves 12

Creamy Tomatillo Dressing:
1 pkg. hidden valley ranch dressing
1 c. milk
1 c. mayonnaise
1 jalepeno
2 Green Tomatillos
Juice from 1 lime
1/4-1/2 bunch of cilantro
Throw everything into and blender and blend.

3 comments:

  1. Yum, I am going to give this a try! I am so happy for you Kristen! I have never seen you happier and you deserve it!!

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  2. Yum!Yum! Thanks for the recipe. Looks fantastic. I will let you know how it goes.

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  3. Bless this salad & bless you for giving me the recipe.

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