Happy First Real Day of the new year! Today seemed like a “real day” because Brady got up early and went to work . We emailed about planning our spring vacation, not 15 minutes after he was in the office. Not only did Anna and I miss having home this morning but we also couldn’t wait until the next vacation.   

After breakfasts of greek yogurt, oatmeal, almond and fruit, we headed to the gym so I could teach an interval class this morning. Dare I say Anna even may have somewhat enjoyed herself at the child center today. (Maybe it was the smoothie I bribed her with.) Anyway, it was a great start to my new year.

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Then we came home for lunch and dinner making/nap. I cooked while she slept and our good day continued.

Snacks of pear were had by all.

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Then it was time to head into the cold. You can see how that went over.

“It’s 11 degrees out there” Are you kidding me?

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So back to dinner. I was looking for new dinner ideas when I came across Prevention RD‘s recap of her favorite recipes. The Sweet Chipotle Barbacoa. I was in the mood for Mexican and I knew this would hit the spot for Brady and my other dinner diners.

It didn’t disappoint.

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Slow Cooked Sweet Barbacoa Pork

slightly adapted from Prevention RD and Skinny Taste originally from Favorite Family Recipes

Marinade:
3 lbs pork loin roast, all fat trimmed
salt and pepper, to season
garlic powder, to season
6 oz Diet Coke
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup water

Step 2:
8 oz Diet Coke
4.5 oz can sliced green chilies
8 oz spanish style tomato sauce
3 chipotle chile in adobo sauce
1/8 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp cumin
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup brown sugar (unpacked)

Directions:

1. Season pork with salt, pepper and garlic powder and place in the crock pot. Add coke, water and 1/4 cup of brown sugar.

2. Cook on high for about 4-5 hours (or until it shreds easily).

3. Remove pork from crock pot and discard any liquid left in the pot. Shred pork with two forks.

Step two: In the crock pot, combine 8 oz coke, green chilies, tomato sauce, chipotle chile, garlic powder, cumin, chipotle chili powder and remaining brown sugar.

1. Put shredded pork back in the crock pot and combine with sauce.

2. Adjust salt and pepper to taste, cover and cook on high 1-1/2 hours more.

The leftovers alone are enough to make you want to make this dish.

If you are short on time and need a weeknight meal – try this!

Prepare step one before you head to work and make sure to set your crockpot time for 4-5 hours or cook on low. Also, make sure you have enough liqui

Then, when you get home, finish step two. Shred the meat, add the sauce and let it heat together until you are ready to eat!

You may even be able to squeeze in a workout while the rest of dinner cooks!

Hurray for Crockpots and make ahead meals!