This is one of our favorite meals.  I'm reposting the entire recipe, word for word, because I'm terrified to lose it.  Heidikins did a phenominal job.  Here's the link to the recipe.  I repeat, THE FOLLOWING IS NOT MY WORK.  I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE I ALWAYS HAVE ACCESS TO IT.

http://heidikinscooks.com/2008/09/23/cafe-rio-pork-barbacoa-salad-with-tomatillo-dressing/

Total Prep-Time: 18 hours, technically. But most of that is just waiting for the pork to cook. I’d say active cook time for the entire meal was perhaps an hour, maybe 1 hour 15 mins. Lots of this meal (dressing, pico) can be made before-hand and kept in the fridge until it’s time to eat.

Was the recipe easy to follow: Extremely easy. It’s mostly chop, dump and marinate. Easy-peasy.

Are the ingredients easy to find: It took me a bit of searching in the Mexican Food section to find Chipotle Chilies in Adobo Sauce, and also a bit of googling to figure out what, exactly, a tomatillo looked like. But I found everything at my grocery store.

Do you need special equipment: Large-ish crock pot and a blender. A food processor would make quick work of the pico, although I chopped mine by hand.

Does the end result taste delicious: Oh. My. Freaking. Laws. YES! Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes. This was the best meal I have ever made, hands down, no questions. And there were enough leftovers for my neighbors, and my room-mate, and a couple of meals for me. This makes a ton of food, but it will be eaten quickly. Try it, taste it, and you’ll understand why. Fan-tabulous!

Cafe Rio Pork Barbacoa

5-6 lb. pork roast
21 oz. Dr. Pepper (or Coke, do NOT use diet soda)
1 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup white sugar
1 clove garlic, minced
7 oz. can chipotle chilies in adobo sauce
6-ish oz. red taco sauce (I used hot)
1 tsp dry mustard
1 tsp cumin
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

Place roast in crock-pot, cover half-way with water and cook on low for 12 hours. (I started my Pork Adventure at midnight and everything worked out perfectly for Sunday dinner at 6:00 pm.) After 12 hours, drain pork (retain liquid if you want sauce for burritos, simply mix with a can of verde enchilada sauce and away you go).

Mix remaining ingredients until sugar dissolves. I didn’t keep the actual chilies, I dumped the can into a bowl and added enough Dr. Pepper to get all the sauce off of the chilies, then I tossed them. I also rinsed out the can with Dr. Pepper for more adobo goodness. My version had a fairly good kick to it, but if you LOVE hotness, then blend everything + 2 or 3 chilies in the blender. (Also, the adobo sauce tends to stain plastic, using a glass or metal mixing bowl will make your clean-up of adobo sauce considerably less frustrating).

Add Dr. Pepper mixture to the roast and cook on low an additional 4 hours.

Take out roast and shred, add back into sauce and cook for 2 more hours. At this point the meat was so tender it practically shredded itself.

***** ***** ***** ***** *****

Cafe Rio Tomatillo Dressing

Do not skip this part, the dressing is my favorite part of the salad! Creamy and spicy and zesty, it is absolute heaven. I actually use leftover dressing for a tomatillo-cilantro salsa, this stuff makes regular, everyday corn-chips taste like exotic, savory treats. (Because we all know, corn is not exotic on it’s own.) If it can transform corn chips, just IMAGINE what it will do for your salad! Besides, it takes 3 minutes to put together.

1 pkg. Ranch dressing mix

3 tomatillos (remove papery skin), rough chop
1 cup mayo
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup (or more) cilantro, rough chop
3 cloves garlic
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
2 tsp green Tabasco sauce
juice from 1 lime

Dump everything in a blender and blend until smooth. Refrigerate in air-tight container (or your entire fridge will smell like garlic and cilantro).

***** ***** ***** ***** *****

Easy Pico-de-Gallo

3 tomatoes, diced

1/2 bunch of cilantro, minced
1/2 sweet onion, minced
1 section of green pepper, minced
3-4 cloves garlic, minced
about 1/3-1/2 cup vinegar (use your best judgement)
salt and pepper

Mix it up really well and refrigerate. I put my pico in a Tupperware and shook it up really well right before serving to re-mix.

***** ***** ***** ***** *****

Now, invite some people over and get cooking! Do you remember how to put together the salad?

• Tortilla – you can make your own, mine came from a package.
• Cheese -it is a good idea to warm these two up so the cheese is a little melty.
• Beans – black or pinto (mine came straight out of the can, warmed in the microwave with a little garlic powder and green Tabasco sauce).
• Rice – don’t be stingy now!
• Pork - I am actually salivating while writing this post…
• Lettuce – Shredded Romaine, you want small enough pieces to get a little of everything on your fork
• Pico de Gallo – I like extra pico, so I give myself an extra scoop.
• Tortilla Strips – slice a corn tortilla into strips, brush with olive oil and salt and pepper and bake on a foil-covered sheet for 15-20 minutes at 350-ish.
• Creamy Tomatillo Dressing – I like to keep mine on the side so my lettuce doesn’t get too slobbery.
• This is really best served with a cold Dr. Pepper with a few slices of lime squeezed into it, but if that seems like Dr. Pepper overload, your beverage of choice will probably be fine.

Enjoy a little ginormous taste of the Utah original, Cafe Rio Pork Barbacoa Salad.

Happy Birthday Jennifer!

It all began with her. From there my mom would have 9 more children, but Jennifer set the bar!

My oldest sister Jennifer is one amazing woman! She has always been a good example to me, in every aspect of her life. She was a good girl, obedient to her parents, helpful to her siblings, and the best example of a disciple of Christ. I have so many fond memories of my friendship with my sister.

I loved dancing around the "pretty room" while Jennifer played the piano.

Jennifer let me go to a sleepover for our cousin Debra with her, even though there's a good 7 year gap in our age. It was there I received my first (and ONLY) perm. Jennifer taught me the running man and the rodger rabbit dances that night as well, changing my life forever!

One time Jennifer let me stay up and watch Far and Away with her and her friends. I still remember sitting really still and quiet so that she wouldn't want to send me away. I didn't want to ruin the good thing I had going. You know it's special if it got me to sit still and quiet!

I also remember when Jennifer came home from college once and took me, just me, to go see Forrest Gump in the movie theatre. When you have 9 siblings, going anywhere alone with someone is pretty special.

While I remember these few moments, there are countless more experiences with Jennifer, experiences where she gave of herself, sacrificed time and energy for my sake. I love you Jennifer. I'm so grateful to have you as a sister and friend.

Love,
Tanya

Jennifer: Click on this link birthday to watch your Birthday video.

New Year's Resolutions

I had a great year in 2009. I was able to compete in a national service competition in Kansas. I had a lead role in a professional play. I graduated culinary school! I went on a cruise. I lived by the Atlantic Ocean. I got pregnant, which was a big dream come true. I completed a culinary internship. I moved to Utah Valley to join the rest of my world. Tom and I have of course had loads of fun together, as we always do. For 2010, I'm hoping to keep the ball rolling and check some other things off the list. You know, it's a shame it's in list form because the journey really is half the fun. But lists have their place in the world. I LOVE lists. Plus, I'm hoping that if I write them down, and send them out to the blogging universe I will have a better chance of accomplishing my new year's resolutions. So here are some things I plan to do this year:


1. Book at least 12 catering/craft services gigs this year. I'd like to average one a month, but I know some will have more than others and January's going to be busy, what with having a baby and all.


2. Have a baby. I like to put a few things on my list that I know I'll be able to cross off.


3. Learn the entire Beyonce's "Single Ladies" dance and perform it for whoever will watch. I wanted to learn it last year and never did. I don't think people would have enjoyed watching me perform it pregnant, though.

4. Be healthy enough to perform Beyonce's "Single Ladies" dance in the customary leotard and high heels.


5. Read 6 novels. I'm not usually a slow reader, but I know I'll have a lot on my plate with the new world of being a mom, so I'm trying to be realistic.


6. I have a cookbook idea. I should at least be able to get a rough draft written. Plus, there's a lot of at-home research I can do to make sure the recipes work, etc. So, I will write the rough draft of my cookbook. More details to follow on the actual idea.

Merry Christmas!

It has begun! Well, to be honest, it began for me a week before Thanksgiving, but I can officially shove all my holiday cheer into your faces! Here's something to start the season off!

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

Halloween Movie 2009

For your viewing pleasure, I made this movie yesterday for a friend's Halloween party. Everyone was invited to make a little music video and submit it at the party. Here's what I came up with last minute, 'cause that's how I roll!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=auA6iuaINF8

Here are our costumes for the party. Tom was Speed Racer. Doesn't he look awesome?! He put that together in an hour!


I went as a stay-at-home mom, cause soon I'll have time to wear pearls, make sure I look nice all the time. I was barefoot since I'll have no where to go, right? Mainly, it's what I wore in the video and didn't have time to come up with something else. But I'm wearing false lashes so it's a costume.


It was a really fun party. Lots of good food, spontaneous improvisational singing. Isn't that what you guys do at parties? Make up songs with a pianist who can create songs on the spot?

(The Queen of Hearts is Jewels, the hostess with the mostest!)

Tom's latest movie and QUINN FAMILY PHOTO SHOOT

We had one of the best family photo sessions of all time! It really captures the Quinns. Laurel, Ma Quinn, wanted us to dress as if we're trying to be fancy, but because we're Quinns we just miss the mark. The files are too large to post so here's one and I'll resize the others so you can see the whole family.



Also, Tom filmed a little short this summer. It's really funny and short, so take a moment and watch it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6RHXCctE9r4

It also involves our adorable nephew, Cash, telling a joke.

His mom's blog is Kat, the link on my page.

Our Own Home

Here are a few highlights of our new home. We moved down the canyon to American Fork. Tom finally exclaimed one night that he couldn't handle the commute anymore so I wasted no time finding a place.

I almost didn't call on this home, and here's why:
The ad simply stated "$400, 2-bedroom Mother-in-law apt. in exchange for some daycare." It had no pictures, so of course I assumed some small basement dump and daycare meant to me 9-5 all the live long day and I wasn't interested with the new baby coming. I finally decided to call just to see. I figured I owed it to Tom to see if there was a way I could help us financially since soon I won't be providing any income. Coincidentally, the home owners weren't going to interview anymore people but decided to interview us. When we went by to interview and see the apartment I finally understood why they didn't show pictures. They would have received ridiculous amount of applicants. The house is just that, a house. We have our own 4 walls. There is a hallway with two locking doors that connects us, but even through that hallway you can't hear anything.

As for the daycare: The children are adorable and good kids! Plus the daycare consists of a couple hours a day, a few days a week, and only during the school year. Dad is a lawyer and Mom works for UVU so I won't be working during the holidays, etc.
It has turned out to be a huge blessing. With the money we spent commuting each day and maintaining our storage unit, we'll probably break even in our budget each month by living here, if not save money!

It was like Christmas moving in. First, because you're actually unwrapping things. Second, I had been in storage for so long I forgot what I owned. I forgot I owned a vacumn, a washer and dryer. It was so much fun!


There is plenty of twirling room, which is a must!


We're so excited to invite everyone in the world over for dinner and not ask them to drive up the canyon!




Our bedroom has a door connecting to the bathroom. That's been nice through the night as I get up several times now.


This will become the nursery, but for now, it's our guest room.


The bathroom has double sinks! I don't know why I love it because I've lived just fine without them, but I love it!


Walk-in shower. Aren't all showers technically walk-in? It certainly isn't a squeeze-in shower, though.


Let me tell you, I've used the tub. It is wonderful. It comfortably fits two adults. We can just lounge and the jets are so relaxing. So, bring your suit, we'll have a party!


I love my little laundry room.


I have no fear for winter. Winter's got nothin' on me! There's a bunch of stuff in there to go to DI, but it has plenty of room for my storage around the cars and we won't have to squeeze in.

Michelle and I both independently looked at this picture and thought, "Hm, why does my makeup look so good?" Then I realized it was because my sister Jennifer did our makeup using bare minerals.

Thanks Jennifer. Adding to the Christmas wish list: Bare Minerals.

My Family

I just wanted to share this. I have the most beautiful family... and it's all because of these two! No, I'm not going to say "all because two people fell in love."

Recently

I just finished reading


Funny.

Advanced Baking

I didn't take as many pictures in advanced baking. I don't know what I was thinking. I learned how to make croissants, danishes, puff pastry, ice cream and sorbet, gourmet chocolates, petit fours (which is pretty much any dessert, but bite size), pulled sugar, and plated desserts, where every dessert was comprised of 10 elements on the plate. Here are a few pictures. I probably don't have any pictures of the danishes because they never lasted long enough for me to get my camera out. Just ask Julia or Jamie. They can tell you how those babies last before being consumed! Here are a few highlights from the things I learned.

Danish dough, croissants, etc. are considered rolled-in dough because you create a block of dough and a block of butter and roll and fold, roll and fold, to create the fluffy, airy layers when baked. The butter and dough have to be the same consistency or you will ruin it. Hence, you probably don't remember waking up much to your mother making danishes from scratch. However, the dough freezes really well so it's my lofty goal to make some and freeze them so I CAN have fresh croissants or danishes anytime I want. Yeah, I'm sure I'll make them at home, since I'm so good and updating my blog!

Pulling sugar burns your fingers. Just try to pull and shape sugar by hand over 300 degrees without burning yourself.

I need to invest in a $7000 ice cream machine. Rock salt just doesn't cut it!

When you make graham cracker crust in advanced baking you first have to make graham crackers from scratch! The recipe is actually quite simple and really delicious! It was sad to have to crumble it right after I made it.

The orange macarons are not hamburgers. I just didn't think ahead as to how they might look. And yes, I meant macarons, not macaroons. Macaroons are typically a coconut cookie while macarons are almond-based.



All in all, advanced baking was a fun challenge for me. I really enjoyed it and will always value the experience it gave me.

Let them eat cake!

In my last semester of school I was in advanced baking. One of our last assignments was to submit a wedding cake in a competition. Everything had to be edible and made from scratch. We each designed our cakes and I made every little flower on that thing, plus extras, because you never know. It was neat to compete and I learned a lot. I now know how to make a wedding cake. Don't ever ask me to make another.


Each cake required a topper. I am proud, for it being my very first and all.


Of all the fancy desserts and beautiful cakes, my mom's chocolate cake with homemade chocolate whipped cream and drizzle is still my favorite. I'll take it over fondant any day! Featured with the cake, Hailey Smith!

I'm Back!

I have so many posts I'm currently working on, but I just wanted to say hi, I exist, and I"M PREGNANT!

So much more to come:
Bahamas Cruise
Snorkeling
Disney World
Daytona Beach
Life in Virginia Beach
Pregnancy
Cooking Blog
Finishing school

Yeah, I have a lot to work on.

Check Me Out!

Link to the picture

So the other day I received a package in the mail. It was from SKillsUSA. I competed last summer at the National level in a food service competition in Kansas City. While there I was waiting in the hall for my friend's competition and took a nap. I am never afraid to fall asleep in the middle of a hallway. I folded up my coat and laid right down. So I woke up well rested. A gentlemen came to the classroom door I was laying next to. I must have looked really well-rested because he asked if I'd like to go to a photo shoot the next day. The offer: My picture MIGHT end up somewhere in the organization's 2009 magazine. So the next day I went to the photo shoot. They shot a couple pictures and I was on my way.

So you can imagine my surprise when I received a letter and a few copies of a magazine with my face on the cover! It was a fun Wednesday.

Fairy Pride Parade

Let me tell you about the magic of Christmas. Two hours each Saturday I was flitting around with children. I say flitting because I made it a point to never walk. I allowed skipping, dancing, jigging, and a lot of flitting, but never just a walk.

I was the Sugar Plum Fairy at Thanksgiving Point's "Breakfast with Santa." I channeled Amy Adams from Enchanted and went on my merry way. The costume isn't quite how I'd picture the Sugar Plum Fairy. Next year I plan to take my costume design into my own hands. It must involve a tutu, fruit in my hair, and bigger wings I think.

It's kind of odd having hundreds of children want to be in a picture with you. I'm now in photo albums and blogs across the Wasatch front. It's kind of awesome, however, to encourage the magic of Christmas.

I had children who have "seen my movie," and promised to watch it again to support me. Others professed they "loved my book." I received several questions on how Tinkerbell is doing, and even more hugs. A few "smart" boys wanted to test my ability to fly, but every skeptic believed in the end.

I enlightened the children on many fairy facts.

1. I had a spider sew my wings so they'd be stronger.
2. To travel we shrink to the size of butterflies. So if you see a butterfly you can wave because it's probably a fairy.
3. Tinkerbell and I often have lunch together. She is an excellent cook.
4. I live in an oak tree.
5. I love making snowmen and snow angels.
6. I'm tight with Santa and can pass along messages. I can even remember lengthy lists which children deliver in detail.

It was a great 4 weeks.

It's Beginning to Look a lot Like Christmas

Come one come all, to our ugly christmas sweater ball. This Friday, 6:00 at my house. Give me a call and I'll give you more details. We'll have pizza, a gingerbread decorating contest, and of course we'll have the wii and big screen tv set up for tournaments! I can't wait!

Halloween Fun Times

I've got great ones of my hair, which I did myself that I'll post later.

Go to my friend Julia's Blog to see all the fun details of the Halloween party we attended last night. It was all very halloweeny.

So, I have found I often describe things this season as "Halloweeny." I couldn't figure out where I got it until I was talking to my mom about her plans for the family Halloween party she was throwing and she used the term. I cried out, "that's where I got it!" She replied, "well, there's christmasy, things that are christmas-like, and halloweeny, things that are halloween-like." I couldn't believe it. That's the exact reason I give for using it too!

So eat pumpkin pancakes, and make ghost lolipops; TP the neighbor's house, and eat spaghetti brains!

It's all very halloweeny.

Lately

Here's a new way to make a fruit platter.


Here's a new way to present a traditional Fall cheese tray. Find a cookie cutter in your favorite leaf shape and start cutting.


I made calzones from scratch. I made the Italian sausage, sauce, dough, the works. I'll post the dough recipe. It's very simple.


I carved ice, with chain saws and chisels and everything.


Here's what I carved, a leaf and acorn.


We re-tiled the laundry room floor, which was also covered with carpet.


Because this is what we found, mold!


I busted out my Wizard of Oz nutcrackers so I could introduce the wonderful world to my niece and nephew.

And now for the main event...

I had my Garde Manger final. Garde Manger is the section of the kitchen that makes hor dourves, salads, and sandwiches. We were each in charge of a table of appetizers for the presidential scholarship ball at UVU. I chose to do salmon. Here are some pictures of what I made.


Smoked Salmon Platter


The three sauces I made from scratch: Tartar Sauce, Remoulade Sauce, and Cocktail Sauce.


My show platter. I baked the salmon whole, skinned the front half and layed thinly sliced cucumbers for scales. It's not necessarily how I'd present the fish for a party at home, ya know, fish staring you in the face, but the effect is neat.