Homemade Taco Seasoning (Salt-Free)

I don't use a lot of salt when I cook so when I do use products that have high sodium content, I can tell. I'm usually chugging water like no other for the rest of the night. I stopped using taco seasoning packets and started making my own without any salt at all. I make a batch of this now when making tacos, salsa chicken, taco dip, etc. Plus, it's always nice when you know exactly what you're putting into your dinners! Enjoy!

Homemade Taco Seasoning 

What You'll Need:

• 1 Tablespoon Chili Powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Ground Cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon Paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon Onion Powder
• 1/4 teaspoon Dried Oregano
• 1/8 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper

Directions: 

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl. You may add more Cayenne to make it a little hotter or less if you prefer it very mild.

Yield: Approximately 1 ounce

Use Seasoning anywhere you would use a packet of Taco Seasoning. 

Slow Cooked Baby Back Ribs

This is by far one of my favorite summertime recipes. Everyone that tries them loves these ribs! The meat is so tender that it falls off the bone and melts in your mouth! I've been making them this way for years and the recipe has been requested by many, so I am finally getting it on the blog. Enjoy!

Slow Cooked Baby Back Ribs

What You'll Need:

• 2 racks of Baby Back Ribs
• Dry Rub 
• 1 medium sweet Vidalia onion, thinly sliced
• Aluminum Foil
• Your Favorite BBQ Sauce

The Best Homemade Dry Rub

I just made a batch of this today and remembered that I have had several friends request the recipe, so here it is! This is a super easy rub to make and can be used to season just about anything like chicken, burgers, steaks, a pork butt to make pulled pork or baby back ribs, which is what we're having tonight! Try it and let me know what you think! Enjoy!

The Best Homemade Dry Rub

What You'll Need:

• 2 Tablespoons Brown Sugar
• 1 1/2 Tablespoons Salt
• 1 1/2 Tablespoons Black Pepper
• 1 Tablespoon Chili Powder
• 2 teaspoons Garlic Powder
• 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin
• 1 teaspoon Mustard Powder
• 1 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (optional)

Directions:

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and mix well.

Generously rub mixture all over whatever meat you're going to cook. You could even let it sit overnight in an airtight container in the refrigerator to really allow the flavors to soak into the meat. 

If you want, you may store any unused rub in an airtight container.

Pulled Pork Crescents

When I make pulled pork, there is always plenty of leftovers. While eating leftover sandwiches is delicious, we almost always get tired of it before the BBQ is anywhere near gone. I really hate to see perfectly good food get thrown out. My sister had seen a commercial for Pillsbury BBQ Chicken Crescents and suggested I try using the leftovers in that recipe. I've made this nearly every time I've made my Slow Cooker Pulled Pork. It's easy, only requires a handful of ingredients and it's yummy! Enjoy!

Pulled Pork Crescents

What You'll Need:

• 1 - 1 1/2 cups Pulled Pork BBQ
• 1 can (8 count) Crescent Rolls
• 1/3 - 1/2 cup Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese
• 1 egg, beaten

Balsamic Brown Sugar Glazed Pork Tenderloin

A while back, I was inspired to make a garlic and herb crusted pork tenderloin. What better place to cook it than in my Crock Pot? Add a sweet and tangy glaze near the end and you have a meal that will keep them coming back for seconds! Enjoy!

Balsamic Brown Sugar Glazed Pork Tenderloin

What You'll Need:

• 2 lb pork tenderloin
• 2-3 cloves Garlic, crushed
• 1 teaspoon Savory
• 1/4 teaspoon Salt
• 1/4 teaspoon Pepper
• 1 cup chicken broth
  
  For the Glaze
• 1/2 cup Dark Brown Sugar
• 3 Tablespoons Balsamic Vinegar
• 3 Tablespoons Soy Sauce
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 Tablespoon Corn Starch

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

This recipe is so ridiculously easy! Sure, I have a recipe for pulled pork that takes nearly 24 hours, complete with homemade BBQ sauce, but you can't beat this recipe for an easy weeknight dinner! Best part is that it only requires a handful of ingredients! Enjoy!

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

What You'll Need:

• 2 lb Pork Loin 
• 12 oz can Dr. Pepper
• Garlic Powder and Pepper (to taste)
• A 16-18 oz bottle of your favorite BBQ sauce
• 8 sandwich rolls