Coming Back With a Bang! Cafe Rio Sweet Pork

I have neglected this little blog, but have kind of missed it.  So I’m going to try to post more.  And as the title says, I am coming back with a BANG!

 

I love this place:

I tell my husband I could never move to Oregon (where he is from, where my child’s grandparents live, where he DREAMS of living) because they don’t have Cafe Rio.

But let’s be honest, we are on a budget and in reality cannot eat there EVERY night.

I have found a pretty great substitute for my Cafe Rio sweet pork cravings.  It takes some time a prep, mostly marinating and shredding the pork.  But is super simple and absolutely de-lish-e-ous!  I love to have it on Sundays because it’s a throw it in the crock pot kind of meal. 

Here’s the recipe courtesy of Favorite Family Recipes (which is a great blog, and would be even if it didn’t have this awesome recipe).

 

Cafe Rio Sweet Pork

2 pounds pork (we use boneless pork rib meat)  {Ash Note:  I used about 2 1/2 pounds and served five adults with quite a bit left over.}
3 cans Coke (NOT diet) {Ash Note:  My SIL said she uses Dr. Pepper and loves it.}
1/4 c. brown sugar
dash garlic salt
1/4 c. water
1 can sliced green chilies
3/4 can enchilada sauce (I use Old El Paso brand, medium spiciness but any will work)
1 c. brown sugar

Put the pork in a heavy duty ziploc bag to marinade. Add about a can and a half of coke and about 1/4 c. of brown sugar. Marinade for a few hours or overnight.

Drain marinade and put pork, 1/2 can of coke, water, and garlic salt in crock pot on high for about 3-4 hours (or until it shreds easily, but don't let it get TOO dry) or on low for 8 hours. Remove pork from crock pot and drain any liquid left in the pot. Shred pork.  {Ash Note:  I do this part while we are at Church.  And I find the pork shreds better if it is cooled down.}

In a food processor or blender, blend 1/2 can Coke, chilies, enchilada sauce and remaining brown sugar (about a cup, you can add a little more or less to taste..). If it looks too thick, add more Coke little by little.
Put shredded pork and sauce in crockpot and cook on low for 2 hours. That's it!

 

We use the fresh tortillas you can by at Sam’s and Costco, my MIL in Oregon says she finds hers at Walmart, but I’ve never found them there here in Utah.  Also next time we have this am going to get those little tin/aluminum round disposable dishes Cafe Rio serves their food in.  I saw a three pack at the Dollar Tree the other day!