Surf and Turf, The Anniversary Dinner

This weekend was the 10th Anniversary of my first date with my Boyfriend. As we are not married this is what we consider to be our anniversary. I love cooking for him and he loves eating for me! We have such a good relationship that way..LOL

This year I decided surf and Turf was the order of the day.

Ralph makes the most delicious Steak you can imagine, so I had to think of the most perfect side dish to compliment it! I recently made a wonderful Lobster Mac and Cheese so why not add it to his fantastic steak?!?

I was right! It was GREAT!!

Lobster Mac and Cheese

Ingredients:

½ - 1 lb. Pasta Lg. Elbows, or Shells (my favorite)

3-4 tbsp. Flour

Cheese: 2 Cups shredded Sharp White Cheddar

2 Cups Gruyere

4-6 tbsp. Butter

1 (10 oz.) can Lobster Bisque (may use Crab bisque)

Salt and Pepper to taste

2 cooked and chunked Lobster Tails (opt)(may use crab meat)

1 tsp. Nutmeg (opt)

Topping (For Baked version, optional)

Combine:

1 sleeve Ritz crackers (crushed)

4 tbsp. Butter (melted)

3 tbsp. Parmesan Cheese

2 tbsp. Parsley or Tarragon (chopped)

Instructions:

Bring 6 Quarts of liberally salted water, to a boil.

Add Pasta to water and cook to labels directions.

Simmer for 8-9 minutes or until al dente.

In Large Sauce pan:

Melt butter.

Add flour, 1 tsp. salt and ½ tsp. pepper

Whisk until flour and butter have fully combined. (approx. 1 ½ minutes)

Add Bisque. (If using nutmeg, add here)

Bring to boil @ Medium heat.

Whisking constantly, Mixture will thicken quickly.

Once it is thick and bubbly, lower heat to Low and keep whisking until smooth

Add Cheeses.

Remove from heat and stir well, melting cheese and combining to a smooth finish.

Drain Pasta well (you do not want water in the sauce)

Add pasta to sauce. Combine. (If using Lobster meat, add here)

Garnish with Parsley if desired

Serve.

Orange Chipotle Ribs, Slow Cooker Delight

Good Morning! Today I am sharing a recipe before I have the photo. Not normal for me..I usually take great care to wait until the dish is done and take the painstaking process to get a great shot to complete the post. Today I decided to post the recipe so you can cook along with me! The Recipe is so good and the sauce smells outstanding so I know it will be a Winner!! So here ya go!

Orange Chipotle Ribs

Ingredients:

3 pounds Ribs
(can use Pork, Beef, or even Boneless Pork Cubes, That's what I used)
1/2 cup Ketchup
1/4 cup Orange Marmalade
4 oz Orange Juice
1/4 cup Apple Cider Vinegar
2 tblsp Soy Sauce
3 tbsp Brown Sugar
4 Garlic Cloves minced (Try to use fresh here. It really makes a difference)
2 tsp Chipotle in Adobo (I used 1 pepper minced and 2 tsp sauce)
1/2 tsp Cumin
1/4 tsp Ginger (opt. Also try to use fresh)

**Note on some things: I used Boneless Pork Cubes.(they were partially frozen) I used Chipotle in Adobo (but you can use Chipotle Chili Powder). I used Bluebird Orange Juice (ya know those little cans? I keep em in the house just for this reason ;).This recipe is versatile..Work with what you have in the house.

Instructions:
Using a 6 Quart Crock Pot  Place Met in bottom of Crock Pot, no need to sear meat. I actually put the meat in the crock pot a lil frozen...
In a bowl combine all sauce ingredients.
Pour sauce over meat and cover.
Cook in crock pot on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5.

Meat will come out tender and Sauce divine!!
Serve with Rice and fresh veg.

**If you are using a bone in rib, the meat should be fall off the bone tender. If you like the meat to stay on the bone cook a little less. Reduce cooking time by an hour or so.

Enjoy!!

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