This week's meal includes Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork, Brown Butter Cornbread with Honey Butter, Winter Slaw, and Banana Pudding. All of these recipes have a nod to the south, but with clean and balanced flavors I think you're going to love!
I make my pulled pork in a dutch oven, and I braise it with my favorite BBQ sauce and Dr. Pepper. Yep, you read that correctly, Dr. Pepper. The sugar and the spices from the soda create a beautifully seasoned and moist pork shoulder. My pulled pork started from Ree Drummond's recipe, and I've modified it slightly over time.
I have spent years trying all sorts of cornbread recipes. I found most of them to be too dry and not sweet enough. I had finally resulted to the conclusion that Jiffy Cornbread was the best there was. However, after watching an episode of Binging with Babish about cornbread, I gave homemade another go. I love his Brown Butter Cornbread. It's perfectly moist, has outstanding flavor, and just the right amount of sweetness. I top it with honey and flakey sea salt and serve it with honey butter.
The Winter Slaw is a recipe from Ina Garten that I love. It's an enjoyable way to eat many raw, fresh greens without really realizing the food you're eating is so healthy. The lemon vinaigrette softens the kale and brussels sprouts, so they are nice and tender. The cranberries, sunflower seeds, and parmesan cheese shards add great texture and salty and sweet flavors. And it's the perfect balance to the rich pulled pork.
Banana pudding is a classic southern dessert that doesn't need any help. It's perfection. I make my vanilla pudding from scratch, so it's extra special. All the flavors soak into one another for a dessert like no other.
I hope you enjoy this week's meal as much as I do!