February 1, 2011

Cafe Rio Recipes - Part 1

Ever heard of the mexican restaurant, Cafe Rio? If you don't live somewhere in the western region of the USA, then probably not. But out here, it's one of the most popular mexican restaurant around.

And I have to admit, it's a favorite of mine too.

But naturally, we can't afford to take our family there very often. So, after collecting several great recipes, we like to have our own Cafe Rio night right here at home!

My little sis Becka told me that she rarely ever reads my blog, she just likes to look at the pictures. Unless it's a recipe post, which she always finds interesting, and craft posts are just boring. Haha!

Then another pregnant friend, who currently lives in Florida, was bemoaning on Facebook her craving for Cafe Rio, with no way to satisfy that craving.

So, I decided to share my vast and wonderful knowledge with you today!

Which... really isn't mine, per say, I just sort of swiped them from other people's vast and wonderful knowledge.

Eh hem, anyway.

I'm going to post the four recipes that I use every time we decide to do a Cafe Rio night, two today and two tomorrow so this doesn't turn into a book-long post.



This is a recipe that my wonderful friend Brittany shared when we were all back in school together, and it is REALLY good!

Cafe Rio Sweet Pork

3-4 lb. pork sirloin roast
1 cup salsa
1 1/3 cup brown sugar
1 cup Sprite or 7-up (although Brittany says you can use any soda you have on hand)

(How I like to make it) Place roast in crock-pot. Cook on low heat for 4-5 hours, then drain out the liquid from the pork. Slice roast into think pieces.


Mix salsa, brown sugar, and soda together and pour over roast. Cook on low for another 4-5 hours. Shred with forks before serving!



(Another way you can make it) Place roast in crock pot. Mix all other ingredients and pour over roast. Cook on low all day (8-10 hours) Shred before serving.


Black Beans (recipe from "The Feel Good Cookbook" by Jonell West Francis)

2 cans black beans, drained
1 cup tomato salsa or stewed tomatoes
1 tablespoon cumin

Warm and serve!



Tomorrow I'll post the rice and dressing recipes, so stay tuned!

And if you have any variations to these recipes, I hope you'll share!!

12 super cool people speak:

Susan Anderson said...

I always read about people who love Cafe Rio, so I am excited to try these recipes. Does the pork taste just as good when you make it in the crockpot?

Thanks, Serene!

=)

PS. Can't believe your sis only checks pics and recipes on your blog. The words are so entertaining!

Serene is my name, not my life! said...

If you make it without draining off the pork liquid, it will taste the same, just a little weaker. I just think the pork juice is gross. :D

Welcome to the Garden of Egan said...

Yum. I love the Pork Salad there.
Thanks for the tutorial, cuz now I can make that deliciousness here in my own home.

Or not....if I'm lazy.

hjsmith said...

Wow that sounds so yummy(:
Hope you are doing great. I just caught up on your blog. I always enjoy reading your post. You look way cute(:

the fowlers said...

yes. i am tuned.

thank you!

Amanda Joy Petersen said...

I agree that the pork juice is gross. I was so excited the Christmas that my MIL gave me the recipe for the cilantro ranch dressing. It is so yummy!

Cheeseboy said...

Sweet pork salad is the best. We sometimes make it and then just buy the dressing to put on the salad. But even the dressing is expensive.

Hey, did you see that I dressed up as Barney and hit the Chinese place. Now playing on my blog.

Brittney said...

interesting to drain off the pork juice. I'll have to try it sometime and see if I like it better.

Carrie said...

I finally went to Cafe Rio a few years ago because everyone in Utah is nuts about the joint. It is good, but I have had better. Am I so naughty for saying that?Oh gosh..the hate mail that will now hit my inbox! Still, I am trying your recipes..so thanks for posting!

Pitterle Postings said...

Oh, I love their pork!! I can't wait to give this one a try. Now, I can't afford to buy the pork, but maybe if I go through the freezer i will find one frozen in the back!!
wish me luck!!

ldsjaneite said...

That's right--I do live in the land of Cafe Rio again. But, true, I wouldn't be able to afford it much. Thanks for posting!

amber_mtmc said...

After having some rather icky experiences at Cafe Rio lately, it is not a place we patronize anymore. But, since I do enjoy their salads, we do make it at home very regularly!

As for the black beans, my recipe is a little more involved. For instance, I sautee garlic for about a minute, add the beans (drained and rinsed), sautee both for another minute, add tomato juice (like 3/4 of a cup or something), cumin, cilantro, and lime juice. It's pretty yummy!

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