Cinco de Drinko! - Pineapple Jalapeno Margatini

Anybody that's spent any amount of time with me knows I love a good cocktail.  I mean I will pick a restaurant based solely on how the bartender pours. #WordLife

I am always looking for a good cocktail to make at home as well, cause for $10 a drink I can just buy the bottle! LOL So when I came across this marvelous drink recipe I could not resist. I already had every single thing in my liquor closet pantry!

Let me tell you, that jalapeno hits you right in the back of your throat...the sweet, the spicy the fruity all work well in this cocktail that will definitely be a repeat! I could absolutely see me using the jalapeno simple syrup in other drinks. Also, I may or may not have used more than 2 ounces of tequila...

Pineapple Jalapeno Margatini
http://www.tasty-trials.com/2012/04/crazy-days-and-pineapple-jalapeno.html
Makes 1 serving

What you need:

• 1 oz jalapeno-cilantro simple syrup (recipe follows)
• 2 oz pineapple juice
• 1.5-2 oz tequila blanco
• 1/2 oz triple sec
• Squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice

What to do:

• Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice
• Shake well
• Strain into a pretty cocktail glass. Enjoy!

Jalapeno-Cilantro Simple Syrup

• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 jalapeno, sliced
• 1/4 cup roughly chopped cilantro
• Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan over high heat.
• Let boil for a few minutes until sugar is dissolved and mixture is clear and slightly thickened. Strain and let cool.

Originally posted 5/9/2012

Jerk Pork Chops

These were really as good as they looked!

I was in the grocers over the weekend and these 

chops looked so amazing I had to get them! 

They were calling me!

This jerk marinade is one I use for chicken, shrimp and now pork! 

The marinade is really easy to put together 

and the chops takes no time to cook!When I grill them, 

I reserve some of the marinade (before putting the 

raw meat/seafood in it) and brush it over as it cooks.

Jerk Pork Chops

What you need:

• 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and coarsely chopped
• Zest and juice of one lime 
• 2-3 large cloves garlic, coarsely chopped
• 2 Tbs. powdered ginger
• 2 Tbs. dried thyme
• 3/4 tsp. ground allspice
• 3/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1 small onion chopped
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (I used low sodium)
• 1-2 Tbs. brown sugar
• 4 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
• 4 bone-in center-cut pork chops, 3/4 inch thick
• salt and pepper to taste

What to do:

• In a blender or food processor, puree all of the ingredients except the pork chops, salt and pepper. Adjust flavor to your liking. The marinade will be a little thick
• Pour all of the marinade over the chops
• Marinate for at least 1 hour and up to 24 hours
• Preheat your oven to 450 degrees
• Remove chops from marinade and place on a shallow baking sheet. Sprinkle chops with salt and pepper (I always line my baking sheets with aluminum foil for easy cleanup!)
• Roast chops for about 7 minutes per side or until cooked through and lightly browned.
• Allow the chops to rest for several minutes before cutting