Pulled Pork, Sweet Potato Salad, Jalapeno Lime Slaw + Roasted Okra

YOU GUYS. Mark fired up the smoker this weekend for the first time this Spring and we enjoyed the most delicious meal on the screened in porch. The weather was incredible and our azaleas were in full bloom. I love love love love love this time of year! 

We bought a pork butt from Harris Teeter and rubbed it with a brown sugar coffee rub from Trader Joe's. Mark smoked it for several hours and it was perfect. Along with our pulled pork we had sweet potato salad, jalapeno lime slaw and roasted okra. 

Gina's Sweet Potato Salad was a winner! I only used about 1/4 of a Vidalia onion because the one that I found at the grocery store was huge. I also opted to only use the green parts of the scallions and used only 1/4 cup of mayo. We try to stick with sweet potatoes vs. white potatoes so this was a yummy way to get our potato salad fix- and even better the next day! 

This Jalapeno Lime Slaw has been a long time favorite. It's so easy to toss together and has few ingredients but big flavor. The only thing I swap in this recipe is honey instead of sugar. We love this salad! 

Nothing fancy for the okra. Just washed, trimmed and tossed in a little olive oil, salt and pepper. I baked this at 450 degrees for 15-20 minutes, tossing every five minutes.

For more dinner ideas, you can check out my hashtag on Instagram, #eatmooredinner! 

Friendsgiving, Volume 3

If you are not celebrating Friendsgiving, you are missing out. In a big way. 

It is one of my favorite traditions and although this was the third year that our close group of friends celebrated together, this is the first year that Mark and I were able to join- with little Will in tow! He was our official mascot. 

I love, love, love this tradition and it is a true blessing to have such wonderful people in our lives. 

Our meal this year was stellar and everyone contributed something delicious. Our meal was complete with perfectly smoked turkey breast, sausage stuffing, butternut squash mac and cheese and plenty of other deliciously different sides. We even had a signature cocktail and plenty of Pumpking!

I made a batch of my favorite cranberry sauce, and this incredible Brussels Sprouts Salad with Hot Bacon Dressing from the Thanksgiving issue of Southern Living. If you like brussels sprouts, MAKE THIS SALAD. And if you don't like them...well...make it anyways. I'm convinced that if you don't like brussels sprouts, you just haven't had them prepared in a tasty way. This salad is sure to shake up your Thanksgiving table.

It was a wonderful afternoon spent with so many of our favorite people. Cheers to the holidays, cheers to 2014 and cheers to friends who feel like family. 

Similar Recipe Links:

Autumn Cocktail (try this Bourbon Apple Cider Cocktail)

Butternut Squash + Apple Soup (this Apple- Butternut Squash soup from Martha looks yummy and with the addition of a jalapeno, has a little spice!)

Cranberry Sauce

Sausage Stuffing (this Spinach, Fennel + Sausage Stuffing with Toasted Brioche looks divine!)

Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

Roasted Potatoes (this Crispy Potato Roast is gorgeous and delicious. Again, thanks Martha)

Green Bean Casserole

Kale Salad (try this Kale + Pomegranate Salad)

Brussels Sprouts Salad with Hot Bacon Dressing

Gluten Free Apple Pie with Cinnamon Streusel Topping

Have a Party- The 2012 Summer Olympics are Here!

Oh Happy Day! The Summer 2012 Olympics are finally here and I am positively pumped for the next two weeks. Swimming, gymnastics, volleyball, I truly love watching it all- Olympic athletes are so inspiring to me. The Summer Olympics are really my favorite...although, I always say the same thing when the Winter Olympics roll around. I guess I just love it all. Team USA for the win! 

Our friends are hosting an Olympics party next weekend and I think it is just the best idea. Everyone has to pick a country to represent in the form of food- it's going to be an international feast! If you're looking for a fun way to celebrate, this is such a fun and easy theme to throw together. 

Olympic Party Printables + decor ideas from Lil Sugar

A Small Snippet water bottle covers

Red, white + blue candies with flags for centerpieces via All You

Darling "Go for the Gold" treat bags (source unknown)

Vintage Olympics Tees from Gap

Puttin' on the GRITS' Red, White + Blue wreath is perfect to show Team USA some love

I love the idea of every guest bringing food to represent a country! Mark and will be Greek for the day next Saturday- so we'll be arriving to the party with Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki for dipping and Greek Salad skewers.

Mini Burgers + Fries (is there anything more American!?)

Greek Salad Skewers

Asian Lettuce Cups with Stir Fried Chicken

Pesto + Tomato Bruschetta

Olympic Sorbet Torches

And it's not a party without something to sip on. Don't forget the cocktails!

Red Berry Fizz

White Sangria

Blue Margarita

Red, White + Blue Shooter

Enjoy the weekend!

Oh What Fun It Is To...Entertain on New Year's Eve!

I am excited about this Holiday link up hosted by some lovely bloggers this week! Today, I'm linking up with Nina to share my sparkly plans for our New Year's Eve guests! I fondly refer to my family as the party type and we wouldn't have it any other way. My parents love to entertain and they have certainly shared that love with me. We're Italian. It's what we do. There is nothing better than hosting friends and family in your home and making them feel all warm and fuzzy and loved. And the more, the merrier!

The newlyweds are making their way from Washington D.C. to spend New Year's weekend in the Midwest and I'm bursting with excitement. I am not wishing away Christmas but I am just so excited for their arrival! Meghan and I have been dreaming up our little New Year's Eve party for what seems like months and we can't believe it's only a few weeks away. I also made her promise me that she would watch the end scene in The Holiday because that is exactly what I envision!

I picked up some inspiration from Pinterest and I plan on finalizing my menu before we head south for Christmas. I'm looking forward to a fancy night at home with heavy hors d'oeuvres, festive cocktails, bite sized sweet treats and twinkle lights. Any home party is not complete without living room dancing and we can't forget to add a new dress to the list! MOD & Scott- we can't wait for your arrival!

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