With the Superbowl fast approaching I thought you might appreciate a chili alternative. While it’s always safe to serve fan favorites, changing things up will make your party more memorable. On game day your guests will be looking for something hearty to go with all the snacks and this is a great option.

This recipe is ridiculously easy and actually quite lean. Your house will smell amazing and you won’t need to spend all day in the kitchen..unless of course you’re whipping up a full buffet of fancy snacks to go with this!

The pork shreds beautifully and is so moist you’ll never know it hasn’t been slow cooking in a smoker all day. (Just don’t tell my husband that because his smoker is his new favorite toy and I promise you he would swear that he could tell the difference).

Other party benefits? You can make this in advance and reheat it on the day you’re serving it and you can easily double the recipe for a bigger crowd.

Simple Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork

serves 8

Ingredients:

2 pounds pork tenderloin, trimmed of excess fat

1 – 12 oz. beer (or root beer if you’d prefer – really)

1 – 18 oz. bottle of your favorite barbecue sauce

Directions:

1. Place the pork tenderloin in your slow cooker and pour your beer over the pork. Cover and cook on the low setting for 6 hours or until the pork shreds easily with a fork.

2. Drain and discard the liquid. Using two forks, shred the pork and return it to the slow cooker. Add the barbecue sauce and stir well to combine. Serve immediately or keep warm in the slow cooker until ready to serve.

3. Serve on little whole what slider buns with coleslaw for an adorable party presentation. How cute is that photo??

There is no law saying that you have to go on a diet when January rolls around. I promise I’m not going to be someone who tells you that you need to eat nothing but kale and celery for the next 100 days.

That said, it may be time to rest your overworked digestive system this week. After all the extra cookies, cocktails, and hors d’oeuvres of the holidays,  this soup is just the thing to restore balance to your body and soul.

Do you notice that you instinctively seek balance after you’ve overindulged? This soup is one great way to achieve the balance you’re looking for with lots of good-for-you green things and fresh seasonings simmered together on the stove. Take this chance to nourish yourself. You’ll be so glad you did.

Green “Detox” Soup

adapted from The Gluten-Free Goddess

makes 4 servings

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 tablespoons diced onion

1-inch fresh ginger, peeled and chopped

1 bunch of broccoli, cut up

8 oz. fresh spinach leaves

3 parsnips, peeled and sliced

2 ribs of celery, sliced

1 handful of fresh parsley, roughly chopped

salt and pepper to taste

fresh lemon or lime juice, optional

Directions:

1. In a large soup pot heat olive oil over medium heat. Stir in garlic, onion, and ginger. Saute, stirring for 3 minutes.

2. Add broccoli, spinach, parsnips, celery, and parsley. Stir just until spinach wilts. Add just enough water to submerge vegetables.

3. Bring to a gentle boil, cover pot and reduce heat to a moderate simmer. Cook for approximately 15 minutes or until all the vegetables are soft.

4. Puree in a blender or by using an immersion blender.

5. Add salt and pepper to taste. Add a squeeze of lemon or lime juice if you prefer a brighter flavor.