The wonders of Coca-Cola...

Picture this: a hot sunny ,humid day that makes you drag and feel like the day will never end....and then, there it is...a nice cold, icy, with a lime, Coke just sitting there waiting for you! Yes I know soda is not the healthiest but I can't help but put in a word on a classic favorite. Even though it is scary to think of all its true uses, I will tell you this much- it rocks in the kitchen! Yes it does and with the following recipes I will show you how to give a different taste to everyday foods that have the potential to wow any crowd.

Coke and Coffee Pork Loin
What you will need: (serves 6)
1 cup warm water, plus 1 cup cold water

1 cup cider vinegar

1/2 cup sugar

2 Tbsp salt

1 (2 1/2 to 3-pound) pork loin

1/4 cup ground coffee beans

3 Tbsp dark brown sugar

2 Tbsp ground pepper

1 Tsp cinnamon

3 Tbsp unsalted butter

3 Tbsp canola or vegetable oil

For the sauce:

1/2 pound bacon, diced

1 package of gravy mix, dissolve in 1 cup water

1 cup red wine

1 cup pineapple juice, from canned pineapple tidbits

1/2 cup pineapple tidbits

1 cup coke (DO NOT USE DIET!)

How to Make:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
Preparing the pork:

Combine 1 cup of warm water with the vinegar, sugar and salt in a medium bowl, whisking until the sugar and salt are dissolved. Transfer to a large resealable gallon-sized plastic bag or a container that seals well. Add 1 cup of cold water and the pork loin, seal, and refrigerate overnight.
Mix the coffee, brown sugar, pepper, and cinnamon. Remove the pork loin from the brine and pat dry with paper towels. Rub with the spice mix, transfer the pork to a baking sheet and set it aside at room temperature.
In a large skillet melt the butter with the oil over medium-high heat. Add the pork loin and brown for 5 minutes, turning to brown all sides. Place on a baking sheet and roast until the temperature reads 160 degrees F on an instant-read thermometer, about 1 hour. Remove the roast from the oven, cover loosely with aluminum foil, and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. (This will help keep the juices inside-resist temptation of cutting it)

Sauce:

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, cook the diced bacon until crispy. Remove any excess fat from the pan and add the gravy, red wine, coke, pineapple juice and pineapple tidbits. Bring back to a simmer over medium-high heat for 10 minutes, until the sauce has reduced by half. Slice the pork loin and serve with the sauce on the side.

Cocktail Sausage Appetizer
What you need:
2 packets of little smokies
1 Cup of Ketchup
1 Cup of Coke

How to make:
In a large saucepan place both packages of smokies on med high heat. Cook for 4-5 minutes. Add the coke and ketchup and lower heat to medium. Let cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve while hot!

ENJOY!