As many of you know I took the plunge and moved to Michigan in May. I have undergone such severe culture shock from the mundane to the terrifying. However, probably one of the biggest adjustments for me has to do with this thing called a weather report. Living in California I just didn't understand the purpose of it and so I promptly didn't use it or pay attention to it or apply any value to it. I quickly learned here that it has a purpose as in a span of mere minutes the weather can go from beautiful to torrential downpour rain to foggy to sunny again. I have also learned that my car is equipped with a severe weather feature that lets you know, by scaring the shit out of you with a loud siren noise, that you are near any weather event.



Besides this crazy thing called weather and this report that is supposed to guide you through life there is a thing called seasons. And yes I know winter hasn't arrived yet...I am in a beautiful blissful delusion about it right now...please don't remind me. However, I am in one of the most beautiful seasons in Michigan-Fall. Yes, the leaves are changing colors and it is getting a little cool in the mornings and last weekend I got to go to a pumpkin patch and drink hard cider. All of which is wonderful!!

But I am just not ready yet....

Yes those are goosebumps on his face

So I am continuing to barbecue with the delusion that I can continue to do this year-round, just like I did in Cali. Quick shout out to the wonderful man in my life because he is continuing to support my little fantasy as he continue to stand around the BBQ, adding more and more layers of clothing, and talking about how it needs to be moved to a more sheltered and covered area.

JK's Scrumpy Hard Cider-it is amazing! Find it! It is organic!

Last week was no different. The temperatures feel like Fall. We are all wearing boots and long sleeves. We are all drinking red wine. And yet we made Coconut and Lime Pork on the grill, which was amazing I might add. So if you live in the East and you want to brave cold weather bbq'ing or you live in the west and you can embrace the grill 365 days a year this is a must try.



To begin with, marinate the pork in coconut milk, vegetable oil, garlic, brown sugar, cilantro, fish sauce, lime juice and Sriracha. Cover and refrigerate for 1-4 hours. I let mine sit for about 3 hours and it was perfect. And let me just say this marinade smells amazing!!

Thread the pork on skewers. And remember to soak wood skewers in water for about 20 minutes prior to using so they don't catch on fire. I have tried this and it works and I do it every time now!!









Grill the kebabs and brush with coconut milk for about 12 minutes, as you turn them every so often.

Now make the dipping sauce which is a combo of water, brown sugar, fish sauce, lime juice and Sriracha.



Serve the kebabs in romaine lettuce leaf bowls, drizzle with sauce and top with chopped peanuts, scallions, cucumber and cilantro.

Here is the actual recipe-Coconut and Lime Pork

• 1 1/2 pounds pork tenderloin, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 13 .5-ounce can coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, plus more for the grill
• 4 cloves garlic, smashed
• 1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon packed dark brown sugar
• 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for topping
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 2 tablespoons Sriracha (Asian chile sauce)
• Romaine lettuce leaves, for serving
• Chopped roasted peanuts, scallions and cucumber, for topping

Meanwhile, combine 1 tablespoon water and the remaining 1 tablespoon each brown sugar, fish sauce, lime juice and Sriracha in a small bowl. Serve the kebabs in romaine leaves and drizzle with the sauce. Top with chopped peanuts, scallions, cucumber and cilantro.



The flavors are incredible and the Sriracha gives it a slight heat. I love the texture of this recipe as the cucumber and peanuts add the perfect crunch!! This is truly one of my favorite recipes recently. I served it with chilled white wine...yes more seasonal denial. I also served it with sauteed baby bok choy, which on a side note I have discovered is hard to find here. I am sure I will continue to have additional revelations over the coming seasons and until that point I will keep wearing my flip flops and grilling. Cheers!!