Chef Andrew Parker has a message for post secondary students as they’re getting settled into their back to school routine.

“Ditch the instant noodles and get cooking!”

Chef Parker has come up with a variety of fast and easy recipes perfect for any student’s busy study schedule.

Using space-saving and budget-friendly small appliances like the Big Boss Grill Set and Crock Pot 4.5 Quart Slow Cooker, students can make a variety of fast, healthy and affordable meals.

Cooking is also great stress relief for students needing a brain break.

Here are two great dishes from Chef Parker that are perfect for a study session!

Crock Pot Pulled Pork

• 1 Medium Sized Pork Shoulder (Rubbed in Seasoning Salt or BBQ Rub)
• 1 Carrot
• 2 Celery Stalk
• 1 White Onion
• 4 Garlic Cloves
• Parsley Stems
• 2 Bay Leaves
• BBQ Sauce (Store bought or use Chef Parker’s recipe below)

Instructions

• Rub down the pork with a rub or seasoning salt.
• Clean the vegetables and chop them into larger pieces (the vegetables and all the other ingredients give the pork an earthy flavour when it’s slow roasted).
• Put two cups of water in the slow cooker.
• Add the vegetables to the slow cooker.
• Put the pork on top of the vegetables in the slow cooker.
• Set it and forget it. Cook on low for 6-7 hours.
• When done, remove vegetables and compost them.
• Tear the pork apart with a fork (it will fall apart easily), and put into a container.
• Add BBQ sauce and stir together.
• Place a generous helping of the pork on a whole-wheat bun and serve with a side of coleslaw or fresh salad.

Chef Parker’s BBQ Sauce

• 1 tbsp. Olive or Vegetable Oil
• Half White Onion (Fine Diced)
• 3 Garlic Cloves (Fine Diced)
• Half Orange (Peeled and Segmented)
• 3 Rosemary Springs (Leaves off, Fine Diced)
• 1/2 Cup Water
• 2 Cups Ketchup
• 1/3 Cup Apple Cider Vinegar
• 1/3 Cup Brown Sugar
• 2 tbsp. Dijon Mustard
• 1 tsp. Worcestershire Sauce
• 1/2 tsp. Cayenne Pepper
• 3 tbsp. Molasses

Instructions

• Heat a small pot over medium heat
• Add oil to sauté the onions
• Let the onions cook, then add your garlic
• After browning, add the liquids and let boil
• Add ketchup with brown sugar and other spices
• Mix well

Easy Waffles with Whip Cream and Candied Bacon

• ½ Pound Bacon (Cut into thin strips)
• ½ Cup Brown Sugar
• ¼ Cup Butter, Melted
• Can of Aerosol Whipped Cream, or Cool Whip
• 2 Cups All-purpose flour
• 1 tsp. Salt
• 4 tsp. Baking Powder
• 2 tbsp. White Sugar
• 2 Eggs
• 1 ½ Cups Warm Milk
• 1/3 Cups Butter, Melted
• 1 tsp. Vanilla Extract

Step by Step

• Mix brown sugar with ¼ cup butter – this is a glaze for the bacon. Cook your bacon in this mixture. Let it cool off, you have candied bacon!
• Heat your Big Boss Grill using the waffle plates.
• With the rest of the ingredients, mix together thoroughly until smooth and there are no lumps. Leave out at room temperature before using.
• Add a generous ladle of the waffle mixture to the grill set. Careful not to fill it too much, or it will overflow.
• Close the lid and let the batter cook for between 6-8 minutes. Do not open the grill during cooking.
• Plate the waffles, add a dollop of whipped cream and add your candied bacon. No need for syrup – the whipped cream and candied bacon will make this a sweet treat.