Father's Day: Pineapple Pork Tacos

My original plan for Father's Day was to surprise Thatboy with a trip to visit TFIL.  I mean, when you think about it, it makes sense.  It's a day to celebrate fathers, and since we didn't have to worry about mine, we should be spending it with Thatboy's.  And it meant Thatbaby could spend time with his father AND grandfather on Father's Day.

When TFIL's health began to decline, I let Thatboy in on the secret trip.  It seemed even more important to spend the day with him.

And when TFIL got dispatched on hospice with only a short time left, we changed the flights so Thatboy could fly up immediately.  It seemed as though  we'd be spending Father's Day without him.

So I planned all sorts of fun Father's Day gifts we would have ready for him when he eventually got home - as a belated celebration.

When TFIL passed away, due to the timing, it looked as though we would be spending Father's Day with Thatboy after all, although not under the best of circumstances.  His main gift hadn't arrived yet - a photo placard of  TFIL, Thatboy, and Thatbaby, so Thatbaby and I scurried to put together something we could bring up with us.

Every day I grow and learn, trying to fill your shoes.

Now Thatboy can have a little bit of his son with him every day in a fairly inconspicuous way!

We pretty much ignored Father's Day though once Thatbaby and I arrived.  I was at least able to convince Thatboy to let me make him breakfast before we all headed to church.  Then we celebrated Thatnephew's birthday by having lunch together.  I was able to sneak Thatboy his gift right before we put Thatbaby to bed. 

If we had been home, there would have been more more of an acknowledgement, and a lot better food!  We fished for leftovers out of the fridge that night, but I'm sure Thatboy would have enjoyed these tacos even more.  Traditionally when I use pork to make tacos, I turn it into carnitas first.  Which is delicious.  But also time consuming.  Grilling a pork tenderloin is a lot quicker, and in general I like the idea of a taco as being a quick meal.  And pineapple is a very natural pairing with pig - think about Hawaiian pizzas, glazed pork with pineapple rings, and even pork tinga!

 

Pineapple Pork Tacos

• 1/2 cup fresh pineapple, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 chipotle in adobo, minced
• 1/2 cup bagged broccoli slaw
• 2 scallions, sliced
• juice of 1/2 lime
• 1 pork tenderloin

1. Heat a grill pan (or grill) over medium high heat.  Combine pineapple, garlic, and chipotle, lime juice, scallions, and slaw mix in a bowl, tossing to combine.  
2. Slice the pork lengthwise and season with salt and pepper.  Grill for 8-10 minutes, until cooked through.
3. Slice pork and serve with tortillas and pineapple slaw.