simply crafted classic coleslaw and cheater's BBQ slow cooker sandwiches

Summer may be winding down where you are, kids heading off to school and all that jazz. But here in Texas, it's still one point five million degrees outside, my littles aren't in school, and technically summer doesn't end until September 23rd, so it's still summer in my book.

I thought I'd share one of my favorite summertime recipes - classic summer coleslaw. Far superior to the pre-made coleslaw dressings fo SHO. And it is so hilariously simple. And it goes great alongside my cheater's slow cooker BBQ sandwiches.

I call this cheaters BBQ, because no self respecting Texan would actually believe that a slow cooker can give you authentic smoked BBQ flavor. It can't. But it is far cheaper, easier, and weeknight friendly. It's also great to make for a crowd. Make this now and save your money to go out for real BBQ on a date night or something. No sense in spending $15 a lb on the real stuff for your whiny kids who won't appreciate it anyway.

THE GOODS - FOR THE SLAW
2/3 cup light mayo
3 tbps sugar
1/4 cup milk
3 tbsp apple cider vinegar (can sub white vinegar)
1/4 tsp poppy seeds (optional)
Salt and Pepper
Bag shredded coleslaw, or buy it fresh and shred it yourself

THE GOODS - FOR THE SANDWICHES
1 lb meat - chicken or pork works well
1 bottle BBQ sauce (I like Stubbs)
Buns
Fixn's - this is a technical term. It means banana peppers, dill pickles, white onion slices, and potentially pepper jack cheese

HOW TO

MAKE THE MEAT: Take your meat, put it in a slow cooker, cover with 2/3 of the bottle. Set it on low for 4-5 hours. Shred it with 2 forks when your done, and pour the remaining sauce on it if needed.

MAKE THE SLAW: Mix all ingredients except slaw. Taste for salt and pepper. Add the slaw, mix, and cover. Let it sit in the fridge for at least 2 hours. It's really great if it sits overnight. Just gets better. If it's too thick when you take it out of the fridge, add a splash of milk or vinegar or both.

PUT IT TOGETHER: Toast the buns, assemble the sandwiches, and try some slaw on top. So good. Every time.

Serve alongside a big o'l glass of iced tea and enjoy.