I know we just got started here but I think it’s time we maybe took it a bit slower, we’re moving way too fast. What? I’m talking about cooking weirdo. Do you like pig? I don’t but I cook it for my loved ones. I can only tell you when I make this it is greedily devoured over a couple of days…oh and complimented profusely. This requires a crock pot….do you have one? Does your neighbor? Grandma? Local goodwill? Don’t hate the crock, it is one of my very best friends and deserves a place in everyones kitchen. In fact I have two. So grab yourself a crock pot of decent size (not one of those little dip thing-a-majigs) and give this a shot.

Carnitas

2 pounds of boneless pork, you can use shoulder or loin, my boys prefer loin.

In a small bowl stir together:
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp cumin powder
1/2 tsp oregano
1/4 tsp coriander powder (if you are digging this from the bowels of your spice rack, skip it)

Place 2 bay leaves in the bottom of your crock pot then pour in 1 cup of chicken broth.
Place the pork in the crock then sprinkle the spice mixture all over, then flip the pork a couple times.

You can cook this on low or high. Low you are looking at about 6-7 hours, High about 4. I usually choose low because I can prep it around lunchtime and it’s ready by dinner. If you are using a frozen loin or shoulder add a couple hours.

While it’s cooking feel free to baste it, flip it, talk to it….whatever. About an hour or so before you are expecting to pull it out and eat stick a fork in there and start pulling it apart. When it’s fully cooked it should just sort of fall apart. Continue shredding throughout that last hour.

I usually make this for taco night around here, but you could use it in enchiladas, salad topping, over pasta, rice, or just by itself. I like to use the left over carnitas in a baked pasta dish, just take some leftover penne (or cook it up) toss with the remaining carnitas and a little cheese and bake it until it’s warm.

If you are in the market for a crock-pot I can firmly stand behind this one
It’s awesome!