Happy Cinco De Mayo!   This is one of the easiest and most flavorful carnitas recipes I have made.  I am off to work today so it's perfect for me.  (photo to come later)


CROCK POT CARNITAS


1 (4 pound) pork shoulder or 1 (4 pound) pork butt
4 large garlic cloves, minced  ( or mix in 3 teaspoons garlic powder to spice mix in place of fresh garlic or use both)
3 teaspoons seasoning salt
1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
3 teaspoons garlic powder ( use if omitting the fresh garlic or can use the dry and fresh garlic)
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1-1/2 teaspoons paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper ( can use more)
2 medium onions, thinly sliced


Measure out all dry spices and put in a small bowl.  If you are using fresh garlic, smoosh and rub all over your pork roast (DO NOT USE GARLIC POWDER) if using fresh.  Then rub the dry rub all over it.  I do this over night so the flavors blend well.  You can do the same day as well if need be but you get more flavor if you let sit over night.

Slice up your onion and lay on the bottom of a large crock pot.  Lay your roast on top.

Close the lid and cook on low for 8-10 hours.

Remove meat and shred up or you can leave in chunks.  Put in a baking dish and bake for 5-10 minutes at 350  if you like the meat to get a little crispy on the top.

Enjoy!

Easy Baby Back Ribs

I know it has been forever since I posted anything and I apologize. I have been so busy with work and the kids sports I barely have time to cook at home. This is a super easy recipe for Baby Back ribs which you cook in the oven. A great easy recipe for those busy days.

BABY BACK RIBS

• 2 racks of baby back ribs


• Salt and Pepper


• BBQ Sauce of your choice (I like Baby Rays Original)

Preheat oven to 350. Line a cookie sheet with foil. Place ribs on the cookie sheet and salt & pepper them on both sides. Tent foil around the ribs making sure there are no openings to let out the heat. Cook for 1 hour. After the hour is up, carefully open the foil and pour any grease or juices left from the ribs in to a bowl. Put BBQ sauce all over ribs and bake for an additional 30 minutes. Remove and enjoy.

Crockpot Carnitas

This is a wonderful recipe for crockpot carnitas. I make this and have tacos and any leftovers we make green enchiladas with.

I just rub this mixture all over the pork and let sit a few days before I put in crockpot.

Crockpot Carnitas

Serves 6-8

• 1 (4 lb) pork shoulder or pork butt
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh garlic
• 3 teaspoons seasoning salt 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 1/2-2 teaspoons cumin
• 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste)
• 2 onions, thinly sliced

Put meat in crockpot and cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4 hours. If you have too much you can use the left overs and put BBQ sauce on it and then make BBQ beef sandwiches.

Carnitas Chili

The Fall weather is finally looking like its here. I love fall. I love soups, chili's and all the warm comfort foods that come along with it. This Chili recipe was shared with me by a friend Laura Benvenuto. She saw it at a Trader Joes demo several years ago and kindly shared it with me and it's been a favorite since.

Carnitas Chili

• 3-4 lbs of Pork Roast (precooked & shredded). Traders has a great microwaveable one in there meat dept. or make your own.
• 16 oz can of chicken broth
• 1 can white kidney beans (or whatever beans you like) I use pinto, chili and white beans because I can.
• 1 diced onion
• 1 half of package of TJ's frozen bell peppers (red, green & yellow).
• 2-3 cloves of garlic, pressed
• 1 large jar of salsa verde (the green stuff)
• 2-3 tsp cumin
• Cilantro; fresh

Bring all ingredients to a boil, reduce and simmer for 1 hour. Top with grated cheese and tortilla chips.