Pulled Pork!

Pulled pork is a tasty and affordable way to feed the family. Pork shoulder isn't that expensive, and it's even better when it's on sale. For my family of three a five pound pork shoulder roast can feed us three different tasty meals.


Cooking the Roast:
Day one will take a little bit of time to cook and prep the meat, but any extras can make quick, tasty meals for one to two days afterwards.

• 4-5 lbs. Pork shoulder Roast (A pork shoulder roast can be bought bone-in or bone-out, it doesn't really matter for this recipe. I buy the bone-in, but that's only because my husband likes to get some of the meat right off of the bone.)
• 4 Cups of Chicken Broth (Alternatives: what ever flavor broth you have, chicken bullion, or water)
• Salt and Pepper
• Garlic Powder
• Dehydrated Onions
• 1 Bay Leaf (Seasoning is to your taste, so use what you like and what you have, garlic and onions are my basics)

In large pot combine all ingredients, and then add water until roast is covered by at least a half an inch. Bring to a boil, and the reduce heat. Simmer covered for 2 - 2 1/2 hours. Low and slow! Pull out roast, and allow to rest for at least 10 minutes. Reserve 2 cups of the broth in the pot. Shred the pork (easiest way is to cut the roast into manageable pieces and then use a couple of forks and your fingers to shred it into bite size pieces.)
Now you have Pulled Pork, just portion it to the number of days it will feed your family and then each day season as you choose. My favorite ways to use the pulled pork are listed below.

Pulled Pork Tacos

• Pulled Pork
• 1 Can Tomatoes (Diced)
• 1 Can Diced Green Chilies (these are my favorite addition to any Mexican themed dish)
• 1/2 Medium Onion (Chopped)
• 2 Garlic Cloves (minced) (Can substitute garlic powder and dehydrated onions).
• 1/2 C- 1 C reserved broth (substitute: chicken broth, water)
• 1 T Cumin
• 1 T Oregano
• 1/2 t Black Pepper
• 1/2 t Chili Powder (Substitute for all of the seasonings: packaged taco seasoning, I usually throw a bit of the taco seasoning in anyways, I like the way it tastes. Remember to use what you already have.)
• Salt to taste

Add a little of the broth (enough to cover the bottom the pan) to a saute pan. Saute onions on med-high heat until soft, add garlic, then pulled pork and all seasonings. Drain tomatoes and chilies and add to pan. Add broth to the pan (as much as needed so the meat doesn't dry out). Saute 5-7 minutes until heated through and the seasoning is covering all the meat. (Add more seasoning if it's not tasty enough for you.)
Spoon into taco shells or tortillas and top with your favorites. I like, cheese, cabbage, guacamole (homemade if you have the stuff), sour cream and salsa.

BBQ Pulled Pork

• Pulled Pork
• 1/2 C Reserved Broth
• BBQ Sauce (your favorite)

Pour Broth into a pot at med-high heat. Add pulled pork and stir in 1/4- 1/2 C of BBQ Sauce. Heat through, about 5 minutes. Add a bit more sauce once it's on the plate. Add whatever sides you have. I like it with mashed potatoes. Put the meat on a bun and top with shredded cabbage.

Pulled Pork is also great on top of homemade nachos or homemade pizza. Any other ideas?