Crock-a-doodle-doo!

One thing that I don't use nearly enough is my crockpot. It's such an easy way to cook. The best part is, you don't have do the "cooking" or even be present. Just throw the ingredients into the crock pot and push a button. Hours later, a hot and flavorful meal magically appears!

My hubby and I have been making crockpot carnitas for years. I think it was the first or second dish we tried in our crock pot. There are very few ingredients so it's quick and easy to prepare but it does make a lot. If you have a large party to serve, this would be a great way to do it. Just start the cooking before you go to bed or early in the morning. You want to cook it on the lowest heat setting for about 10 hours (now if we could all get that much sleep too!). When serving, put out some warmed up tortillas and a bunch of great sides. Enjoy!

Crockpot Carnitas
Adapted by Foodism Mom from about.com

• 3 1/2 lbs (or closer to 4 lbs if you are using bone-in) pork shoulder roast (butt roast)
• 4 large garlic cloves, peeled, each clove cut 2-3 pieces
• medium onion, outer skin removed and cut into 2 inch pieces
• 1 fresh jalapeno pepper, cut into 1/4 inch pieces (remove seeds if you don't want it spicy)
• 1 bunch fresh cilantro; rinsed and roughly chopped; use half to cook with and the other half served as a topping
• 1 bottle of medium bodied beer (12 ounces)
• Salt and pepper

Preparation:

With a knife, cut several small slits into the roast. Insert pieces of garlic cloves in roast; place in crockpot with whole pepper and half bunch of cilantro which has been chopped. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and a half teaspoon of ground pepper over the roast.

Pour in beer around it. Cook on

LOW 8 to10 hours hours until fork tender (HIGH 4 to 6).

When cool enough to handle, remove the meat and shred with two forks. Add some of the cooking liquid to the shredded meat to moisten it up a bit.  I like to remove any remaining pieces of fat from the meat. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Serve with warm tortillas, with by your choice of garnishes. Suggested garnishes: diced tomatoes, onions, sliced ripe olives, shredded lettuce, sour cream, cheese, salsa, guacamole, and cilantro.

Cool Tools: