Can you believe that it’s already May? Like seriously, how fast is this year going! I always feel like that days go faster than everything I strive to accomplish, but I guess thats what pushes us to achieve more. Right? With our busy lives, it can take extra effort to fit in the things we enjoy. Whether its leisurely reading, gardening, catching up on our favorite sitcom (Love me some Mindy Project), I find it kind of silly that we have to set aside time to just do what we want. I swear, the Europeans have it all right. Work a few hours, take a nap, then close up early and meet for drinks and tapas. I think I’m living in the wrong country.
It’s all about how we spend (and manage) our time. This is still a concept that I have yet to master. With my Type-A persona, my perfectionism, workaholic, overachiever mentality is exhausting. A Huffington Post article, “16 Signs You’re A Little (or A lot) Type A,” says it best. Whether being “Type-A” is a predisposition or not, allowing yourself to just relax, let your hair down, and enjoy the ride, is not only good for having a fun time, but the benefits are endless– good for your waistline, you’ll sleep better, will have clearer skin, hormones will be in check, life will be great! Exaggerating a little? Hmmm, I don’t think so. Because if you’re enjoying yourself, doing whatever it is you love to do, I believe everything else falls into place. When one thing is off, doesn’t it seem that everything is off? In my experience, this rings true time and time again.
So, what do I enjoy? Besides ditching technology and escaping on a beach with a cold drink in my hand, (too quick of an answer? I’ve thought about it a few times). Hmm, my second answer is…. it would have to be pulled pork. Yup! That’s it. Just a delicious, slow roasted pork butt ( its not really the butt, the actual butt is called a ham… silly!). Honestly though, one of my favorite things (obviously) is to cook a delectable meal and share it amongst friends, family, and good laughter.
This pulled pork recipe is so simple, yet the results are amazingly impressive. Its perfect for any summer barbecue and provides great left-overs for other dishes. I promise your guests will be drooling over the aroma as they enter your home.
Simply Enjoy!
- 3-5 pounds pork should roast, Boston butt or picnic cut
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground mustard
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1 tablespoon pepper
- 1/2 tablespoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional)
- Preheat over to 325.
- In a small bowl, combine all of your spices together.
- Dry off the pork with a paper towel and rub the entire pork with the spice mixture.**If you have liquid smoke, drizzle over the fat side of the pork.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the coconut oil and apple cider vinegar for basting.
- In a roasting pan, place the pork fat side up and insert into heated oven for about 4 hours. You will want to bast it with the vinegar mixture in 35-40 minute increments until you notice the meat becomes firm. Once firm, remove from heat and shred with two sharp forks. You will also know it is done when the internal temperature reaches 185 degrees.
- As you shred, reincorporate some of the liquid left and top with your favorite barbecue sauce.
