Carnitas Recipe

Thank you to our wonderful postpartum doula, Cathy lee, for this great recipe that is very easy for the newly postpartum mom.

It's November already...

I cannot believe that November is already here! November in my home means the start of

crock potting on the regular. It also means this year planning Bobby's first birthday! People

were not kidding when they said it goes by fast. I have always been a big fan of the crock pot

since I am usually pretty busy but adding a baby into the chaos of life, the crock pot has become

even better. Sometimes I make a meal in the crock pot that is just for that night specifically,

other times I like to throw something in there that can be used in at least two meals. So this

blog post I will share with you a recipe for delicious, healthy carnitas that can be used two ways

and cut your time in the kitchen down!

Things you will need:

 4 lb pork shoulder

 4 garlic

 1 tablespoon salt (use 1 Tsp if your are cutting down on salt)

 1 teaspoon cumin

 1 teaspoon chili powder

 1 teaspoon pepper

 1 teaspoon oregano

 ¼ teaspoon cinnamon

 ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper(optional)

 1 teaspoon of chipotle powder (totally optional)

 juice of 2 limes(if using artificial lime juice, just use a tablespoon)

 ½ cup orange juice

 12 ounces beer (regular or root beer)

 ½ cup salsa (or taco sauce, but my favorite is less chunky salsa)



** If you are in the first few weeks of nursing, do not worry the beer cooks out!

-First up dice up the garlic. Leave some cloves a good size to shove into the pork shoulder. Take

the pork shoulder and cut random slits to make pockets for some cloves of garlic. Shove garlic

in the pockets you make.

-Liberally rub salt, cumin, chili powder, black pepper, oregano, cinnamon, and cayenne all over the

pork shoulder. Place pork shoulder in the crock pot and sprinkle the diced garlic around.

-Add all the liquids into the crock pot, cover and  set crock pot on low for 8 hours.

After the 8 hours you can shred the shoulder in the crock pot, on a cutting board, or personally in a

kitchen aid mixer (for a minute with the dough hook attachment.)

How to eat the carnitas

With your fingers or a fork because they are that tender! Kidding, serve up the carnitas with

some tortillas & fresh lime juice. Feel free to make a side of Minute Rice for a side.

Now how to use your leftover carnitas for another meal night? My personal favorite is to throw

it on a bed of egg noodles and veggies! Cook up some noodles and steam up a quick thing of

veggies and dinner number two is done!

*Carrots, broccoli, green beans, corn, and peas all steam up quick and easy!

If you are not a fan of pork, substitute the pork shoulder with large chicken breast. About 5

large chicken breast are equal to a 4lb pork shoulder. The chicken will shred just as easy and be

just as delicious!

If you tried the recipe, send your thoughts or how you served it! I love hearing the feedback

and getting new ideas!

Happy slow cooking!

-Cathy lee