Slow Roasted Pulled Pork Sandwiches

One would think since we had Shorty's Pit BBQ for years, we would be experts at busting out some mean pulled pork sandwiches. Not so much. In fact, I hadn't ever had the pleasure of creating this meal myself until this weekend. Thanks to the help of my good friend Sammy Moore, Google and the opinions of the so called BBQ experts a new family favorite is born.

Super easy, very cost effective and incredibly tasty. Wondering what to do with leftovers? They certainly make great sandwiches the next day...or even burritos. In fact, on July 5 after a fun filled evening over indulgence, we had friends over to partake in pork, egg, roasted corn, refried bean, cilantro, cheddar breakfast burritos. YUM.

Menu:

• Pulled Pork Sandwiches (see below)
• Baked Beans (Canned work)
• Coleslaw (anyone have a great slaw recipe?)
• Roasted Corn (see recipe on blog)

Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Ingredients:

• 3-4 # Pork Shoulder Roast
• Chili Powder
• Kosher salt
• 2 cloves garlic, pressed
• Pepper
• Paprika
• 1 T sugar
• 2 beers
• 6 kaiser rolls
• BBQ sauce

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 450 degrees
• Place roast in large roasting pan, on a rack (you don't want the roast to sit in its own fat)
• Rub the roast with all seasonings and pressed garlic
• Sprinkle with sugar
• Place in high temp oven for 1 hour
• Turn heat down to 250 degrees
• Pour two beers into roasting pan and cover with foil
• Cook for 3-4 hours
• Using a sharp knife begin slicing meat - it should shred easily
• Warm BBQ sauce and serve on the side
• Warm and slice Kaiser rolls

To serve as a buffet, transfer the pulled pork and desired juices to your crock pot. This will allow the meat to stay warm and moist (to use Sarah Wu's fav word!). Pour warmed BBQ sauce into serving container and let everyone make their own sandwich. I like mine Carolina style...which means top the meat with a spoonful of slaw ...mmmmm.

Top 11 Fourth of July Menus: Bon Apetit

As you know by now, holidays are big in my family. We are a family that needs little reason to party, but holidays give us the opportunity to take out all the stops!

Remembering my Fourth of July moments make me realize that tomorrow is another opportunity to help influence the special memories of my girls and neighbors. It is a holiday that is all about the basics - no pretense and all fun.

My fourth of July memories take me to either the beach or the legendary Port Locksleigh block party. Nothing was more exciting than seeing all the BBQ's, tables and chairs on the driveway, the cones at the end of the street and Jimmy the Beach (aka Jim Roberts) on the mic. The neighborhood parents would organize a bike parade, water balloon toss, egg spoon race and then it was time for the anticipated Port Locksleigh vs Port Taggert softball game on the greenbelt...where we would KICK SOME REAL BUTT. I always felt so lucky that I got to be part of the BEST STREET.

The menus for this holiday reflect the event - classic. If you are searching for inspiration on what to cook for your party or the pot luck you are hitting up, check out the top 11 Fourth of July menus...care of Bon Apetit. http://www.bonappetit.com/dishes/menus/fourth_of_july_menu_guide/index/index_20090529

While you know I have a lot of care about the food, it's the memories, people and times you are creating that deserve the most effort and attention. To me, Fourth of July is still a day of tossing water balloons, playing games, catching up with neighborhood friends, watching dads become little boys again, kids in awe of sparklers and for everyone to enjoy the purest pleasures of being an American.

Thank you to all who continue sacrificing, allowing families around the country these amazing freedoms and privileges.

Happy Fourth!