kahlua pork

I cook quite a bit of pork. It is a frequent request when I am cooking for others and I can honestly say pork is one of those things that I can easily get tire of eating. I think that the frequent preparation of pork for others is the main reason that I am always looking for a new way to cook it. In January, the Costco Connection magazine had a recipe for slow cooker kalua pork and I knew I needed to give it a try. The ingredient list was minimal although I did have to purchase pink salt. (It was worth it.) I put everything in the slow cooker and let it go. Several hours into the cooking, I heard a crack and went to check my pork. My crockpot had cracked! (The original recipe didn’t call for any liquid and my mostly frozen pork loin didn’t produce enough liquid quickly enough.) I have now adjusted the recipe so feel free to use a frozen piece of meat. Just make sure you cook it a little longer.

Everyone in our family enjoys this pork and it is easy to adjust the quantity when cooking for a crowd. Last week we had family in town visiting and this pork was on the menu. It was a great hit! Everyone enjoyed it and it allowed us to have a great family get-together.

Since I am talking pulled pork, I have to take a moment and share with you my new favorite BBQ sauce. If you are in the Kansas City area, you owe it to yourself to give Rufus Teague a try. (You can find it at your local grocery store: I have found it at Hen House and Price Chopper.  You can order it online if you aren’t in Kansas City.) It is my all-time favorite BBQ sauce. I have a bottle of every variety in my refrigerator and I also love their rubs. Jeffrey especially loves the Blazin’ Hot flavor and it is spicy enough to satisfy the part of him that likes to set his taste buds on fire. (By the way, I am in no way affiliated with Rufus Teague. They have no idea who I am or even that I exist, I just wanted to share with you because their BBQ sauce is fantastic!)

Slow Cooker Kahlua Pork

ingredients:
4 slices bacon
5 lb pork loin or Boston Butt roast
1 1/2 tablespoons coarse Himalayan pink salt
1/4 – 1/2 cup water

directions:
Line the bottom of your slow cooker with bacon. Sprinkle the salt over the pork. Place pork fat side up on top of the bacon. Add the water to the slow cooker and cook on low for 12-16 hours. Remove the pork and bacon and shred with two forks. Return to crock pot to keep warm before serving. Serve as is or with your favorite barbecue sauce.

Adapted from Costco Connection January 2014