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Smoky Sweet Pulled Pork

Source of Recipe

From "The Outdoor Table" by April McKinney


List of Ingredients

Spice Rub:
◦ 1 tablespoon brown sugar
◦ 2 teaspoons chili powder
◦ 2 teaspoons ground cumin
◦ 2 teaspoons paprika
◦ 2 teaspoons salt
◦ 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
◦ 1 teaspoon garlic powder
◦ 1 teaspoon onion powder
◦ 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Pork Barbecue:
◦ 1 (3- to 4-pound) trimmed pork shoulder
◦ 1 cup root beer
◦ 2 tablespoons liquid smoke

Barbecue Sauce:
◦ 1 tablespoon butter
◦ 1/2 cup chopped white onion
◦ 1 cup ketchup
◦ 1/3 cup cider vinegar
◦ 1/3 cup firmly packed brown sugar
◦ 2 tablespoons prepared yellow mustard
◦ 1 tablespoon liquid smoke
◦ 1/4 teaspoon salt
◦ 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper


Recipe

For the spice rub, in a small bowl stir together the brown sugar, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cinnamon.

For the pork, rub the spice rub all over the meat. Place the meat in a slow cooker, and pour in the root beer and liquid smoke. Cook on low for 7 to 8 hours.

For the barbecue sauce, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat, and then add the onions. Cook the onions until they are softened, for 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in the ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, mustard, liquid smoke, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 5 to 6 minutes.

When the pork is done, remove it from the slow cooker, and pull it apart using two forks. Remove most of the liquid from the slow cooker, leaving only about 1 cup, and return the pulled pork to the cooker. Add the barbecue sauce as well. Stir everything together, cover, and cook on low for another 30 minutes. Keep the slow cooker on warm while serving.


Makes 10 to 12 servings