Gift of Simplicity: Slow Cooker Cajun Pulled Pork

Slow Cooker Cajun Pulled Pork

-with-

Southwestern Corn Slaw

1 Cup Apple Cider Vinegar
2/3 Cup Ketchup
1/3 - 1/2 Cup Spicy Brown Mustard
2 Tablespoons Molasses
4 Tablespoons Brown Sugar, divided
1 Tablespoon Paprika
1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
1/8 - 1/4 teaspoon Chipotle Chili Powder -or- Cayenne Pepper
3 to 4 pounds Boneless Pork Shoulder
2 links (about 3/4-lb, total) Andouille Sausage

For Serving:
2 Tablespoons Spicy Brown Mustard
1/3 Cup Mayonnaise
Soft Deli Rolls or Sesame Buns
Southwestern Corn Slaw
Dill Pickles and Potato Chips

In the bottom of a greased 7- to 8-quart slow cooker, whisk together the Apple Cider Vinegar, Ketchup, Mustard, Molasses, and 2 Tablespoons Brown Sugar.

Combine the remaining 2 Tablespoons Brown Sugar, Paprika, Salt, and Black Pepper and thoroughly rub over the Pork; place in slow cooker. Top the Pork with Andouille Sausage links; cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours.

Remove Pork and Sausage; set aside to cool slightly. Skim off any excess fat from the cooking liquid, then strain into a large skillet. Bring to a boil and cook until reduced by half, about 20-30 minutes (you'll want to use a skillet or wide-mouth pan to do this, as it helps to speed up the reduction process). While the Cajun BBQ Sauce is reducing, shred the Pork and coarsely chop the Sausage. Toss the Meats with enough of the BBQ Sauce to moisten (I like to reduce mine until it's syrupy and use all of it. Mmmmm...)

To Serve:

Whisk together the 2 Tablespoons Mustard and the 1/3 Cup Mayonnaise; spread on Rolls and top with Cajun Pulled Pork and Southwestern Corn Slaw. Serve with Pickles and Potato Chips.

Serves 8-10.

"Give instruction to a wise man,

and he will be yet wiser;

teach a just man,

and he will increase in learning.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,

and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding."

Proverbs 9: 9 & 10

Saturday was our school's End-of-the-Year Picnic. Yesterday was Mother's Day. And today begins the last week of school. Today is the 7th-11th Softball Championship, Tuesday is the 7th-8th Bike Ride Privilege Trip, Wednesday is the K-2 Field Trip to a Teacher's home, Thursday is Advancement Ceremony and Graduation, and Friday brings the Last Day of School and a Classroom Party for 3rd-4th. I think I'm going to take my sleeping bag and just live on campus this week. Maybe I'll take my slow cooker along with me.