Slow Cooker Love

I think slow cookers have a bad reputation. People love slow cookers for their convenience and ease of preparation, but I don't think anyone ever expects a really great meal out of them. I'm here to tell you that you can get a flavorful, fancy meal from a slow cooker with limited preparation.

A few things for a successful slow cooker meal:

• Look for meals that use cuts of meat that are best cooked low-and-slow. Pork shoulder (pork butt), ribs, chuck roast, and even dry beans do well in a slow cooker. Most people slow cook the wrong cuts of meat, resulting in over-done, rubbery meals.
  
• Meats that are extremely low-fat will dry out too soon (pork tenderloin, chicken breasts)
• Leave the lid on! Slow cookers only work when the heat can build-up. Removing the lid will release the hot air, and will increase the cooking time tremendously. Don't stir, and leave that lid on so the slow cooker can do it's job.

I often put together the meal the night before, stick the ceramic pot in my fridge for the night, and then all I have to do is stick it in the slow cooker in the morning! I don't have time to do a bunch of food prep in the morning, so this helps me a ton.

I'm going to share this recipe with you that I found in a Real Simple magazine. It's so yummy, and ridiculously easy. Jeff requests it often, so over time I've modified it just a little bit, but the original recipe is great, too.

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Tacos

Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups homemade or fresh salsa
2 tablespoons dried oregano
2 tablespoons chili powder
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
Zest of one lime
Kosher salt to taste (I use 1-2 teaspoons)
2 1/2 pounds boneless pork shoulder
Corn tortillas
Monterrey Jack cheese
Limes
Sour Cream
Cilantro

Mix first 6 ingredients together (through salt) and place in slow cooker. Trim the pork shoulder of visible fat, and place in slow cooker, turning to coat. Cook on low for 8 hours, until the meat falls apart and shreds easily. If it doesn't shred, place lid back on slow cooker and turn the slow cooker temp to high for 1 more hour.

Remove meat, shred meat using two forks, and return to sauce. Serve on corn tortillas with cheese, lime juice, sour cream, and cilantro. Cilantro and limes are the key to bringing the flavors all together.

I hope you enjoy!