Day 187 - Cheerwine Pulled Pork

Cheerwine Pulled Pork, Potato Salad, Baked Beans.

Made pulled pork this week for two friends who recently had a baby.  And, since dad is a Carolina Boy, I made Cheerwine pulled pork?

What is Cheerwine, you ask?  It's a softdrink originating in the Carolinas.  It's like a fruitier, lighter Dr. Pepper.  Anyway, they make pulled pork with it a lot, because it's really tasty, and so that's what I did, along with potato salad and baked beans.  And, of course, kept some for myself.  Had some for dinner the other night, and then brought the leftovers for lunch.

If you've never made pulled pork, try it this way.  I promise, you'll thank me.

Cheerwine Pulled Pork

1 5-lb pork picnic shoulder
1 12-oz can Cheerwine (or Dr. Pepper, or Coca-Cola, or anything else dark and sweet)

Spray the interior of a 5 quart crock pot with cooking spray.  Place pork shoulder in the crock pot, pouring Cheerwine over the top.  Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours.  When pork falls apart with a gentle prod of a fork, you're ready to go.  Pull out pork with tongs (it should shred on its way out), makings sure not to include bones or fat.  Place pulled pork in a separate container.  You may or may not reserve the juices leftover, as desired.  Serve hot or cold.

If you want to keep hot, pour bones, fat, gristle, juice, etc out of crock pot, reserving at least a cup of juices.  Place pork and liquid back into crock and keep on the warm setting.