When it comes to celebrating my husband's birthday, I always strive to create moments that reflect the depth of my love and admiration for him. This year, as Mr. B's special day approached, I knew I wanted to surprise him with a culinary masterpiece that would not only tantalize his taste buds but also warm his heart.
Enter: the glorious pulled pork. A dish that holds a special place in our hearts, with each succulent bite carrying memories of shared laughter and cherished moments. Hours of slow roasting in the oven transformed the pork into a tender, flavorful delight that was destined to steal the show at Mr. B's dinner celebration. Delectable aromas filled our home and infused it with love and anticipation.
So, come along as I take you through my day of creating this delicious masterpiece, sharing not just the recipe but the love and laughter that went into every step. Let's unravel the deliciousness of pulled pork, and the joy it brought to our table, turning a simple meal into a celebration of love, laughter and togetherness.
After the mighty pork shoulder was transformed with a rub the night before - an alluring blend of coffee, brown sugar, paprika, and a hint of cayenne all meddled together - the stage was set for a culinary masterpiece to unfold. Each spice infused into the meat overnight, creating a harmony of flavors that promised to dazzle the taste buds.
As the first light of dawn filtered through the curtains, the aroma of sweet pork wafted through the house, enveloping every corner in its delicious embrace. From the moment Mr. B opened his eyes, he was greeted by the irresistible scent of slow-cooked perfection, a promise of the culinary delight that lay ahead on his special day.
With guests due to arrive at 4:30, organization became key to ensuring that everything would come together seamlessly. The kitchen buzzed with activity as pots simmered, dishes clinked, and the final touches were added to the meal. Amidst the whirlwind of preparations, the pork continued its slow journey to tender perfection, filling the air with a mixture of enticing and mouthwatering satisfaction.
Hour by hour, the pork was checked and tended to, each glance revealing the deeper hue, a richer aroma, and a promise of succulent tenderness to come. With each peek into the oven, the room was refilled with eagerness, the countdown to the birthday dinner only adding to the excitement building in the air.
Dry Pork Shoulder Rub Recipe (I bought a 6 Lb shoulder, adjust accordingly)
Ingredients:
-1 cup brown sugar
-1/4 cup smoked paprika
-1/4 cup ground coffee
-2 tablespoons garlic powder
-2 tablespoons onion powder
-2 tablespoons chili powder
-Cayenne pepper to taste
-Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
In a mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, smoked paprika, ground coffee, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
Mix the ingredients thoroughly until well combined, ensuring an even distribution of flavors.
Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels, score the fat cap, making cuts in a crisscross pattern, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
Gently make shallow punctures all over the surface of the meat, about 1/8 inch deep.
Generously coat the pork shoulder with the prepared rub, massaging it into the meat to ensure full coverage.
Cover the pork shoulder with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to allow the robust flavors to meld and transform the meat into culinary glory.
This flavorful rub is tailored to compliment a 5-6 Lb pork shoulder, infusing it with a perfect balance of sweet smoky, and spicy notes that will result in tender, succulent pulled pork with layers of complex flavors. The next day, allow the pork to come up to room temperature before putting it in the oven. Preheat oven at 350 degrees, and when it is time to put the pork in, set a timer for 4 hours, checking the pork in between. Once tender, shred the pork to your desired size and add BBQ sauce.
*My BBQ sauce recipe you will find below.
As the pork shoulder neared perfection in the oven, I turned my attention to the finishing touches that would elevate the meal to a new level. A pot on the stove simmered with my amped-up BBQ sauce, a blend of sweet and tangy flavors that would be used to slather and cover each tender strand of pork once it was delicately shredded.
BBQ Sauce
Ingredients:
-1 cup ketchup
-1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
-1/4 cup brown sugar
-2 tbsp honey
-2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
-1/4 cup brewed coffee
-1 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
-1 1/2 tsp onion powder
-1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
-Juices from the pulled pork (secret to entangling flavors)
-Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine all the ingredients.
Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Once the sauce reaches your desired consistency and flavor, remove it from the heat.
Once your pulled, add desired amount of sauce and serve.
Sandwiches or just as is, this pork will be DELECTABLE.
In addition to the pulled pork and BBQ sauce duo, the dinner spread was a symphony of flavors and textures crafted with love. Alongside the main star of the show, I had prepared a comforting mac and cheese, a refreshing homemade coleslaw, and a delightful surprise of cassava fritters and empanadas served as appetizers. Each dish represented a labor of love, a medley of tastes and traditions that promised to take our guests on a culinary journey.
The stage was set as the table glistened with the glow of candlelight, the sounds of laughter mingled with music that danced through the air, and the scent of a feast in the making wafted through the room, the joy of excitement hung palpably in the air, a tangible reminder of the warmth of shared moments and the simple pleasure of coming together around a table filled with good food and even better company.
As the first guests arrived, greeted by the harmonious blend of aromas, sounds, and atmosphere, the evening unfolded into a celebration of joy and connection. Laughter echoed, glasses clinked in celebration, and hearts intertwined in the beauty of shared moments. And the center of it all was Mr. B, his eyes sparkled with happiness and contentment, a reflection of the love and warmth that permeated the space.
As the evening drew to a close, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the simple joys that food and togetherness bring. The scent of a delicious meal shared with cherished friends; the warmth of smiles exchanged over a table laden with love - these are the moments that make life sweet.
As Mr. B's birthday celebration came to an end, his eyes twinkling with happiness, I remembered that it's not just the flavors on our plates that nourish us, but the love and connection that fill our hearts.
Thank you Mr. B, for giving us the gift of your birthday celebration, a reminder that the most meaningful moments in life are often found in the company of those we hold dear.
With a full heart,
-The Breuklyn Cook
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