CrockPot Cajun Pulled Pork Recipe


I am making my way through the pork recipes, slowly but surely.

My buddy Georgia fed this pork to her 4 kids, and they liked it. They ate the meat on toasted kaiser rolls with cheddar cheese. Wow. That sounds really good.

I made this up. I'd spent the day watching Food Network, and Emeril's "bamming" got to me and I felt like doing some bamming of my own.

The Ingredients.

4 pounds boneless pork shoulder or butt (surely there has to be a nicer name for this)
1 tablespoon brown sugar (didn't make it into the picture)
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon red pepper
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup onion, chopped
1 tablespoon butter
1-2 tablespoons hickory liquid smoke
2 cups water


The Directions.

Use a 5-6 quart slow cooker. Put the meat into a large plastic zipper bag with brown sugar and all spices. Seal well and shake to coat. Then pour contents of bag into stoneware. If the meat is too big for the bag, then just put it into the crock and rub the seasoning all over it.

Top with chopped onion, butter, and liquid smoke. Pour in water.

Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or until meat shreds easily with forks. Serve on toasted buns, on rice, or in large romaine lettuce leaves.

The Verdict.

I gave this meat to two families, and they both reported back that it was good. It's a bit spicy for kids, but eating it in a sandwich with mayo and mustard seems to work to down-play the spice.
Georgia said the meat would make excellent burrito filling. I think she's absolutely right.

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Posted by: Stephanie O'Dea | A Year of Slow Cooking at February 19, 2009

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What they say about this article

  1. Loved your segment this morning! I came as soon as it was over and I found the link on the ABC page. My mom just gave us a slow cooker and I can't wait to try recipes that vary from the standard beef and vegetables. I hope that you don't mind that I mentioned you on my blog.

    Oh, and you did very well - didn't look nervous at all! Thank you for the inspiration.

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  2. I'm from the South..Memphis, in fact, and I'm looking at your picture here and drooling! I never thought about putting a pork butt in the crockpot...although, I cannot imagine why not? Gotta try this one. Thanks!

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  3. I watched you on GMA this morning, you were great, but I can't believe that guy called you the wrong name!

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  4. That sounds so delicous I'm gonna stop at the store for some pork "butt" (I agree on the name!) on the way home.

    Keep 'em coming.

    However, I will say, my own butt is going to get bigger if I keep on eating like this!

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  5. Not to be selfish here, I know we got a whole year of non-pork recipes, but I hate pork!!! When are these recipes going to end! :(

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  6. you were fantastic on gma - congrats! :)

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  7. I LOVE pulled pork! I will be sure to try this this weekend! YUMMY!

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  8. This sounds very yummy! I'm printing it out to try at home!
    quick question for you, what, if any, increase did you see in your electric bill from crockpotting? I'm getting into the crockpot phase, but wanted to know what the damage is in the electricity cost dept.
    thanks!

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  9. yum!! can't wait to try this one stephanie.

    i have not been checking blogs lately (durn facebook) but i think of you fondly. imagine my surprise when i'm on the treadmill at the gym this morning and WOW! there you are on GMA!!! i was grinning like a fool! how exciting for you!! i can NOT wait to get your book!

    congrats!!

    (and is chris as cute in person?) :)

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  10. This sounds so good and to eat it in burritos, yum!!

    I saw you on GMA this morning you did a great job! The blue sweater looked nice to. I can't wait to try the lasagna the people on tv seemed to like it:) Can't wait for the cookbook!

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  11. Anonymous2/19/2009

    Stephanie I saw a clip of you on GMA. Now I've got the tv up super loud so I can hear when you're segment is on and come watch, I literally cheered when I saw you show up. You look great!!

    JB

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  12. Sounds yummy!
    I love stuffing a pork shoulder (or butt) in the crock pot because they turn out so well. My favorites are kalua pork & the pepperocini one, but this one looks great & we'll have to give it a try.

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  13. Oh yeah...great job this morning!! Duh, forgot to put that in the other comment. ;)

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  14. Great segment on GMA this morning. SO nice to see you getting more exposure and can't wait for your book. I've sent SO many of my family to your blog! Our favorite recipe, by the way, is the Brown Sugar Chicken. I make it often, even for guests and it always gets rave reviews!

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  15. Saw you on GMA this morning. You are just too cute. Did a great job. I am going to have to try that lasagne. I'm looking forward to your book. And I make pulled pork in the crockpot all the time. After it's shredded I put it back into a pot with bar-b-que sauce and let it simmer. Mmmmm, so good!

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  16. This also looks like a great spice blend to give as gifts.

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  17. overslept and had to dig up your segment on the computer.
    Lovely job presenting yourself and recipe(s).
    You did great, despite GMA's rush-job!

    My slowcooker is 12 steps away from me (on computer) and is 'working' on taco chicken. This will be served with refried beans (cooked in crockpot last month and thawing). Rice is cooked in the toaster oven and corn tortillas will be warmed there, too.

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  18. Hi there Stephanie~...or is it Kathy? LOL
    Just kidding!
    I was happy to hear yesterday that you were going to be on GMA! I found out in time to watch this morning! Why to go! I wish you had time to show the breakfast casserole recipe!

    Can you post it when you get back?

    I have only used my crock to cook dinner things...its time for me to step it up alittle! It will come in hand for Sunday breakfast...when I have 6 hungry kiddos and a husband asking for my BIG breakfast! Now all I'll have to do is sit... drink my coffee and point! Yahoo!

    I too have a love for the crockpot! I have 5 all together! I use them about 4x a week. They are the perfect cooking tool for a large familiy. The kiddos can eazliy feel like a supper chef when helping me cook!

    Well have a safe trip home and congrats on your new cookbook!

    Blessings,
    Georgiann

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  19. You did a great job on Good Morning America! I look forward to trying more of your recipes.

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  20. Anonymous2/19/2009

    I just want to say THANK YOU for doing this blog. I'm a recent follower and let me tell you I thought the only thing you could cook in a crock pot was beef stew. I know... poor me huh? Yeah, so I'm ecstatic about trying some of your dishes. Tonight were having the chicken fajitas.

    Blessings
    Monique

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  21. Anonymous2/19/2009

    I love how you show a photo of all your ingredients! I know what to look for in the grocery store after seeing them! Love this site! I'm a new fan!

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  22. Great job on GMA and you didn't look nervous at all. You did a fantastic job and even very politely corrected when he gave name wrong. I love your recipes. I don't use my crock pot enough as its only me. My children are all grown up and on their own, so I very seldom have to feed more then one. But I have saved quite a few of your recipes that I will be trying. Again great job this morning. I will definately get your book when it comes out. Can't wait.
    Sue

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  23. I am new to your blog, but have really been enjoying searching for great crock pot recipes. I tried the Thai Curry Chicken, The Rachel Ray version...who knew, two of my favorites in one place(rachel and crockpots)!! And mine, unfortunately came out pretty soggy, the veggies that is. I cooked on high 5 hrs, as you did, but it was too overcooked. Any suggestions??? I would love to try it again.

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  24. Clearly your beauty was too much for Chris Cuomo on GMA this AM, since he never flubs a segment -- especially cooking segments. And when you served it back to him? (No, Stephanie, nice to meet you) It. Just. Killed. Me.

    Great recipe -- pork as been the cheaper meat for a while, so it's nice to have a new way to serve to the family. Can't wait for your book! :-)

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  25. Anonymous2/19/2009

    I haven't watched GMA in forever. All I can say is you should work it and he should find another line of work as he came off as an idiot and you came off well polished.

    Barbara
    dcmeow47@yahoo.com

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  26. So, now that you are retesting the recipes, will it be 1 year and 6 months of crockpotting ???
    When does your book come out ?

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  27. BTW,
    You looked great in that blue sweater and I was really ticked when that guy Chris called you by the wrong name !

    I wonder what Martha Stewart would have to say about your success ? She can be downright mean about crockpot cooking !I say UGH to her !

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  28. saw you on the toob this morning - Move over Rachael Ray and take that dang yumm-o with you! Carrie You so totally rock. I'd much rather watch you. I mean Mindy.
    Or whatever your name is. ;o)

    (are you gettin' this Network Spy?)

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  29. MMMMM this sounds so great! By the way, pork shoulder IS the nicer name for pork butt. The meat that comes off of the shoulder is called the "butt". For more info, see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pork_butt

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  30. Mmm, I love pulled pork. Question: how much does the liquid smoke cost? What would I do to lessen the spicyness factor--less red pepper?

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  31. Great segment on GMA!!! The breakfast one I so have to try too, yummy! I am sorry he got your name wrong~ oops. We are all cheering for you! You looked great and were a natural too!
    hugs, angie

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  32. I was so pleased to see the segment on GMA and x-tra happy about how you cook for celiacs. I have 2 friends who each has a child with celiac and I'm going to send them the link to your site.

    **Question-why does the chicken have to be cooked in the buffalo chicken lasagna? Can you do it with uncooked chicken as well?**

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  33. I saw your segment on GMA this morning & you were great! I love all the crockpot recipes and am excited to start trying them out. Crockpot cooking is great & so cost effective & makes life so much easier - you're reinspired me to get mine back & out use it!

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  34. Good job on GMA this morning. Let's hear it for moms with a passion! Thank you thank you for doing this...I will tell everyone I know about your blog, and I am putting a link on mine right now!

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  35. I saw your segment on GMA today and just had to check out your site. Thanks for the efforts.... I'm gonna break out the crock pot and make some pulled pork... Yum, Yum!

    You've got lots of recipes I've gotta try... my wife's gonna be happy, she cringes every time she sees me pulling out a frying pan (I'm kinda messy).

    Aloha,

    Steve

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  36. Congrats on your GMA segment! You looked and sounded great.

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  37. Anonymous2/19/2009

    I saw you on ABC this morning and thought I would look you up just because I would like to use my crockpot more often than just for hours of cooking meat. Then you mentioned that you use rice noodles because of gluten intolerance and I immediately went to the website and registered just to get some of those recipes. Thanks and I will keep looking for new recipes.

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  38. Anonymous2/19/2009

    I thought that guy on GMA this morning was a dweeb, but you handled everything very well. Before you came on I was nervous FOR you all morning, but then you looked so relaxed!

    Kelly
    (www.KellytheKitchenKop.com)

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  39. Anonymous2/19/2009

    Great job on tv this morning. you looked beautiful!!

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  40. Congratulations on your GMA appearance this morning! You looked fabulous and presented yourself really well. Way to cover for Matt Lauer when he flubbed up on your name. ONE of you was on the ball!

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  41. I have got to try this one! You did a great job today... I read your blog all the time, just had to tell you good job today!!

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  42. Yummmmo! Sounds wonderful!

    You did a terrific job this morning on GMA and we are all proud of you.

    Think the BLUE SWEATER was the right choice. Hope you got a possitive attitued about these trips because when you go on your "Book Tour" it will be a whirlwind sort of like today was. GOOD JOB LADY!

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  43. Great job on GMA. I also was so proud of you for standing up for yourself and politely correcting him. I never watch the show - just tivo'd it to see you. You did a great job! Good choice on the blue sweater! Thanks for doing this website. It has completely transformed dinner time at my house! My husband loves it :)

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  44. Anonymous2/20/2009

    I have a question about the liquid smoke. We can't get it where I'm from so would leaving it out effect the taste too much or is there another subsitute that could be used in it's place? Thanks for having THE BEST BLOG on the internet

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  45. Hi Connie,
    I don't think the liquid smoke is absolutely necessary in this meal, and that it would be okay to simply omit that ingredient. If you'd like, you can make a little bundle of soaked hickory wood chips with some parchment paper and throw it in the crock on top of everything else. I used the crockpot as a smoker last year.

    xoxox
    steph

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  46. Anonymous2/20/2009

    Looks good! I will have to try this slight carioation on what I typically make :)

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  47. My kids & I watched you on TV... and felt like we actually knew you! You handled yourself so well - on NAT'L TV! Awesome!

    And I've added the Buffalo Lasagna to our menu for next week.
    THANKS for sharing with ALL of us!

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  48. Anonymous2/20/2009

    Thanks so much for fthe awesome recipe! I even gave you a shout out on my blog for this one!

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  49. Congrats- Watched you Thursday and I make the breakfast casserole all the time- now have to try the "Lasagna"
    looked really good. Great job.

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  50. Wow, I am gone for a few days and you're on GMA! I just watched though. You did fantastically well! Bravo, Stephanie!

    Oh, and this recipe looks great, too!

    Shirley

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  51. Is 4 cups of water correct? We did this per recipe and had to take out over 2 cups of liquid at the end.

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  52. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  53. Anonymous2/22/2009

    I've always had a taste for pulled meat, and pork. Don't know if I can get the kids to eat it or not. They are sooooo picky.

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  54. Anonymous2/25/2009

    man, I wish I lived near you for all these pork recipes you're giving away. I love pork, and I wouldn't have to cook? SCORE.

    Any plans on movin' to Northern California and making friends with a crafty 27-year-old English teacher? I'll tutor your kids for free delicious crockpot meals! ;D haha

    So glad you're still blogging after the initial 365!

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  55. I tried this recipe on the day after it was posted. Did a couple of substitutions to reflect what I grow and store: Garlic and Onion powder were replaced with crushed onions I dehydrated (basically a courser powder) and a fresh garlic reduced down. Also added in some dried red pepper flakes.

    I liked it and so did the 15 year old, but I couldn't help but think it was lacking a certain depth. A sort of second layer of flavor, if you know what I mean.

    Do you know why that is? What would you recommend to increase the depth of the flavor profile? I really loved the ease of this recipe compared with other pulled pork recipes so I'd like to get it right!

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  56. Anonymous3/04/2009

    I made this last week and it came out SOOOO GOOD!! I did reduce the amount of liquid to only 2 cups and at the end shredded the meat and let it sit for a few minutes to soak up the juices. My husband couldn't stop eating it! We love pork and these recipes are great! Just wanted to let everyone know, the "butt" is the most tender part. It does sound weird but I always use it (My grandfather was a butcher:)

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  57. I, um, made a mistake with the 4 cups of water. I did only put in 2.
    I found my sticky note with the 4 crossed out and the 2 written in. I'm SO sorry for the mistake.
    I've updated the recipe.
    xoxo
    steph

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  58. I made this today. Unfortunately, my kids didn't eat it. They are really young: ages 4, 2, and 1 so they are very picky and dont like anything that doesn't look like a chicken finger. Ugh. I put the pork on kaiser rolls with american cheese and mayo. I thought it was pretty good, but I think the recipe definitely calls for some salt. I added some and it helped a bit. All in all, I give it a B, mainly because I am not a big pork fan. I tried to be, but I always end up not really liking it. Also, I wasn't sure if I should have thrown the whole pork butt in the crock pot or cut it into pieces. I ended up cutting it up into big chunks just to make sure that temperatures inside the meat would get high enough so the meat would be safe to eat. Erred on the side of caution. It was a huge piece of meat, afterall. I will use the rest for burritos for lunch tomorrow. Yum! I bet adding taco seasoning would be good...OK, I'll stop blabbing.

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  59. Hubby has been begging to try pulled pork in the crockpot.. i use mine about twice a week and i love idea of doing it 365 days a year :)
    although just a side note--- how do you clean yours, by hand or dishwasher? I have a had time with mine coming clean sometimes... wondring if you have any tricks

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  60. Hi VanaMarie,

    I do both, depending on how dirty the stoneware is. If you have stuff that's terribly baked/burnt on, fill the stoneware with hot water, add 1 tablespoon or so of dishwasher powder and either a fabric softener dryer sheet or a gollop of liquid fabric softener and let the stoneware soak overnight. Then run the stoneware through the dishwasher like normal.

    xoxo steph

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  61. This one wasn't bad, we just weren't crazy about it. I used a heavy hand with the spices, and it wasn't spicy at all...even after a second warming with yet more spices. We also had it as leftover lavash sandwiches with a mayo/Siracha sauce, which was quite yummy.

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  62. We loved this! I made it on Tuesday and put it on sourdough french rolls. We dipped them in the meat juices like French Dip sandwiches. Then we had some sandwiches for lunch on Wednesday. Then on Friday night I took the rest and made taco meat out of it. Then today (Sat.) we put it on chips and made nachos. The flavor was great and the fact that I was able to turn it into another dinner and lunch was fantastic! I'll make it again.

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  63. Anonymous10/27/2009

    This was really great. The best thing I've ever made in a slow cooker. We had it with caramelized onions on ciabatta rolls with a little cheddar on top of the pork. Yum.

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  64. Thank you SOOOOO much for this blog! I am on strict bed rest now as I'm only 30 weeks pregnant and I started pre-term labor yesterday. I have been using a lot of your recipes, and thank GOD, I planned a lot of it for our menu. My husband is getting ready to get this recipe going in our crock pot. Your directions are so easy to follow. He has to take care of me and our babes (3 and 1). He is about to find out why I LOVE using your recipes so much. I'll be on bed rest for at least 2 weeks and I'm almost certain it will all be trying more of your recipes.

    Oh, and we just found out that our son has celiac disease. Our whole family is now gluten-free. When we got the news of his diagnosis, I knew right away that dinners would be a no-brainer...... just use Stephanie's AWESOME recipes.

    You are an angel to our family, now more than ever. I really can't thank you enough. I don't think you realize the impact you have on families. There's no way you could understand what a blessing you are to us.

    THANK YOU and Bless You!
    Alexi and family

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  65. Anonymous2/17/2010

    Hi--LOVE your website! Made this recipe and loved the moistness of the meat, but is there an alternative to the 2 cups water? Seemed like it washed the recipe out a bit. I was thinking some sort of stock--but not sure how veggie or chicken stock would impact the taste. Would prefer those, but probably would try beefstock next time? Is there pork stock? Thanks! Best, Karen

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  66. Jennifer Goselin12/27/2010

    I made this once for my boyfriend, and he suggested I make it again to take to his antique motorcycle club's holiday dinner. I dressed it up with Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ sauce. There was so much amazing food at this potluck, and my crock pot was near the end of the serving line, that I thought for sure we'd be eating the pulled pork leftovers for a day or two (not that we'd mind!). When I went to retrieve my crock pot, it was empty! I will definitely be making this again, whether at home or for gatherings.

    Thanks for all your great work on this site. I check it every time I need a crock pot idea, and I'm always telling my friends about it.

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  67. Anonymous6/07/2013

    I have to admit that this wasn't my favourite dish of yours. I looooove pulled pork, and this dish (eating it for dinner plus two days of leftovers) makes me almost wary to eat even my favourite pulled pork recipes again. It was just really dry and watery, maybe because of the water, and I'm so used to having a thicker sauce. It also wasn't spicy - my husband is pretty much allergic to anything with even slight spice, and it was not even spicy to him. It was remedied with some thick whole wheat buns, globs of barbecue sauce, and sprinkling of sharp cheddar, though. Sorry to nit-pick, cuz normally I love your recipes. I also know you can't eat pork yourself, so just wanted to make sure you knew!

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