Slow Cooker Citrus Carnitas

Hi friends!
Happy Saturday! Are you routine minded? I have always considered myself to be more free spirited in regards to my schedule but since meeting my Husband, I find myself to be more routine than ever. Of course, as we grow, the urge to spontaneously hit the ground running dissipates. When we’re young, the unknown is attractive and the adrenaline of living life as if it is your last day keeps us moving. Fast forward a few years and having a career with a home you want to remain in and utilities that keep your teeth pearly and makes your coffee each morning completely fuels that internal flame. Having a routine is just.. peaceful. One routine I have found to be my weekly staple are my Saturday morning walks with Miss Rose. Rosie is our sweet four legged child that makes our hearts so happy, especially when we get home from work. Saturday mornings I spring out of bed, lace my shoes, leash our princess, and set out to watch the world wake. This practice sets the tone of my weekend and since we’re friends, I’m going to admit that I have not taken advantage of my Saturday mornings in almost a full month. For a full month, I have hibernated in re-watching One Tree Hill on Netflix and my weekends have been just that- lazy.

For me, it takes that one ripple to throw me out of the game. That ripple places me in the penalty box for much longer than five minutes. Speaking of, remind me to rant about the Red Wings! I skipped one walk which led to skipping my evening walks which led to happy hour because a $4.00 JUMBO margarita consistently sounds much better. Those little daily tasks make up one big weekly routine and when you are out of the mindset, how do you save yourself?
*Insert 1995 Jewel’s “Who Will Save Your Soul”*

You start with one positive deed.
One, well balanced practice, speaks to our soul quicker than the time Jim Harbaugh takes to decide his daily wardrobe and it will multiply naturally without thinking.

This morning I encouraged myself to take back my routine. I rolled out of my cloud of a bed and I made a list of chores for the day. On that list is to take Rosie on a walk followed by a family Lunch. Two positive deeds that will give me the momentum to keep going. Rosie is going to freak out in happiness as she sniffs trees and fresh rainy air and Caleb is going to repeatedly thank me for cooking and smile while he drinks this third cup of coffee. Caleb has a great smile.
Happiness that will in turn- lead to my happiness and will slowly, but surely, return me to my routine.

Where do you need to clear the fog to get you back to your “routine”? Is it your career? Is it your relationship? Is it your attitude? Devote this Saturday to taking it back by committing to one “good deed” to help flourish tomorrows mindset.

Carnitas!
This baby has been my go to the last few times we have had company join us for dinner. This recipe is a combination of the crock-pot and oven. Pork shoulder tends to be fatty which provides so much flavor in itself, but a taco or salad should be filled with protein! The trick is to slow cook this Babe, shred, and return it to the oven.

This recipe is perfect for preparing for company as it’s primarily cooked in the slow cooker which provides you the freedom to run errands and tidy up for your favorite guests. I serve it as a “taco bar” which is really fun and empowering as I put my friends to work on their own plate. If you are in the market for a grain free tortilla, I highly recommend Siete’s grain free tortillas. I’ve served them to all of our guests and not one person questioned them. They are my best kept secret and their grain free tortilla chips pretty much rock the socks off of guacamole!

You can find these gems at Whole Foods or online. Keep your eye open for when they’re on sale because they freeze well! I warm them over our burner with a little added safe cooking spray. They’re the real deal.

img_0922-1

Slow Cooker Citrus Carnitas

Servings: 4-6
Time: 4hr 45mins
Difficulty: Easy
Print

Ingredients

1 large yellow onion, quartered
4 garlic cloves, minced
I tablespoon cooking fat
1, 3-3.5 pound pork shoulder
1/2 cup orange juice, fresh preferred
1/4 cup coconut aminos
3 large limes
1 large grapefruit

Season blend:

1 tablespoon oregano
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1/2 tablespoon ground coriander
1/2 tablespoon paprika
1/2 tablespoon pepper
1 tablespoon sea salt

Directions

Prepare the shoulder roast by trimming the excess fat.
With your slow cooker off, fill the pot with the quartered onion and garlic, evenly covering the bottom.
In a small bowl, combine all the seasonings. Rub the seasonings evenly onto the roast.
In a large skillet, warm 1 tablespoon of cooking fat on medium high heat. Begin browning the roast by placing it in the skillet. Cook each side for 5 minutes. You may want to run your fan as this step may create smoke.
Once all sides are browned, decrease the heat to low and transfer the roast to a slow cooker.
In the skillet on low heat, combine the orange juice and coconut aminos by pouring them into the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to scrape the brown bits off of the bottom of the pan. Pour liquid over the roast in the slow cookers.
Juice the lime and grapefruit over the roast.
Cover and cook the roast on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
Once the roast has cooked, remove it from the crock-pot and place it on a large baking sheet.
Using two forks, shred the roast. At this time, you will be able to remove more fat from inside. Discard the excess fat.
Once the roast is shredded and majority of the protein is available. Evenly spread the pork on the cooking sheet and bake in your oven on 350°F for 15 minutes.
Remove from the oven, let cool, and serve inside of your favorite Paleo “tortilla” with your favorite toppings.