SLOW COOKER BBQ PINEAPPLE PORK W/ PINEAPPLE SAUCE

            Anyone that knows me will tell you that two of my favorite foods are pork and pineapple. Anytime I can put these two items together becomes euphoric. This recipe offers a simple meal that can be started in the morning and finished when arriving home. For purposes of simplicity, the use of bottled BBQ sauce is recommended.

            My first experience with pineapple, in a restaurant setting, was making skewers with fresh pineapple and other assorted goodness. Five cases of pineapple and about 1000 skewers later I questioned my life choices. At the age of about 15 years old, I wondered why they did just not purchase canned pineapple, but after tasting the difference I developed a strong appreciation for fresh ingredients. I know hate using any fruit or vegetable that is not fresh.

            The Pineapple Sauce in this post was a very happy accident. The original intent for the pineapple was to make a topping for the sandwich (which it still could be) but it ended up being so flavorful I used it as a side. Much like apple sauce, this matches so well with this pork dish and would be great with any pork option. AND NOW I OFFER YOU… SLOW COOKER BBQ PINEAPPLE PORK W/ PINEAPPLE SAUCE!!!!

INGREDIENTS

2 lbs Pork (Your choice of what type of pork you would like but remember it is going to be pulled apart)

1 Whole Pineapple (Skinned, Cored, and Chunked)

2 Cups Brown Sugar

1 tsp. Ground Cinnamon

1-16 oz. Bottle of BBQ Sauce (A sweet variety is the best option. I use Brown Sugar BBQ)

1 package of rolls (your choice)

INSTRUCTIONS

1.      In a slow cooker or Crock Pot, place whole pork piece. Add water to pot till it covers half the pork piece.

2.      Add 1 cup brown sugar and pineapple to pot.

3.      Place lid and turn pot to high.

4.      Once hot, turn temperature down to low and allow to cook for 8 hours or until you get home from work.

5.      Once cooked, remove pineapple pieces and place into separate bowl. Remove pork and discard liquid from pot.

6.      Replace pork into pot and using forks pull it till you have a shredded looking pork texture.

7.      Add BBQ sauce to pork and mix. Turn pot on to low and cook till sauce if warm.

8.      In food processor, place pineapple, 1 cup brown sugar, and 1 tsp. cinnamon. Pulse till texture of apple sauce (Do not over process!!!!)

9.       Place BBQ pork on bun, plate and enjoy.

I have used this recipe for many occasions: tailgating, dinners, restaurant servings, etc... In all the years I have made this, I never realized that the pineapple blend makes an amazing side and not always a topping for the sandwich. This opens up many options for other pork dishes in your future.

Enjoy in Good Health,

Chef Tufaro