Pulled Pork (Kimmie style)

Awhile back I decided to make some good old fashioned pulled pork but wanted to change things up a bit. I'm a believer in that some things don't work and others do, and sometimes you just need to do a lot of mixing things up to find whatever makes you content. Pulled pork is one of those things that I don't know if I will ever be truly happy with but that I may like a variety of methods.

That being said, I attempted to go to Publix and find a Boston Butt but they had none so I ventured off to Whole Foods. Let me say that if you are looking for something cheap, then disregard the Whole Foods trip and maybe wait for a local butcher or somewhere else. But I wanted the Butt bone-in so Whole Foods it was, they cut it to your liking if they don't have it in the window. I went with a 6 lb Boston Butt, but you may want to go with something larger if you want a lot of leftovers.

I went with a dry rub, kind of Korean style, with a Korean chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, paprika, pepper, salt. The Korean chili powder is a little more on the sweet side but do be careful if you use it, the spice can creep up on you. I didn't want to do any sauce in the crock pot because I wanted to use the leftover pork for other things so I only sauced the portions I was eating for the pulled pork sandwiches (and I did use a Korean bbq sauce for this). I did add a little bit of water into the pot so it wouldn't burn or dry out. I also cooked it for about 10 hours, maybe a little less.

Notes:
 I am always critical of myself, first and foremost, so some notes I would take into consideration for next time would be:
   - Perhaps get a larger pork portion, I do like leftovers and this type of food you can use in so many ways.
   - Do a little heavier rub on it, the flavor was good but I may like a little more seasoning.
   - Add a little heat to it. I do love me some spicy food.
   - The next time, I may sear the pork and put it in the oven low temp for the entire cooking process. I liked the crock pot because I did step out of the house for the majority of the cooking time, and it allows you to not babysit it...but I may try the oven option later. Although, I am tempted to grill it...will keep you posted.

Lunchtime @ Publix.

Had the Smoked Beef Brisket sandwich today. It came on toasted Potato Bread and usually I don't like the taste of Potato Bread but I am trying to have it the original way prior to tinkering with my order. It was good, I prefer to have some kind of sauce on the brisket and it did not come with any. Have definitely had better brisket, but considering it came from Publix Greenwise, it is still a good solid choice.

http://www.publix.com/wellness/greenwise/stores/Prepared-Foods.do

Lunchtime @ Publix.

Shrimp Po Boy with a "spicy" horseradish sauce on a toasted roll. Yum!

Lunchtime @ Publix.

Special of the day: Fish Sandwich (minus the roll). Great seasoning, it was blackened, and the fish was moist. Next time I would get it minus the cheese, I thought it was unnecessary. Great value-$6.49 plus 1 side.

Lunchtime @ Publix.

Had the Turkey Burger on a toasted bun with white American cheese, lettuce, pickles, and tomatoes.

Lunchtime @ Publix.

Medium-Rare Chipotle Bacon Bleu Burger. Amazing.

Lunchtime @ Publix.

Decided to be daring and try the Reuben. Rye bread was nice and toasted, cheese was good, meat was good (only issue is its not the freshest I have had. Was a little thin and firm, maybe because it was cooked on the flat top for awhile), and the dressing was okay. Im not a huge Thousand Island fan. Overall, good sandwich.

Lunchtime @ Publix.

Had a half Philly Sub with green and red peppers, onion, mushrooms, and provolone cheese.

Lunchtime

One of the best steak sandwiches I've had in FL...this one was at the Publix Greenwise. Good bang for your buck.