Carnitas

Apparently this is officially our Christmas dinner now. We get plenty of turkey and ham on Thanksgiving and at our parent's houses for Christmas so we decided to mix it up. And there is nothing better than carnitas. It's true. 

These are a little more time/labor intensive than meals I typically do with two small children. But it's totally worth it. 

Pork roast: butt or shoulder either one

1 cup orange juice

juice and zest of 3-4 limes, plus more limes for serving

2-3 tsp. cumin

3-4 tsp. garlic powder

2 tsp. salt

2 tsp. pork seasoning, optional

water

tortillas

toppings: lettuce, cheese, salsa, sour cream, onions, etc

Here's our lovely ~4 lb. roast. It does have a bone in it. Don't worry about that. 

Cut your meat into 2 in. cubes. Just cut as much off that bone as possible and toss it in too. And do NOT remove the fat. You need it later. Side note: the pot you use is important. This is a nonstick pot. It works beautifully. I used one of my regular aluminum pots with a copper bottom the first time and my meat stuck horribly. Don't waste the deliciousness. 

Add orange juice. Zest and juice your limes. Or have your husband do it because he's stronger and can get more juice out.  :) 

See all that deliciousness on the meat?? 

Add remaining seasonings. 

Cover meat with water and bring to a boil. Turn down to a simmer and cook for two hours. Do not touch it. Don't stir it. Don't cover it. The water is supposed to cook off. 

After two hours turn up the heat to medium high and let the rest of the water cook off. The fat will be left in the bottom and your meat will start to brown in it. Pull the meat off that bone and remove it. The meat is very tender and will flake right off.

Turn the meat until there are lots of pieces that are nice and crispy on the outside! 

Place meat on a plate draining off as much grease as necessary. 

Yum!! 

Layer on a tortilla with desired toppings. And it is imperative that you squeeze lime juice over the meat right before eating. It's the crowning touch to the flavors! Enjoy!