return to Dining > What's Cooking?

Mar 2010  |  By Mibs  |  Comments (0)

Family Dinner for the Oscars

In true story and best picture nominee, The Blind Side, Sandra Bullock plays a feisty, strong, big-hearted, stylish mother, fearlessly advocating for her kids and for what's right. Sounds like a North Shore ideal, right?

You can feed your inner Sandra, and your family, with this Memphis-inspired pulled pork barbecue sandwich that feeds a crew, doesn't need a smoker and everyone will love.

And don't forget, eating in front of the TV is allowed, because the Oscars are mom's equivalent of the Super Bowl.

For more party ideas, go to the Academy Award website and check out their Oscar Bingo and Wolfgang Puck recipes.

Pulled Pork Memphis Style Barbecue

Serves: 10-12
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 8 hours

• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup Worcestershire
• 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon mustard
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon Liquid Smoke
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3-4 pounds pork shoulder (bone-in)

1. Combine ketchup, Worcestershire, vinegar, mustard, garlic, paprika, sugar, Liquid Smoke and onion.

2. Trim any visible fat off the pork shoulder. Put in a slow cooker and coat with the barbecue sauce.

3. Cook at least 6 hours and up to 8 hours on low. Take meat out and let rest. Put sauce into a glass measuring cup and let the fat float to the top. Skim off the fat, then return the sauce to a small pan and boil until thickened, about 10 minutes.

4. When the pork is cooled, shred the meat, discarding the fat and bone. Then add to the hot barbecue sauce. Serve on buns with coleslaw.

Cook’s Note: I turned up my nose at Liquid Smoke, but it’s actually an all-natural product and when there’s snow on the grill, it’s a great substitute for smoking. You won’t fool a Memphis pit boss, but it’s pretty darn good!

Complete the Meal: Pair it with chips and coleslaw along with cold beer and soft drinks. Check out local company, Goose Island’s Green Line Pale Ale. And for chips, try the locally made Kruncher’s (the upscale brand of Jay’s). A little more heft, crunch and toast than most supermarket brands and available at Lakeside Foods and other retailers.