Fall Fare

I tried out a recipe from dear Martha today and it turned out de-and-licious!

Braised Pork Shoulder

6 ounces pancetta, finely chopped (I used poor woman's version: bacon)

2 medium onions, thinly sliced

1 bone-in (or not, if Costco has boneless) pork shoulder (6-7 pounds)

Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 head garlic, minced

2 teaspoons fennel seeds, toasted and ground

1 teaspoon crushed coriander seeds

2 cups Belgian-style ale

1 cup homemade or store-bought low-sodium chicken stock

1. Preheat oven to 300*. Crisp pancetta in a large Dutch oven over medium-low heat, until fat is rendered, about 10 minutes. Transfer to a plate using a slotted spoon.

2. Add onions to Dutch oven. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until caramelized, about 25 minutes. Transfer to plate using slotted spoon.

3. Season pork with salt and pepper. Add oil to Dutch oven, and sear pork, fat side down, until golden, about 5 minutes. Flip, and repeat.

4. Add garlic and spices to pot. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add ale, stock, pancetta, and onions; bring to a simmer. Transfer to oven, and braise pork, covered, basting every hour, until meat is falling off the bone, about 4 hours. Shred meat (just what you're using) using 2 forks, and drizzle with warm skimmed jus.

recipe from Martha Stewart Living

And I got to cook it in this gorgeous new red Dutch oven that Mr. B. bought for me! I'm spoiled rotten...=} He just couldn't wait for this meal, having anticipated it all week.

Caramelized onions...mmmmm.

Crushing the fennel.

It doesn't look half as scrumptious as it was! And while it was cooking I vacuumed and scrubbed, so the house was neat and smelled divine when Daddy came home. He had three helpings, so I'm thinking he liked it. =)

P.S. I haven't forgotten to share pics of the new do. I'll try to get to those soon!