3768. PULLED PORK BACON CHEESEBURGERS

7½ lb. bone-in pork shoulder, also known as Boston butt

2/3 lb. each beef burgers

4 lbs. thick-cut bacon

mozzarella and cheddar cheese

pork rub

1/3 cup apple cider

Apply the rub to the pork shoulder, place it in a marinade bag, and add some apple cider. Let it marinade in the refrigerator for 4-6 hours. Place it in your smoker and then "low and slow" at 225-250ºF until the internal temperature of the shoulder reaches 195ºF. Note: 195ºF is the temperature required to melt the connective tissue and fibers in the roast and produce tender and juicy pulled pork. Remove from the smoker, wrap in foil and let rest for about an hour. Shred the roast.

bacon recipe source: BBQ Pit Boys (@BarbecueRecipes)

3022. BBQ PULLED PORK SANDWICHES with STRAWBERRY BACON SALSA

makes eight servings


2 lb. pork shoulder or Boston butt
12 oz. ginger ale
1 cup barbecue sauce
1/4 cup strawberry jelly
2 tablespoons apple cider or balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons chipotle hot sauce
1 1/4 cup diced strawberries
3 strips cooked and crumbled bacon
1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
1/4 cup finely chopped cucumber
1 tablespoon seeded and minced fresh jalapeño
2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 pinch salt
1 pinch ground black pepper
8 sourdough of French sandwich rolls
8 tablespoons chive and onion cream cheese, or herbed boursin cheese

Place the pork in a slow cooker. Pour ginger ale over pork, cover & cook on high for 4 hours or until meat is tender. Drain & shred using 2 forks. Meanwhile, in the last few minutes of cooking add the barbecue sauce, jelly, vinegar & hot sauce to a sauce pan. Bring mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly. Keep warm. Stir into shredded pork. In a bowl, place the strawberries, bacon, onion, cucumber, jalapeño, cilantro, lemon juice, salt & pepper. Toss until combined. Split rolls. Spread roll tops with cheese. Spoon pork over bottom rolls. Top with salsa. Replace top rolls.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Thecatladycooks (member), BetterRecipes.com

1264. MOLASSES-CURED PORK SHOULDER BACON

makes about 4 1/2 lbs


1 (4- to 6-lb) boneless pork shoulder Boston roast (Boston butt)
6 cups water
1 cup kosher salt
2/3 cup packed dark brown sugar
2 1/2 tablespoons Instacure No. 1 (available at The Sausage Maker, 888-490-8525)
1/2 cup mild molasses
3 cups ice cubes
4 tablespoons coarsely ground black pepper (optional)

Special equipment: a 1- to 2-gallon plastic storage tub or stainless-steel bowl; a 221/2-inch covered kettle grill with a hinged top rack; a 12- by 8- by 2-inch disposable aluminum roasting pan; 3 lb hardwood sawdust*; charcoal briquettes; a chimney starter; long metal tongs; an instant-read thermometer

Put pork butt, fat side up, on a work surface, then halve horizontally with a sharp large knife.

Stir together water, salt, brown sugar, and Instacure in storage tub until solids are dissolved, about 3 minutes, then add molasses and stir until dissolved. Add ice and stir until cure is cold (ice may not be completely melted; keeping liquid cold slows salt absorption).

Add pork to cure, then weight with a large plate to keep submerged. Chill, tub covered with a lid or plastic wrap, 36 hours.

Rinse pork and pat dry, then discard brine. Sprinkle pork evenly with pepper (if using).

Prepare grill and smoke bacon: See preceding recipe.

Cut bacon crosswise into 1/8-inch-thick slices with a sharp knife, then fry in a heavy skillet over moderately low heat, turning, until browned. Transfer to paper towels to drain.


courtesy of: Gourmet, June 2002