shortening

  • Carnitas

    Carnitas
    Carnitas
    (Serves 12-15)


    3-5lb pork butt or shoulder, cut into 5" chunks
    4-6 cups orange juice
    10 cloves garlic, whole
    6 bay leaves
    1 tblsp coriander seeds
    1 tblsp salt
    1 tsp cinnamon
    1 onion, cut in ¼'s
    1-2 cups shortening or lard (optional)
    1 tblsp cumin, ground
    1 tblsp Tony Chachere's Cajun Spice


    NOTES: Almost any liquid can be used, some recipes I have seen use cola as the sweetener others use chicken stock, be creative after you try it once this way! Also you can substitute Tony's for some granulated garlic, cayenne pepper, salt and pepper.

    Coat the pork butt/shoulder chunks in Tony's Cajun Spice and put at the bottom of large pot along with the onions, garlic, bay leaves, coriander seeds, salt, cinnamon and cumin.

    Now pour in the Orange juice, if your using shortening or lard put it in now and with using some cold water until it covers the rest of the pork butts by an inch.

    Turn the burner onto medium and when it reaches a boil, lower it to a simmer, for about 3 hours.

    Preheat the oven for 10 minutes at 425 degrees. When the Carnitas are done turn off the pot, and with a pair of tongs remove the meat to a baking sheet pan/cookie tray, smoosh the pieces of pork down a little if they didn't already break up upon removal of the pot of liquids and discard any other solids like the bay leaves.
    Place in the oven for about 20 minutes or until they gained a nice crisp.

    Serve over soft shell tacos with cheese and salsa - YUM!

    Stores in the fridge for 3 days, in the freezer, 4 months! Enjoy!

  • Muffaletta Bread (Muffuletta)

    Muffaletta Bread
    Muffaletta Bread (Muffuletta)
    (Makes 2)


    1¼ cups water
    2 tblsp shortening
    3 cups flour
    1 tblsp sugar
    1½ tsp salt
    1 tblsp yeast
    1 egg white & 1 tblsp water (egg wash)
    sesame seeds, optional


    NOTES:
     

    Combine the water, yeast and sugar in the large bowl, stir well and let 'proof' for 5-10 minutes or until foamy.
    In a mixer bowl, combine the flour, salt, and lard and knead in the butter with your hands until broken up into very small pieces. When the yeast is foamy, put the dough hook attachment on the mixer and gradually add the flour mixture on low speed until its all incorporated.
    Scrape the sides down between additions. When the dough comes together, take it out of the mixer and onto a floured work surface and knead until smooth and elastic about 5-10 minutes, adding more flour if necessary.

    Coat a large bowl lightly with the olive oil, then put the dough in, turning once to coat both sides then cover loosely with a clean dry towel or plastic wrap.
    Let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled in bulk, about 1-1/2 hours.

    Punch the dough down split into 2 equal pieces and shape into 2 flat rounds about 9 inches across (it will expand to about 10"). Place the dough on a lightly oiled parchment paper lined baking sheet. Sprinkle the top with sesame seeds, about 2-3 tbsp should do it, then press them lightly into the dough. Loosely cover the loaf and let rise until doubled in bulk, about 1 hour. When the dough has risen, remove the cover, gently brush with the egg wash, sprinkle with sesame seeds if your using them, then put into a pre-heated 400°F oven for 10 minutes. Turn the heat down to 375°F for an additional 10 minutes or until the loaf(s) are golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.

  • Peanut Blossom Cookies

    Peanut Blossom Cookies
    Peanut Blossom Cookies
    (Makes @48 cookies)

    1¾ cups all purpose flour
    ½ cup sugar
    ½ cup firmly packed brown sugar
    1 tsp baking soda
    ½ tsp salt
    ½ cup shortening
    ½ cup peanut butter
    1 egg
    2 tblsp milk
    1 tsp vanilla
    48 milk chocolate candy kisses

    NOTES:

    Pre-heat oven to 375°F. In a large mixer bowl, combine all ingredients except the candy kisses.

    Blend well at low speeds. Shape into balls, using a rounded teaspoon for each. Roll balls in additional sugar; place on an ungreased cookie sheets.

    Bake at 375 for 10-12 minutes. Remove from oven, top each with a candy kiss, pressing down firmly so cookie cracks around edge.