Time-Saving Tips With Go-To Ingredients

MISSION, KS--(Marketwire - Aug 2, 2012) - (Family Features) Warm weather means time to slow down, relax and enjoy time with friends and family. But with endless opportunities to enjoy the season -- from picnics and baseball games to days at the beach -- it's easy to run out of time and energy to prepare a delicious family meal. How, then, do you bring the family back to the table? One easy way to reclaim precious time is to infuse your menu with palate-pleasing, leftover-friendly staples like pulled pork.

Easily repurposed throughout the week, pulled pork can be cooked once and incorporated in a variety of dishes your family will love. For example, this Chili Rub Pulled Pork recipe can be prepared in the slow cooker, yielding a flavorful meal that's ready to eat when you return home from an active day. Additionally, the leftovers can be enjoyed throughout the week in a number of different ways. Whether topping creative salads or savory pizzas, filling enchiladas or adding new flavor to baked potatoes, pulled pork is a perfect fit for the laid-back lifestyle that the season is known for.

For more pulled pork tips and recipes, visit www.PorkBeInspired.com. Also, follow the National Pork Board on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PorkBeInspired, Twitter @AllAboutPork and on Pinterest at www.pinterest.com/PorkBeInspired. 

Chili Rub Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 5 1/4 to 8 1/4 hours
Makes: 8 to 10 servings

Line 9 x 13-inch baking pan with foil and place pork in pan.

In small bowl, combine chili powder, salt and cayenne. Rub mixture over all sides of meat, pressing to adhere (if the meat is tied together with twine or netting, just rub the seasoning right over it). Set aside.

In large skillet over medium-high heat, warm oil. Add pork and brown on all sides, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer meat to slow cooker.

Add broth to skillet, scraping up any browned bits, then add broth to slow cooker. Cover and cook until pork is very tender, 6 to 8 hours on low or 4 to 5 hours on high.

Transfer meat to cutting board and let rest 10 to 15 minutes. Use two forks to shred meat into bite-sized pieces. Moisten and season with cooking juices to taste.

Serving Suggestions
This recipe is only mildly spiced, so if you like things with a kick, try adding more cayenne to the rub or add some of your favorite hot sauce to the finished, shredded meat. Use the pork to make a traditional pulled pork sandwich, with barbecue sauce and slaw, enjoy it in your favorite chili recipe, or on top of a Tex Mex Caesar salad.

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