Crock Pot - Pulled Pork Tacos

I typed this up in May and kept telling myself to take pictures the next time I make it... and kept forgetting to take those darn pictures!

My mother served us pulled pork tacos one night.  She threw pork loin, salsa & chopped green chiles into her crock pot and let it simmer.  It was very tasty but I wanted to kick it up a bit so I added some seasoning to get that yummy flavor I love about well seasoned fajita meet.  As this really got going in the crock pot my kindergartener says "It smells like Del Rio in here".  Del Rio is a local Mexican restaurant.  I had to give him a high five and hugs for that!  I knew I must be doing something right :-)

• 2lb. Pork Loin
• 1 Cup Salsa 
• 2 Tablespoons Tequila (optional)
• 2 Tablespoons Molasses
• 1/2 Tablespoon Cumin
• 1/2 Tablespoon Chili Powder
• 1 teaspoon Paprika
• 1 large Onion, cut into thick wedges
• 1-2 Jalapenos, diced
• 1 Lime (for Zest & Juice)
• Flour tortillas
• Your favorite fajita/taco toppings

Add the salsa through the jalapenos to your crock pot.  Zest half the lime (about 1 Tablespoon of zest) adding it to the pot and then add juice of half the lime*.  Give a good stir to mix all the ingredients together and nestle your Pork Loin into the mixture.  Set your crock pot on low and let it cook 6 hours.  At the half-way point I turn the pork over to ensure even cooking.  Use 2 forks, scraping the pork in opposite directions to "pull" the meat.

Serve with flour tortillas and your favorite fajita/taco toppings. 


*So as not to waste any lime, zest and juice the entire lime, setting half of each aside to use in my Roasted Corn w/Tequila Cream Sauce recipe which makes a wonderful addition to these tacos!

Witch's Notes:  Since Pork is the star of this dish and is associated with the Earth Element, this is an excellent meal for grounding.  Pork is also known around the globe as a bringer of prosperity as well as  fertility.  So set your intentions, write your prayers/spells ahead of time (if you're like me and you get lost in cooking and forget your intention) and stir in plenty of positive energy for a great outcome.

Orange Rosemary Shortbread Cookies

Ever notice how pot lucks usually end up with a table full of store bought sweets and multi-layered Mexican dips?  It can be difficult to bring warm dishes to a pot luck if it is outdoors or in a small space with limited access to power outlets.  I decided I would make a savory shortbread cookie to bring to Circle last month for a change of pace.  Delicious!

2 cups flour
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped (1-2 sprigs)
1 tablespoon orange zest
1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
2 sticks unsalted butter, softened

Combine flour, sugar, salt, and rosemary together in a food processor and pulse to combine.  Add zest and juice from the orange, as well as the butter, and pulse until combined into a dough.  You will need to refrigerate the dough for a bit (15-20 minutes).  I scooped mine as you would a chocolate chip cookie.  You can also form it into a log, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate it that way so you can slice and bake.  If you want to do the slice and bake method, I would leave the dough in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.

Bake at 375 degrees for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden on the edges.  Let the cookies cool for 5 minutes or so before you move them to a cooling rack as they are quite delicate.

Witch's Notes:
Both Rosemary and Oranges are associated with the element earth, making them perfect for grounding.  Rosemary also holds protection properties which will help if you are doing any spirit work. It is always a good idea to ground after ritual work or meditation.  If you have ever not grounded after ritual or spirit work, you know that your energy levels can be depleted and out of whack.  I will get dizzy or even nauseous.  Eating is a great way to connect with earth energy to ground and these savory little cookies are perfect for that!