Sunday Supper: Pulled Pork

One of my favorite dishes to make and enjoy during the summer is pulled pork. Something about this meal just screams summer to me.

On Sunday, The Smiths came over to catch up, have lunch, celebrate my arrival to Tampa, and spend some time in the pool. I took the opportunity to break out an old favorite. One of the great things about this dish is that it is I make mine in the crockpot so you fix it and forget it until its time to eat. I enjoy being able to spend time with my guests rather than being tied up in the kitchen the whole time.

Momma suggested this rub for the pork and it was divine. The meat came out so tender and yummy. Definitely make this dish because it is sure to be a crowd pleaser. You could also adapt this recipe for chicken.

Pulled Pork
Serves 8

2 lb. pork tenderloin
1/2 cup of chicken broth - you really could use any liquid, I happened to have this on hand
BBQ Sauce
Buns to make a sandwich
Any side fixings you might fancy

Dry Rub Ingredients, Courtesy of Tyler Florence

3 tablespoons paprika

1 tablespoon garlic powder

1 tablespoon brown sugar

1 tablespoon dry mustard

3 tablespoons coarse sea salt

The night before wash and dry the tenderloin. Apply the dry rub thoroughly to cover the tenderloin. Be generous. Refrigerate for at least one hour or overnight.

Note: If you forget to do this ahead of time, it is no big deal. Apply it before placing in crockpot. It tastes better the longer it has to season the meat.

Place the seasoned tenderloin with chicken broth in crockpot. Cook on low for 6-7 hours until tender. The meat should fall apart. To get the "pulled" effect, use two forks and gently pull the meat apart while it is still warm. Serve immediately.

Your guests could enjoy this on buns or without. This dish could also be frozen and is great for leftovers.

Of course, the most important part of any meal is the ones you are able to enjoy it with. I have been friends with Melissa and Derek for nearly ten years. Mel, my fellow dip queen, made my favorite dip and we had lots of girl talk. Y'all know that I love me some babies. Lucky for me, The Smith Family includes two little pumpkins who sweetly call me "Aunt Jessica". I always cherish my time with them. I am happy to have been able to share my Sunday with such dear friends.

Derek and Madi Kate enjoying the pool

Little Connor relaxing

Girl Time with Melissa

xo. JM

On The Move Again!

If you have been following my tweets or posts on facebook, you know that I am once again on the move!

palm trees outside of my new apartment!

In January, I created a Thirty Before Thirty list which detailed the 30 things I want to accomplish before my 30th Birthday. Number 24 on this list was exploring the idea of moving closer to my family and friends. I not only explored the idea, but 3 weeks ago I packed up my apartment and set sail for the sunshine state.

When I began writing the list last fall, I had no idea that the perfect opportunity would come knocking on my door step. A job opened at the University of South Florida doing exactly the work I enjoy. I was not ready to leave Arkansas but I threw my name in the hat and thought I could at least see what happened. After months of interviews and waiting, I received a job offer. I happily accepted and it has been a whirlwind every since.

Anytime I make a major decision, such as this one, I enlist the opinions and thoughts of those I trust most. I cannot thank those people enough for talking me off the ledge, cheering me on, and just being a supportive ear every step of the way. I am always so deeply touched to be able to have such a strong support network, it is an enornmous gift to be loved.

I do not  think that it has quite hit me that I no longer live in Arkansas. I miss my friends and students there but this was definitely the right next step. Everything about me feels calmer and like something is just right. I have no idea where this next part of my journey will take me but I am happy to be on the ride.

This song seems to sum it up for me right now.

To be continued...

Oh, Hello!

It has been ages since I have blogged because my computer had to have its hardrive replaced, I did not have internet, AND I moved to Florida!

Image Source Page:
 http://solar.calfinder.com/magazine/gainesville-solar-tariff

I promise lots of blogging to come. Stay tuned!