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Cheddar and Garlic Smashed Potatoes

by Lynda Balslev5 Comments on Cheddar and Garlic Smashed Potatoes

Garlicky Smashed Potatoes

(Do not read further if you are on a diet.)

These potatoes are wickedly good. Until now they have been linked to other recipes as an accompaniment on TasteFood, but it’s high time they get their own post. I have often found mashed potatoes bland in flavor and boring in texture, half-heartedly nibbling spoonful after spoonful in search of an extra something that’s missing.  These potatoes are my answer to this conundrum. These potatoes are chunky and rich, flecked with potato skin and onion, and finished with melted cheese on top. Cream cheese, sour cream and butter bind and elevate the potatoes, while garlic adds depth and oomph to the flavor. There are some members of our family who are lobbying to call this a main course, not a side dish. Need I say more?

Cheddar and Garlic Smashed Potatoes

Serves 6-8

3 lbs. Yukon gold potatoes
6 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
1 cup sour cream
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 small yellow onion, grated, with juices
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 grated sharp Cheddar cheese
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Preheat oven to 350 F. (180 C.) Butter a 3 quart baking or gratin pan. Quarter potatoes. Place in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat and simmer until tender; drain. Return potatoes to pot. Smash potatoes with a potato masher. Add cream cheese and continue to smash potatoes until cream cheese is incorporated. Add sour cream and butter and mix well to combine with a wooden spoon. Add onion and garlic. Stir in 1 cup Cheddar cheese. Add salt and pepper to taste. Transfer potatoes to baking dish. Sprinkle remaining cheese over top. Bake until heated through and top is golden, about 30 minutes.

Soups and Stews

Broccoli Rabe, White Bean and Parmesan Soup

by Lynda Balslev9 Comments on Broccoli Rabe, White Bean and Parmesan Soup
Broccoli Rabe, White Bean and Parmesan Soup

Broccoli Rabe Bean Soup

I am having a fling. No, it’s not that kind of fling: I am enamored of broccoli rabe. It began with spending time over the holidays with a good friend who is obsessed with this cruciferous vegetable. After sharing a number of meals with her where rapini featured prominently, if not exclusively, on the menu, I had little choice than to be hooked. It was compounded by a weekly challenge at Food52 to create a recipe using broccoli rabe. That contest came and went, yet I find myself still cooking up a storm with my new best crucifer. My children are looking forward to the end of this infatuation.

I wonder what took me so long to discover broccoli rabe?  Broccoli rabe, or rapini, is a member of the turnip family and is known for its assertive, bitter taste. Some of its bitterness may be removed by blanching it in salted water before cooking. However, while it’s an acquired taste, the bitterness is what distinguishes broccoli rabe and makes it a great match for bold flavors in hearty dishes, which suits me very well. Not only that, as a member of the crucifer family, broccoli rabe is nutrient-rich, packed with vitamins A, C, K, and potassium, calcium and iron. If you are going to overindulge (sorry kids), it doesn’t get healthier than this.

Broccoli Rabe, White Bean and Parmesan Soup

Serves 4

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 teaspoon red chile flakes
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 lb. broccoli rabe, ends trimmed, washed, coarsely chopped
4 cups chicken stock
1 – 16 oz. can cannellini beans, drained
one 3-4″ chunk Parmegiano-Reggiano rind

Grated Parmegiano-Reggiano cheese for garnish

Heat oil in a large sauce pan.  Add onion and sauté 2 minutes.  Add garlic and chile flakes. Sauté one minute. Add broccoli rabe and salt, and sauté one minute.  Add stock, beans and parmesan rind.  Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium low and simmer 20 minutes.  Taste to see if extra salt is needed. Serve in warm bowls with 1-2 teaspoons grated cheese sprinkled over.

Fish and Shellfish, Soups and Stews

Spicy Halibut Stew with Chorizo and Kale

by Lynda Balslev7 Comments on Spicy Halibut Stew with Chorizo and Kale
Spicy Halibut Stew with Chorizo and Kale

Halibut STew

I was tempted to make a fish chowder last night. Nothing beats a rich and creamy chowder on a rainy day. However, when I opened my refrigerator a bag of kale fell out.  It’s curly leaves were bursting out of the plastic demanding attention. Obligingly, I started to think of other possibilities.  A container of chicken stock was sitting squarely on the middle shelf, patiently waiting to be put to use, and I decided to change course. Instead of chowder, I would make a lighter stew with the fresh halibut I had purchased in the morning. I wanted a smoky component to lend depth to the flavor of the soup, so I fished a chorizo sausage from the meat drawer. I would also add chunks of potato that would complement the sturdy greens. The result? Satisfying, rustic dinner in a bowl:

Spicy Halibut Stew with Chorizo and Kale

Serves 4

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 fennel bulb, ends and fronds trimmed, chopped
8 oz. spicy chorizo, cut in 1/2″ slices
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1 bay leaf
2 large Yukon gold potatoes, cut in 1/2″ cubes
6 cups chicken broth
1/2 lb. kale, ends trimmed, washed, coarsely chopped
1 lb. halibut filet or other firm fleshed white fish, cut in 1″ pieces
Flat leaf parsley for garnish
Freshly ground black pepper

Heat olive oil in a soup pot over medium heat.  Add onion and garlic and cook, stirring, one minute. Add fennel and chorizo and continue cooking, stirring, until onion is translucent and fennel begins to soften. Add potatoes, thyme, oregano, salt and bay leaf and toss to coat in the oil.  Add stock and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, partially covered, until the potatoes are nearly tender.  Stir in kale and cook until leaves brighten and stalks soften, about 3 minutes.  Add halibut and carefully submerge in stock. Gently cook over medium heat until fish is just cooked through.  Add extra salt if necessary. Remove from heat. Serve in warm soup bowls garnished with parsley sprigs and freshly ground black pepper.

Pizza, Vegetarian

Potato, Rosemary and Garlic Pizza

by Lynda Balslev11 Comments on Potato, Rosemary and Garlic Pizza

Potato Rosemary Pizza

I still have not located my pizza stone, but that’s not deterring me from making more pizza. Unlike my last pizza which I made in a skillet, this pizza was baked in a hot oven. It features potatoes, rosemary and garlic, a flavor triumvarate held in high esteem in our home.  Since there is no tomato sauce it is classified as a white pizza. I prefer to call it heaven.

Potato Rosemary Garlic Pizza

makes 2 (10-inch) pizzas

2 uncooked pizza crusts (recipe below)
1 large Yukon Gold potato, very thinly sliced
Salt
Extra-virgin olive oil
2 garlic cloves, slightly smashed but still intact
8 ounces mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves
1/2 cup finely grated Pecorino Romano cheese
Freshly ground black pepper
Rosemary sprigs for garnish

Preheat oven to 375 F. Toss potatoes with 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1 teaspoon salt in a large bowl. Arrange potatoes in one layer on a baking tray. Bake in oven until edges begin to turn golden brown, about 20 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool. Increase oven temperature to 475 F.

Assemble pizzas: Lightly brush pizza crusts with olive oil. Rub all over with smashed garlic cloves. Lightly sprinkle with salt. Arrange one layer mozzarella cheese over crusts. Top with one layer of potatoes. Sprinkle with one tablespoon rosemary leaves over each crust. Top with grated Pecorino Romano cheese.

Bake on pizza stone or on a tray on lowest rack in oven until crust is golden brown and cheese is bubbly, about 15 minutes. Before serving, sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper. Garnish with fresh rosemary leaves and drizzle with more olive oil.

For the Pizza Dough:

2 teaspoons dry yeast
1/2 cup lukewarm water
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup semolina flour
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 cups cold water
1/4 cup olive oil

Stir yeast and lukewarm water together in a bowl. Add 1/4 cup all-purpose flour and semolina. Mix well. Let sit until bubbly, about 30 minutes.
Combine remaining flour and salt in another bowl. Add to yeast with cold water and olive oil. Mix well to form a dough. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured board and knead with hands until dough is smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes. Or use a mixer with a dough hook, and knead about 5 minutes. Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl and turn to coat all sides with oil. Cover bowl loosely with plastic wrap. Let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, 1 to 2 hours.
Punch dough down, and let rise another 45 minutes. Divide dough into 2 equal disks (or 4 if you would like small pizzas.) Let rest 30 minutes before shaping. Lightly flour a work surface. Using your fingers or heels of your hands, stretch the disks into 10-inch shapes.

Cookies, Desserts

More Easy Weekend Baking: Ginger Spiced Molasses Cookies

by Lynda Balslev6 Comments on More Easy Weekend Baking: Ginger Spiced Molasses Cookies

Molasses Cookies

Bring on the rain. Winter in northern California often means rain, which is a good thing. Yes, it’s a nuisance, but in a climate that sees no rain from spring until fall, it’s important that the water tables are replenished in the winter.  An added plus is it’s a good excuse to stay inside and bake. Here is an easy cookie that’s quick to make and fun to do with children. A few more baking weekends like this, and our freezer will be packed with cookies for the dry season.

Ginger Spiced Molasses Cookies

Candied ginger adds extra spice and texture to these cookies. Makes about 30.

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
1 large egg
1/2 cup unsulfured molasses
1/3 cup finely diced candied ginger, optional
Granulated sugar for rolling

Whisk the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ground ginger, allspice, salt, and cloves in a bowl to combine.  Cream the butter and sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the egg and molasses and mix well.  Add the dry ingredients and mix to combine. Stir in the candied ginger. Refrigerate for 1 hour.
Preheat the oven to 375°F.  Pour some granulated sugar into a small bowl. Roll dough into 1 1/2 inch balls, then in the sugar. Arrange on baking sheets lined with parchment paper and gently flatten. Bake in oven until set and crinkled on top, 12 to 15 minutes. Remove and cool.

Appetizers, Breads, Pasta, Rice, Grains, entertaining, Vegetables and Salads, Vegetarian

Oven Roasted Tomatoes with Spiced Eggplant and Couscous Filling

by Lynda Balslev7 Comments on Oven Roasted Tomatoes with Spiced Eggplant and Couscous Filling

Coucous Tomato Dolma

At this time of year I always have a surge of wanderlust. After all the holiday festivities and seasonal cocooning, the calendar turns a page, and I find myself looking ahead to a new year of infinite possibilities and potential travel.  Yet, while my imagination is packing its passport, reality dictates that I stay put, at least for the moment.  Children need to be delivered to school, money must be saved, work deadlines have to be met. So, I turn to the kitchen for a little escape. After all, if I can’t jump on the next airplane, at least I can transport my palate to a far-flung destination.

These stuffed tomatoes do just that. They are a variation of Middle Eastern dolmas.  Dolmas are vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers, zucchini and eggplant that are stuffed with rice or bulghur, spices and sometimes ground meat.  Meatless dolmas are served cold or at room temperature, while meat dolmas are served warm. This is my version in which I have added feta and sautéed eggplant to the filling for extra body and flavor.  They are best eaten at room temperature, and can be made a day in advance. They are also guaranteed to bring a little exotic warmth to your dinner plate.

Oven Roasted Tomatoes with Spiced Eggplant and Couscous Filling

These are a lovely light dish or accompaniment to roasted meat, fish or chicken. Makes 8.

Ingredients:

10 vine-ripened tomatoes
Salt
1 cup chicken stock or water
1 cup couscous
4 tablespoons olive oil
2 shallots, finely chopped
1 medium eggplant, ends trimmed, peeled, finely chopped
1 small green pepper, stemmed, seeded, ribs removed, finely diced
1 garlic clove, minced
1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves, plus additional leaves for garnish
1 tablespoon harissa sauce
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3/4 lbs. (350 g.) feta cheese, crumbled
Freshly ground black pepper
Freshly squeezed lemon juice

Prepare:

Selet 8 tomatoes that have the best presentation.  Slice off the tops. Scoop out the centers with a spoon, taking care not to pierce the outer flesh. Lightly salt the inside of the tomatoes and turn upside down on a plate. Set aside with tops reserved.

Preheat oven to 400 F.
Cut remaining 2 tomatoes in half.   Remove seeds and stems.  Finely dice the tomatoes and place in a large bowl.
Bring stock to boil in a sauce pan. Add couscous, 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1 teaspoon salt and remove from heat.  Let steam, covered, for 5 minutes.
Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.  Add chopped eggplant. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt. Sauté until softened and turning golden brown, about 3 minutes. Transfer to bowl with tomatoes.
Fluff couscous with fork and add to bowl with tomatoes and eggplant. Add shallots, green pepper, garlic, chopped mint, harissa, cumin and cinnamon. Stir to combine well.
Set aside 2 tablespoons crumbled feta. Gently stir remaining feta into couscous. Taste to see if more salt is needed.
Blot the inside of the whole tomatoes gently with a paper towel. Fill the centers with the couscous. Top with reserved feta.
Arrange tomatoes in a lightly oiled baking dish. Drizzle additional olive oil over tomatoes. Sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper. Roast in oven until cheese is golden, 20-25 minutes. Remove and allow tomatoes to cool to room temperature.
Before serving, drizzle with freshly squeezed lemon juice. Garnish with fresh mint leaves and reserved tomato tops.

Couscous Eggplant

Breads, Pasta, Rice, Grains, Kitchen Table Philosophy, Main Course, Pasta, Tians and Casseroles, Vegetarian

Kitchen Table Philosophy: Macaroni, Cauliflower and Cheese

by Lynda Balslev7 Comments on Kitchen Table Philosophy: Macaroni, Cauliflower and Cheese
Kitchen Table Philosophy: Macaroni, Cauliflower and Cheese

Macaroni caul cheese

What do you do when you’ve had a bad day? We all have them, and today was my daughter’s turn: Difficult math test, monotonous swimming lesson, lots of homework, and a bumpy day with friends on the playground. All in all, a tough day for a ten year-old.

I had a busy day, too. I was researching sources for sustainably-raised meat and drove out to West Marin. I returned home with a list of sources as well as a cooler full of grass-fed meat from Marin Sun Farms for our freezer, including 4 beautiful lamb loin chops I planned to cook for dinner. I spent the afternoon busy at the computer writing and researching a new article and in a meeting.  All in all, a busy day for a grown-up.

Then my daughter arrived home, tired, overwhelmed and teary from her day.  Her first request was if I would make her favorite dish – Macaroni, Cauliflower and Cheese – for dinner.  My immediate response was negative; I had all this lamb, after all.  She then pulled a chair up to my desk and began to recount her day to me, while I continued typing at my computer, half listening to the news on the radio in the background and half listening to her experiences.

Suddenly, I had a moment of clarity:  Sometimes you have to stop all your busy-ness, let go of your preconceived plans and just sit down at the kitchen table, fully present. I wasn’t fully present anywhere at that moment. So, I shut down the computer, turned off the radio, and sat down at our kitchen table with my daughter.  Together, we prioritized her homework so the seemingly mountainous pile became approachable tasks; we worked out those fractions and  proofread her Spanish.  All the while, I fully listened to the news of her day, the dramas, frustrations and thoughts, remembering that at one point I was also there and and how the world felt to a 10 year-old after a long day.

And dinner?  The lamb will wait a day.  Tonight we are having Macaroni, Caulliflower and Cheese.

Macaroni Cauliflower Cheese

Macaroni, Cauliflower and Cheese
Serves 4-6

1 medium head of cauliflower, divided into 1″ florets

1 lb. (500 grams) penne
Salt

1 1/2 cups grated Gruyère cheese
1 cup grated sharp Cheddar cheese
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons flour
1 1/2 cups whole milk
1 teaspoon Dijon-style mustard
1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
Freshly ground black pepper

3/4 cup bread crumbs (panko)

Prepare:

Preheat oven to 350 F.
Steam cauliflower until tender but firm. Remove from heat. Set aside.
Bring salted water to a boil in a large pot. Add pasta. Cook until just tender but still firm, about 5 minutes. Drain. Return to pot. Stir in cauliflower.
Combine cheese in a small bowl. Set aside.
Melt butter over medium heat in a medium saucepan. Stir in flour. Cook, stirring constantly, 2 minutes. Whisk in milk. Cook, stirring, until thickened. Add 2/3 of the cheese. Stir until smooth. Add mustard, salt and pepper.  Combine cheese mixture with pasta and cauliflower. Pour into a buttered rectangular baking dish.
Toast breadcrumbs over medium-low heat in a dry skillet until golden. Remove from heat and toss with remaining cheese. Spread breadcrumb mixture over pasta.  Sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper. Bake in oven until top is golden and crusty, about 40 minutes.

Tip:
Try substituting broccoli for the cauliflower, or combining the two.
Alternatively, you can omit the pasta, and use only vegetables (cauliflower, broccoli, rutabaga, parsnip) for a delicious gratin.

Breads, Pasta, Rice, Grains, Vegetables and Salads, Vegetarian

Pearl Couscous Salad

by Lynda Balslev14 Comments on Pearl Couscous Salad

What is Pearl Couscous?  Pearl Couscous is not the traditional couscous associated with North African cuisine.  North African Couscous is a Berber preparation that consists of very small (1 mm) granules of semolina wheat which are coated in wheat flour.  Pearl Couscous, also known as Israeli Couscous (or ptitim) is made of baked wheat rather than semolina, and is similar to pasta. Its granules are much larger in size and maintain their individual texture and firmness without sticking, which makes it a great candidate for salads and a substitute for orzo and rice. Pearl couscous may be toasted before simmering in liquid, which will impart a lovely golden hue and flavor that will hold up against spices and herbs.

This salad is delicious as is or as an accompaniment to grilled meat, chicken or fish. It’s spicy, crunchy and fresh.  Tiny pearl couscous are tumbled with a variety of sweet and hot peppers, and freshened with crisp parsley, mint and cilantro leaves.  Call it a salad, side dish or light meal, Pearl Couscous Salad is addictively good.  If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken stock with water and crumble feta cheese over the salad before serving.  Feel free to add other ingredients such as cherry tomatoes, grated carrot or lightly sauteed zucchini or broccoli. There is no single way to prepare this dish allowing you to be creative and resourceful with your refrigerator ingredients.

Pearl Couscous Salad

Serves 6

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/2 cups giant pearl couscous (Israeli couscous)
1 1/2 cups chicken stock
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon cayenne, or to taste
2 green onions, ends trimmed, white and green parts finely sliced
1 red bell pepper, seeded, diced
1 poblano pepper, seeded, diced
1 serrano pepper, seeded, minced
1 garlic cloved, minced
1/2 small red onion, finely chopped, about 1/2 cup
1/2 cup chopped Italian flat-leaf parsley
1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest

Heat one tablespoon olive oil in skillet.  Add couscous and cook, stirring, until couscous is golden brown, about 3 minutes.  Add chicken stock. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and cover. Simmer until liquid is absorbed and couscous is tender but firm, 10 minutes.  Remove from heat and transfer couscous to a large bowl, fluffing with a fork. Stir in one tablespoon olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, cumin and cayenne.  Set aside to cool.  When cool, add remaining ingredients and toss to combine. Adjust seasonings to taste. Serve at room temperature.

Note: If you are preparing the salad in advance, do not add the parsley, mint or cilantro until serving to prevent wilting.

 

Appetizers, Fish and Shellfish, Vegetables and Salads

Fiesta Shrimp Salsa

by Lynda Balslev

Shrimp Salsa

Post holidays, I crave bright and spicy food with an exotic flare.  Asian or Mexican inspired dishes flavored and spiced which cilantro and chile or ginger and citrus are a great way to jazz up the palate, waking it from its winter slumber.  Here is a recipe that is quick, easy and a crowd pleaser.  Sautéed shrimp marinate in a homemade citrus-y salsa and are served with tortilla chips.  It’s a confetti of color and an explosion of tastes and textures. Light and festive with a bite, this salsa is a guaranteed pick-me-up and a perfect way to ring in the New Year.

Fiesta Shrimp Salsa

Fiesta Shrimp Salsa

Serve in a bowl with chips on the side as an appetizer, or arrange on a bed of greens and serve as a salad.

Serves 6-8

1 lb. (500 grams) medium shrimp, deveined
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tomatoes, seeded, diced
1 serrano chile, stemmed, seeded, minced
1 jalapeno pepper, stemmed, seeded, minced
1 medium red onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
Juice of one lime
Juice of 1/2 lemon
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon cayenne, or to taste
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
1/4 cup chopped fresh coriander/cilantro leaves
Fresh coriander/cilantro leaves for garnish
Tortilla chips

Prepare:
Remove shells from shrimp, leaving tails intact on 6 shrimp for garnish.  Heat one tablespoon olive oil in skillet over medium heat.  Sauté shrimp in batches in one layer in skillet.  Cook turning once, until pink and cooked through, 2-3 minutes.  Transfer to plate and repeat with remaining shrimp. Set shrimp aside to cool.  Slice shrimp in half lengthwise down the middle of the back, except for the 6 with tails intact.

Combine tomatoes, serrano chile, jalapeno, red onion, garlic, lime and lemon juice, cumin, cayenne, salt and pepper to taste in a large bowl. Drizzle with one tablespoon olive oil.  Add shrimp halves, and toss to combine. Cover and refrigerate up to 3 hours before serving.

Before serving, add chopped parsley and cilantro, stirring to combine.  Serve in a bowl or on greens on a platter. Arrange whole shrimp with tails on top. Garnish with additional parsley and cilantro leaves. Serve with tortilla chips.

entertaining, Main Course, Pork

Pork Carnitas Soft Tacos

by Lynda Balslev5 Comments on Pork Carnitas Soft Tacos

Pork Carnitas TasteFood~ Chipotle Beer Braised Pork Carnitas ~

Carnitas are perfect weekend food. Festive and fun to eat, they are great for a casual party or a large family gathering. Begin the meat early in the day so that it will slow cook in the oven while you go about your daily business. As the meat breaks down, it will be infused by the beer and chipotle braising liquid until it’s falling apart tender at the bone. A little shredding and a final turn in the oven with the reduced sauce turns out smoky, spicy, caramelized pork, ready to pile on tortillas with salsa and guacamole. If you have any leftovers, the meat may be used in sandwiches or loaded on homemade nachos the next day.

Chipotle Beer Braised Pork Carnitas

Serves 8

2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons paprika
2 teaspoons sugar
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 (4 pound) bone-in pork shoulder
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

1 medium onion, coarsely chopped
4 garlic cloves, smashed
1 cup Mexican beer
1 cup fresh orange juice
1/4 cup chipotle chiles in adobo sauce
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon brown sugar

Accompaniments:
Warm flour or corn tortillas
Guacamole
Salsa
Fresh cilantro
Sliced green onions

Heat oven to 300 F. Mix the cumin, paprika, sugar salt and pepper in a small bowl. Rub the spices all over the meat. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a dutch oven. Brown the pork on all sides. Remove the pork. Add onion, garlic, beer, orange juice, chipotles, lime juice and brown sugar to the dutch oven. Bring to a boil, scraping up any brown bits, then reduce heat to a simmer. Return the pork to the pot. Cover and transfer to oven. Cook until pork is very tender, about 3 to 4 hours, turning every hour or so.

Remove pork from the braising liquid and transfer to a cutting board to cool slightly. When cool enough to handle, shred the meat. Place the meat in a baking dish. Strain the braising sauce into a saucepan. Boil until reduced to a sauce consistency. Drizzle over the shredded pork. Transfer the pork to oven and broil until the meat begins to caramelize, 3 to 5 minutes.

To serve, spoon some of the pork in the center of a tortilla. Top with guacamole, salsa, fresh cilantro and scallions. Roll up and eat.