Spicy Slow Cooker Pork Tacos with Spicy Slaw

*Sigh* no more Friday concerts in the park for the year.  But!  We hosted the park crew at our house for a last hooray for summer.  And, thanks to one friend who brought his guitar and talent, we had live music.  Sticking with the theme of Junk Food Friday, I decided on a taco bar.  Party food made simple.  This shredded pork was spicy; not on the first bite, but wait a second and you will suddenly feel the heat.  A variety of traditional toppings along with Pico de Gallo and spicy slaw, the bar from an ordinary taco was raised.  This would make a great game day feast with the upcoming football season.   Sorry for so few pictures.  I am sure you know what it is like doing several things in stages.  I completely got lost in the cooking and forgot about the duty to my blog!

Spicy Slow Cooker Pork Tacos
printable recipe

4 lbs. Pork Butt
2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and large chopped
4 cloves garlic
2-3 chipotles in adobo sauce
1/2 medium white onion, large chop
3 T. olive oil
2 T. honey
1 T. cider vinegar
kosher salt and pepper
2 tsp. dried oregano
3 c. chicken stock
2 bay leaves
1 cinnamon stick
 corn tortillas

Season the pork on all sides with salt and pepper.  Place in a large crockpot.  Add the cinnamon stick and bay leaves.

Place the jalapenos and the garlic cloves in a small bowl with a tablespoon of water.  Microwave on high for 1 minute to soften.
In a food processor or blender add the garlic, jalapenos, chipotles in sauce, onion, olive oil, honey, vinegar and oregano.  Pulse until smooth.

Put the sauce in a medium saucepan over medium high heat.  Bring to a bubble.  Add the chicken stock and simmer until slightly thickened.  Season with salt and pepper if needed.

Pour the sauce over the meat in the crockpot.  

Cook on high for 5 hours, or low for 8.  Remove and shred with a fork, discarding any waste.
Serve on soft taco shell with desired toppings.

Suggested toppings:
Chopped tomato
Chopped onion
Shredded cheddar
Sour cream
Taco sauce
Shredded lettuce
Pico de Gallo-recipe below
Spicy Slaw-recipe below

Spicy Slaw
printable recipe

1 small head of green cabbage, shredded
2 carrots, grated
2 green onions, sliced
1 red chili, sliced
1 c. mayonnaise
1/4 c. spicy mustard
1 T. cider vinegar
1 lemon, juiced
pinch of sugar
1/2 tsp. celery seed
Several dashes of hot sauce

Combine the cabbage, carrots, onion and chili in a large bowl.

Whisk in a small bowl the remaining ingredients.

Pour over the vegetables.  Toss to coat.  Chill for at least 1 hour.

Easy Pico de Gallo
printable recipe

Salt
Pinch of sugar
2 medium tomatoes, seeded and chopped
1/2 medium white onion
1 jalapeno, seeded and finely chopped
1 avocado, halved, pitted, peeled and cut into small cubes
1 lime, juiced
3 T. chopped cilantro or flat leafed parsley

In a medium bowl mix the salt with the sugar.  Add the tomatoes and gently toss to coat.  Add the onion and jalapeno.
Place the avocado on top of the tomato mixture and squeeze with lime juice to coat the avocado. Sprinkle on the cilantro and stir to combine.