Mt Gnomon Shredded Pork with Tangy Cherry Glaze

Ingredients

• 2 pounds (900g) pork shoulder, boneless 2 pounds (900g) pork shoulder, boneless
• 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, diced 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
• 1 cup (240ml) cherry juice 1 cup (240ml) cherry juice
• 1/4 cup (60ml) apple cider vinegar 1/4 cup (60ml) apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar
• 2 cups (300g) fresh Dover cherries, pitted and halved 2 cups (300g) fresh Dover cherries, pitted and halved

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 400 kcal / 1674 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 25g, 20g
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 0.8g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. 2.
   Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
3. 3.
   Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until softened and fragrant.
4. 4.
   In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, ground cumin, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork shoulder.
5. 5.
   Push the onion and garlic to one side of the pot and place the seasoned pork shoulder in the pot. Sear the pork on all sides until browned.
6. 6.
   Pour the chicken broth, cherry juice, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar into the pot. Stir to combine.
7. 7.
   Cover the pot with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven. Cook for 3-4 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily shreds apart.
8. 8.
   While the pork is cooking, prepare the cherry glaze. In a saucepan, combine the pitted and halved cherries with a splash of water. Cook over medium heat until the cherries soften and release their juices.
9. 9.
   Add the cooked cherries to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Return the cherry puree to the saucepan and add the remaining cherry juice. Simmer over low heat until the mixture thickens into a glaze-like consistency.
10. 10.
    Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the oven and shred it using two forks.
11. 11.
    Pour the cherry glaze over the shredded pork and toss to coat evenly.
12. 12.
    Serve the Mt Gnomon Shredded Pork with Tangy Cherry Glaze as a main dish or use it as a filling for sandwiches or tacos.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Pork shoulder — For the best results, choose a pork shoulder with a good amount of marbling, as this will ensure a tender and flavorful end result.
• Dover cherries — If fresh Dover cherries are not available, you can substitute them with other sweet cherries such as Bing or Rainier cherries.
• Smoked paprika — Use smoked paprika to add a subtle smoky flavor to the dish. If you don't have smoked paprika, regular paprika can be used as a substitute.
• Apple cider vinegar — The apple cider vinegar adds a tangy kick to the cherry glaze. If you don't have apple cider vinegar, you can use white wine vinegar or red wine vinegar instead.
• Chicken broth — Opt for low-sodium chicken broth to have better control over the saltiness of the dish.

Tips & Tricks

• For a smokier flavor, you can add a small amount of liquid smoke to the spice rub.
• If you prefer a spicier glaze, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the cherry glaze.
• Make sure to let the pork rest for a few minutes after shredding to allow the flavors to meld together.
• Leftover shredded pork can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• The cherry glaze can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Serving advice

Serve the Mt Gnomon Shredded Pork with Tangy Cherry Glaze as a main dish, accompanied by a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro for added freshness.

Presentation advice

Arrange the shredded pork on a platter and drizzle some extra cherry glaze on top for an appetizing presentation. Serve with a sprig of fresh thyme or a cherry on the side for an elegant touch.