Savory Pork and Cracklins

Ingredients

• Pork shoulder (3-4 pounds, bone-in and skin-on)
• Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons)
• Cayenne pepper (1 teaspoon)
• Paprika (1 tablespoon)
• Onion powder (1 teaspoon)
• Garlic powder (1 teaspoon)
• Black pepper (1 teaspoon)
• Salt (1 tablespoon)
• Apple cider vinegar (1/4 cup)
• Honey (1 tablespoon)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together cayenne pepper, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt to create a flavorful seasoning blend.
3. Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. Rub the seasoning mixture generously all over the pork, ensuring an even coating for maximum flavor.
4. In a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the pork shoulder to sear it on all sides until browned, about 5 minutes per side.
5. Cover the pot with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven. Roast the pork for 2 hours, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
6. While the pork is roasting, prepare a simple sauce by combining apple cider vinegar and honey in a small bowl. Stir well and set aside.
7. After roasting, remove the pot from the oven and let the pork rest for 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute for a more tender bite.
8. Using two forks, shred the pork into bite-sized pieces, separating the tender meat from the crispy cracklins that form during cooking.
9. Serve the shredded pork topped with the crispy cracklins and drizzle with the apple cider vinegar sauce for a tangy contrast.