Carnitas Gringas

The first thing I made in our new range were these carnitas. This is one of my go to meals and great for dinner parties because most of it can be done ahead (even the day before). I can remember where I got the original recipe, but it involved lots of exotic spices like achiote and mexican oregano and several kinds of peppers. But you can get awesome, authentic flavor with just 4 ingredients - chipotles in adobo (canned), orange juice, garlic and vinegar.

Carnitas
3-5 pound pork roast (picnic, shoulder or boston butt all work great)
2 c Orange Juice
5 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed
2-3 chipotles in adobo - more to taste

Combine marinade ingredients and marinate pork overnight. Add pork and marinade to a lidded, oven safe pot - a dutch oven is great. Bake at 375 for 3-4 hours or until meat is easily pulled apart with a fork. Turn meat every hour and add water if needed - you do not want all liquid to evaporate. If cooking in a slow cooker, cook on low for 8 hours or until meat is easily pulled apart with a fork.

Once meat is cooked, discard fat and shred meat with 2 forks. Add meat with 1/4 cup of cooking liquid and fry until crispy. Serve with warm tortillas and all the fixings - especially cilantro and pickled onions.