Kiddo’s Rub Pulled Pork Sandwiches

There are a number of reasons why people start blogs . . . it’s a creative outlet that doesn’t require much in the way of discipline. Having attempted to write a fictional novel based on fact, I can attest first hand that unless you can lock yourself away in a study someplace, it’s easy to become distracted and wander off. Blogging, sharing recipes or thoughts of the moment – whatever – can be accomplished despite the distractions and demands of life in general. You can wander off, returning when ready and pick up where you left off.

What drove me to blogging in the first place was the realization that sooner or later my life was going to end. I know, it sounds a little twisted. These thoughts started a few years back, with a second go-around with Pneumonia. My beautiful family had to fend for themselves. While Kiddo had a basic understanding of cooking, so much of what I did was either inspired by scraps of paper (recipes) or locked away in my head. It struck me that should something really happen to me, Hubby and Kiddo might starve. Okay, they really would not starve, not as long as pizza and fast food joints existed. But a treasure trove of recipes and family traditions might be forever lost. And the stories that go along with them.

The first task was to organize the recipes in shoe boxes, then to write down those little secrets locked away in my head; taking the time to actually measure ingredients as I went along. The evolution began – first with files stored on my laptop of recipes; postings to face book to share with other members of my family – my sisters scattered across the western states and cousins around the world. Most recipes sparked a memory. Memories I wanted to share. Eventually the process evolved into the blog you are reading today. Blogging seemed the next logical step in the evolution process.

Since then, I’ve discovered a wonderful world of short story tellers, photographers, like-minded people and a common thread of family bonds. What a wonderful time to be alive!

What does any of that have to do with Pulled Pork Sandwiches? Nothing.

It’s odd the things you remember for no reason at all. The first time I had a Dr. Pepper was at the movies. Now it’s the only soft drink I like with warm, buttery popcorn. Dr. Pepper, movie theaters and cooking . . . makes sense to me.

One final note; the original recipe called for a Pork Rub or your favorite seasonings. I started to create a rub and then I realized here was a great opportunity to just let Kiddo go and do his own thing. He did – and what a great rub! The meat was so flavorful – he really knocked it out of the ballpark on this one! So my hat is off to Kiddo – great rub!

Kiddo’s Rub
1/2 Tablespoon Salt
1/2 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
1/2 Teaspoon Onion Powder
1 Teaspoon Mesquite Seasoning
1/4 Teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
1/2 Teaspoon Smoked Paprika
1/2 Teaspoon Sugar

In a small bowl, combine spices. Rub into pork. Let rest 30 minutes to soak in the spices before placing pork in crock pot.

Pulled Pork Sandwiches
3 lb Pork Tenderloin
1 Recipe Kiddo’s Rub
1 Can Dr. Pepper
1 Bottle Sweet Baby Ray’s Barbecue Sauce
Crusty Buns

Once the pork has been rubbed and is ready to cook, place in the slow cooker and pour in Dr. Pepper. Cover and cook on low 10 to 12 hours.

Drain most of the liquid, reserve for further use if desired or discard.

Using tongs, shred the pork tenderloin. Add the barbecue sauce, as much or as little as you like.

Stir well, reduce the temperature to warm and let it simmer until you are ready to serve on warm, toasty buns.

Author: Rosemarie's Kitchen

I'm a wife, mother, grandmother and avid home cook.I believe in eating healthy whenever possible, while still managing to indulge in life's pleasures. View all posts by Rosemarie's Kitchen