If it's really a shoulder
Why, in most recipes, is it generally referred to as a pork butt? After watching a detailed discussion involving a plastic pig "model," it was still pretty obvious to the casual observer that the cut known as a pork butt comes from the shoulder of a pig. Even a description from the National Pork Board does not clear up this naming issue. Whatever the reason, we have been tracking pork butt (or shoulder, if you prefer) recipes for the last couple of years. They have appeared more and more frequently, and we now have a collection of recipe options that spans numerous ethnic groups. As fall approaches, the idea of cooking something that takes several hours, and imparts fabulous aromas, is very appealing. Today's recipe for Puerco Pibil was a bonus feature on the DVD, Once Upon a Time in Mexico. The dish itself had something of a starring role in the movie, since it was a favorite of the lead character played by Johnny Depp. In the bonus, the director provides his recipe and instructions for preparing the dish. We jotted down the details, and immediately tried the recipe with great success.
An Italian option featuring slow-cooked pork is Pork Sugo from the October 2008 issue of Food & Wine Magazine. When we tried this recipe, we found that their idea of 8 servings equates to at least 12 at our house. In another column, we will share a version of BBQ pork done in a slow cooker that freezes well, as do the recipes included today.
