With my peaches soaking in the sink to remove the skins I prepare for my first batch of Peach Jam. I grew up with my mom always making peach pie. I remember her cutting the peaches up but, I do not remember her removing the skins. I had to consult my aunt to get the low down on removing the skins. After soaking the peaches I was able to remove the skins. From there I placed them in the pot with Sugar, Lemon, and pectin to make the Jam.

Pork or Chicken (like) Carnitas

 

Ingredients

 

• 4 lb pork shoulder or loin/ or chicken thighs  or cut up whole chicken
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1  onion rough chopped
• 1 tsp chili pepper flakes
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 lime and juice
• 2 oranges
• 2 cups water

 

Instructions

 

1. Preheat oven to 300F degrees.
2. Cut up the meat into big 2 inch pieces. If using chicken you do not need to cut up.  Place the meat into the cast iron pot, add all of the spices, onion, and water. Squeeze the juice out of the limes and oranges and put them in the pot. Put the pot on the stovetop at medium heat until boiling .

1. Cover and place in the oven at 300 F degrees until the meat falls apart when pulled with a fork.
2. After about 2  to 2.5 hours, take the orange and lime pieces out, remove the meat from the pot with a slotted spoon and place on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Remove everything else from the pot, except the liquid. Cook the liquid in the pot until it reduces  to about 1 cup of liquid

1. Shred the meat with two forks. Pour the reduced liquid on top of the meat and place under the broiler for about 10 to 20 minutes , you should watch it and stir it so that you get lots of nice crispy pieces.
2. Serve with Tortillas , onions and cilantro

You can double this recipe along with making it ahead of an event. I will cook it up to but not broil it until day of the event.

 

Making Salsa Verde . I have my pinto beans cooked and next comes the salsa. I was able to harvest some tomatillos and chilis this morning . I just pop this in the broiler for about 7 minutes then blend them up and I will be ready to go. on a hot day like to day I want to keep the kitchen as cool as possible . Easy burritos for tonight.