Carnitas

1. Mix all spices together in a bowl and set aside. Chop an onion in half, and then again (quarters), you’ll use two-quarters – set aside. Peel the garlic cloves and leave whole, set aside.
2. Prep the pork by cleaning and patting dry with a paper towel. If it’s not cut into pieces already from the butcher, cut it into approx. 4 pieces. Discard any excess fat but keep most intact for flavor. If there is a bone, you can either leave it or discard it, whichever is easier after you cut it. Once it’s done, it’ll slide off the bone anyway.
3. Place the pork pieces into your Instant Pot or Slow Cooker.
4. Pour the mixed spices over top and mix with your hands or tongs so that all pieces are well coated. Add in the water, juices from the citrus, onion and garlic cloves.
5. For the Instant Pot: Make sure the vent on the lid is set to: “Seal” and close the top. Select “Manual,” which will show 30 minutes of cooking time, and increase the time to 60 minutes. When the Instant Pot is done cooking, it will come down from pressure naturally, about 30 minutes (I do not recommend using quick release with this recipe). You’ll know it’s done with the silver piece near the vent has dropped.
6. For the Slow Cooker: Set on low for 8 hours.
7. When complete, use a large slotted spoon to transfer the meat to a foil-lined baking sheet. Use 2 forks to shred the meat (it will be very tender and shred easily).
8. Spoon some sauce from the pot over top and then broil for 5-10 minutes. Remove from the oven and it’s ready to serve!

Tostones

1. Pre-heat the oven to 350f degrees. Cut the edges of each plantain off and discard, slice the skin with a knife just enough so you can peel off the skin.
2. Cut the plantain into 2-inch chunks and toss in a bowl with 1/2 Tbsp of coconut oil. Place on a parchment lined baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes.
3. Remove the tray from the oven and CAREFULLY and remove each chunk of plantain, they should be fairly soft. Using either a Tostones press, tortilla press or cutting board and a heavy-bottomed pan (cast iron works well), you’ll add a little bit of parchment paper on the top and bottom of your plantain chunk. Press down firmly to flatten the plantain. Repeat for all pieces.
4. Add the flattened tostones back onto the baking sheet and add the rest of the coconut oil, tossing it around for coverage. Broil for 10 minutes or so until the color is more golden (don’t burn them!). Remove and serve!

Cilantro-Lime Cauliflower Rice

1. Click the link above