I'm pretty stingy when it comes to sharing recipes, but this one is just too good not to pass along. It actually comes from the "Once Upon a Time in Mexico" DVD. Robert Rodriguez, the director, sort of shows you how to make this recipe. My husband and I decided to try it... Well, he asked and I cooked...

I have modified the recipe slightly since I could not find exactly what the original had asked for. I make this several times a year, generally when we're having some sort of gathering. Unfortunately, I never end up with leftovers. This is definitely a crowd pleaser.

If you are not good with really spicy foods, then choose your peppers wisely. I use 2 habaneros, but clean them out really well. Doesn't make too spicy, but gives enough of a kick. Also, please never try to cook this in a crock pot as it will do nothing but hinder the outcome of this fabulous dish!

Puerco PibilPuerco Pibil

Ingredients

*5-8 pounds pork butt, cut into 2 inch cubes
3 1/2 tablespoons annato powder (can be found in your grocers Ethnic Aisle)
2 teaspoons cumin powder
1 tablespoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon whole cloves
8 whole allspice berries
2 habanero Peppers, fresh or dried, cleaned and minced
1/2 cup orange juice
1/2 cup white vinegar
8 garlic cloves
2 tablespoons salt
5 lemons
1 shot of tequila (optional)

Preparation Instructions

Grind the whole cloves, and whole allspice in a spice grinder or coffee grinder or mini food processor.

With a blender, blend the cleaned and chopped habanero peppers with the orange juice, vinegar, garlic and salt.

Mix the dry spices with the liquid.

Add the juice of 5 lemons and a nice splash of tequila.

Place the cubed pork butt in a large zip lock bag and add the marinade. Soak minimum 4 hours to overnight, in refrigerator, turning several times.

Line (8x13) **baking pan with aluminum foil. Pour in pork along with the marinade. Cover and seal the pan with foil. Bake in a 325 F degree oven for 4 hours.

*I use 8 pounds of pork, as 5 never turns out to be enough.
** I use an aluminum baking pan - that way you can dispose of it and clean up is MUCH easier! If you do this, you will not need to line the pan with foil.

The aromoa that fills your house about 2.5 into the cooking is awesome. This serves well with Spanish Rice though some people perfer white rice.

I hope that someone will loves this recipe as much as my family does! Enjoy!

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