Beer Balsamic Pork

Whenever there is a sale on pork loins I tend to pick up two or three and bank them in my freezer for easy future entrees. I love to slice them into pork chops (two pounds equals about 6 pork chops in my world), or just leave them whole, braising all day in the crock pot. This recipe starts with a super-simple rub which you could totally make ahead to rub down the pork roast the night before, then plunk it in the crock pot with the beer and balsamic before you leave for work the next morning. Alternatively, you could freeze it in a ziploc bag (marked with a sharpie of course) then when the right day comes, plunk in the crock pot, pour the beer and balsamic over it, then cook all day. If you go the frozen route just be sure to add extra cooking time. If you're away at work all day, throwing it in frozen might be a great option for you though! The combo of spicy pepper, sweet brown sugar and the tang and bitterness from the beer makes for a balanced depth of flavor. Feel free to use any beer you have on hand. I chose Tallgrass Zombie Monkey because the rich, dark chocolate notes plus the floral-y citrus finish of the beer make an excellent combo not only with the pork, but with my choice of side: Brussels Sprouts with Goat Cheese and Honey. Serve your pork on buns or straight up on the plate, drizzled with some of the delicious pan juices and dinner is served!

Beer Balsamic Pork (adapted from shewearsmanyhats.com)

1 (2 lb.) boneless pork loin
1 t. salt
1 t. pepper
1 t. garlic powder
1 t. oregano
2 T. brown sugar
12 oz. beer (I used Tallgrass Zombie Monkey)
2 T. balsamic vinegar

Place the pork loin in a 4 or 6 qt. crock pot that has been sprayed with cooking spray. In a small bowl stir together the salt, pepper, garlic powder, oregano and brown sugar then rub all over the pork. Pour the beer into the crock pot then drizzle the pork with the balsamic vinegar. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-4 hours. Shred with two forks and serve.

6 servings (188 calories each serving) according to my calculator on loseit.com