# Pork BBQ Pearl

* Pork BBQ Pearl inspired by [Rocklands BBQ in DC](https://rocklands.com/)
* Pork inspired by America's Test Kitchen Season 11, Episode 06 - [`Fall Favorites`](https://www.americastestkitchen.com/episode/293-fall-favorites)

  [youtube link](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8rLFCsZfP0)

The `pearl` is a heavenly combination of BBQ pork, mac & cheese, and baked beans. Preparation time is about 12 to 24 hours, cook time is about 7 hours.

## Equipment

Beyond standard kitchen equipment, the following items are also required or helpful:

* Roasting pan (or pan with rack)
* Kitchen thermometer

## Ingredients

### Pork

| Value |  Unit | Item          |
| :---: | :---: | ------------- |
|  6-8  |  lbs. | pork shoulder |
|  0.3  |  cup  | kosher salt   |
|  0.3  |  cup  | brown sugar   |
|   1   | Tbsp. | ground pepper |

### Mac and Cheese

| Value | Unit | Item                                         |
| :---: | :--: | -------------------------------------------- |
|   1   |  box | Shells and cheese (Velveeta brand will work) |

### Beans

| Value | Unit | Item                                       |
| :---: | :--: | ------------------------------------------ |
|   1   |  can | baked beans (Bush's baked beans will work) |

## Serving Size

To be determined.

## Preparation

Prepare the pork 12 to 24-hours before cooking.

1. Wash pork should with cold water, path dry with paper towel.
2. On the skin/fat cap side, cross-hatch at one inch intervals. 
3. Combine salt and brown sugar in a bowl, then rub mixture all over meat.
4. Cover meat in plastic cling wrap and place in fridge on a plate to rest for 12 to 24-hours.
5. Remove meat from fridge and add on ground pepper.

## Cooking

### Pork

1. Turn on oven to 325°F.
2. Cover bottom of roasting pan with aluminum foil to prevent burning of drippings.
3. Oil rack such that meat separates cleanly after cooking.
4. Cook meat for 5 to 6-hours, until internal temperature reads 180°F.
5. Take out meat, tent with aluminum foil, and allow to rest for about one hour.
6. Carve or pull meat to enjoy.
   * To pull meat, cut into 2 inch chunks and pull with stand mixer and paddle attachment.  Try to not overload mixer.
   * Pour in BBQ sauce after a little time to mix into pulled pork

### Macaroni & Cheese

1. Make mac & cheese while meat is resting.

### Beans

1. Re-heat beans in pot while meat is resting.

## Serving

1. In a bowl, add mac & cheese, then beans, and meat.
   * Create layers with each component