Today's grand ambition relates to our plans to host a Texas style BBQ in the summer once Jong has the backyard suitable groomed.

I'm testing a unique pulled pork recipe today, Root Beer Pulled Pork. This recipe has received rave reviews from chefs of all calibres and I'm eager to see if the praise is deserved. As usual, I'm not following the recipe by the book.

First I bought a well marbled pork shoulder butt from the grocery store. A good sized roast was about 4 lbs and $20. Pulled pork is best prepared with cheat fatty chunks of meat. It's after the caramelizing and braising on low heat that this becomes magic.

About half lb per person is a generous serving. I made 10 very meaty sandwiches with my 4 lbs.

I began by rinsing the roast, then rubbing it with some Maison Cote Smoked Sea Salt (smoked 4 days with red alderwood). You could probably just use salt and pepper but I had this kickinga round and thought the smokey flavour might be nice.

After rubbing the roast generously with salt, I seared all sides in olive oil heated to medium high heat then transferred the roast to a casserole dish.

Cover with root beer ( 1 cup for every 2 lbs).

Bake at 300 in the oven until tender and internal temperature reaches 190-200 degrees... about 6 hours for this 4 lb roast. Slow, low heat is the key here. Another option is to use the low setting on your slow cooker but this tends to take alot longer.

Don't touch the roast, don't turn it, just leave it until the internal temperature is around 190, then take out of the oven, remove the meat from the liquid, and let sit for 10-15 mins to let the fats cool and stick to the meat instead of running out onto the cutting board.

Shred with two forks, in a large bowl, then top with your favourite bbq sauce (I used a guinness hickory sauce) Delicious. Seriously the BEST pulled pork I've ever had.. even better than Memphis Blues and Hog shack....

I served the Pulled Pork with oven fresh corn bread (Try this recipe for corn bread) I made in advance. 5 ingredients, whip it til smooth then bake for 20 mins. Can't get any easier than that and it was excellent!). Add some kaiser buns, a simple coleslaw (cabbage, carrots, corn, yoghurt, mayo, sunflower seeds, dill, vinegar), fresh watermelon, sweet corn, and chocolate cupcakes.

A decadent meal for a lazy sunday afternoon. Nom!

- Ivy