Pork Roast - The Perfect Crock-Pot Comfort Food

When I was growing up I had some strange food favorites as a child. Like most adolescents I had my aversion to things like Brussels sprouts and broccoli, but when it came to liver and onions, peas or asparagus I was in my element. However, there was one feast that my whole family could agree on and that was roast pork with heaping helpings of mashed potatoes and gravy. I would always overindulge on this wonderful comfort food, filling my belly until I had to loosen my belt.

Although my mother had a tendency to overcook most foods, pork roast was one of those items that needed to cook slowly until the meat fell apart in luscious strings at the touch of the fork. This was before the days of crock-pots and slow cookers so everything was done on the stovetop under careful scrutiny until it reached perfection. The aroma filled the house for hours as my siblings and I would wait patiently for my father to arrive home from work and we could partake of this much anticipated feast.

Pork roast makes a perfect crop-pot dinner. Started it in the morning and by dinnertime the meat will be tender and ready to serve. With some quick sides you can sit down to a meal that will help you relax and enjoy a quiet evening.  I am partial to mashed potatoes and creamed peas, but most anything will go well with this succulent entre as the centerpiece. 

Whenever I contemplate preparing a pork roast I am always reminded of the Simon & Garfunkel hit “Scarborough Fair” that became popular when it was featured in the 1968 movie “The Graduate”. The chorus wafts through my mind as I add the spices to the pot: Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme. These savory ingredients form the basis for the cooking broth that later becomes a delicate gravy to bring the meal together. Boston Butt or Pork Shoulder lend themselves well to the slow cooking.

1. Place onion, carrot, and celery in bottom of crock-pot.
2. Brown meat in hot skillet to seal in juices
3. Place meat on top of vegetables.
4. Add remaining spices
5. Cover with water
6. Turn crock-pot to low and cover
7. Meat should be ready in about 6 – 8 hours
8. Prepare gravy with stock from crock-pot
9. Serve with mashed potatoes and vegetables

I have found that a good honey mustard salad dressing adds a nice contrast to this meal. These pungent flavors go well with the savory seasoning of the meat and gravy and provide a nice variation to the dining experience.

1. Place all ingredients into blender
2. Blend until smooth and creamy
3. Pour into large jar and chill
4. Serve with salad, chicken tenders, etc.

Pork roast is an easy meal to prepare and a delight to enjoy. With the use of a crock-pot it can be prepared quickly in the morning and ready to eat in the evening. It makes a great after work supper or a wonderful Sunday afternoon feast for the whole family. Best of all, the leftovers are just as marvelous as the original. Bon Appetite!