Dave's Cuban Sandwiches.

 

Slightly altered. I had 1/2 a frozen pork loin I decided to use instead of a shoulder. Curious to see how this much leaner piece of meat works out.* Using direction from Dave to put them together. He made these for us last time he was out visiting. I've been dying for another one ever since.

CUBAN PORK SANDWICHES

Season well with salt, pepper and spices and sear meat in olive oil in dutch oven on the stove top. Cut onion into 8 pieces and add to pot. Add about an inch of beer, water, stock, apple juice (or any combo of these) with a bay leaf or two and pepper corns. Cover and braise in the oven until meat is 160º. Maybe a half hour?

While the pork is in the oven, chop 6 cloves of garlic and add to 1/2 cup of olive oil in a small saucepan on the stove. Infuse oil with garlic. Set aside in tupperware (you can use the leftovers for anything).

When the pork is done, coat your bread (I used a french loaf) with the garlic oil. Slice the pork, put it on the bread. Add mustard, sliced dill pickle, swiss cheese and a slice or two of boiled ham. (Salt and pepper?) Stick this sucker in a panini press and melt, heat, smash it all together for a few minutes. Voila! Another great sandwich!

*Shoulder! Shoulder! Shoulder next time!