By Jennifer Knoll
As summer is winding down, school and harvest are revving up; my friends, family and I are certainly working overtime. Often one of hardest battles in life is working hard to make each day a little easier - finding balance. Taking a few shortcuts along the way and still being able to provide a good home cooked meal makes me a happy girl! And that is exactly this recipe.
Don’t get me wrong, nothing beats the smell and feel of slow
roasting a pork shoulder for hours on end. And for most who love to use the convenience
of a crock pot, that vessel and I have never really become chums, maybe one
day. Until then, this is my trick to easy, quick and ever so tasty carnitas. A
stop at La Reyna Market and
Deli, I let them do the work for me.
Grenache is one of those wines whose bright playful fruit and spicy character pairs sublimely with meats that have been roasted with zesty herbs and spices. Rummaging through my cabinet I found a bottle of Nelle Grenache 2009 I had been holding on to. Nelle has been one of my most treasured boutique Paso Robles producers since winemaker Tyler Russell started this label. They are hand crafting Rhône-inspired wines from seductive West Side fruit.
If you have never had the chance to Nelle, what are you waiting for? Go! Now, seriously! Producers like this are what make the Paso Robles wine region so extraordinary.
Easy Carnitas Tacos
For pickled red onions:1 red onion, thinly sliced
½ cup apple cider vinegar
1 cup w warm water
1 tablespoon sugar
1 ½ teaspoon salt
Combine all ingredients in jar or bowl. Let sit at room temperature for at least 1 hour. Store in refrigerator for up to a month.
1 pound Carnitas (from La Reyna or homemade)
Corn tortillas
Cilantro
Pickled Red Onions
Avocados
Queso Fresco
Limes
Throw corn tortillas on grill or burner and assemble to your liking.
Pair with your desired Paso Robles Grenache. Cheers!
Jennifer Knoll is a lifelong resident of Paso Robles. Growing up in the wine business and being surrounded by farmers she developed her serious fetish for wine and food. She is the Assistant Tasting Room Manager at Tablas Creek Vineyard. Please get permission before reproducing recipe.
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