Budget Friendly Party: Coke Carnitas #FinalFourPack

 This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #FinalFourPack #CollectiveBias Coca-Cola is a corporate champion of the NCAA. 

When it comes to sports, I'm all about having a party--but the actual watching of the game I couldn't care less about.  I try to understand football for Ricky because he loves it so much, but my eyes gloss over after the first two minutes.  Basketball is pretty straight forward, so I can enjoy the games a bit more...especially college (GO BADGERS!).  If you find me at a sports gathering, usually I'm in the kitchen mixing up drinks or making tasty snacks to nosh on. 

Have you seen the huge NCAA® March Madness displays at Walmart?  It's always fun to try out new flavors of Coke and they have special Coca-Cola NCAA® Final Four Packs available for $1.25! Choices are: Cherry, Vanilla and Coke Zero--perfect to sip or mix at your party!  

Throwing a party can be EXPENSIVE and time-consuming, so I thought I would share this super easy recipe.  You can throw it in the slow-cooker and get on with your cleaning! If you're having people over, you're probably cleaning...and shoving stuff in closets. No? Just me?!  Simple side dishes keep this budget friendly and you can even ask your friends to grab some chips!  I made a quick double batch of my pantry salsa, guacamole, red rice and refried beans.  Keeping the options limited keeps the cost down.

The poblano pepper and chipotles in adobo give it a smoky kick, but not too much spice.  Pouring the Coke Zero over it before cooking tenderizes the pork and gives it a nice, subtle sweetness.  There are a few ways to serve these carnitas: as tacos, baked on a tostada as mini-Mexican pizzas OR you can make a big batch of nachos.  All are delicious, just depends on how much work you feel like doing!

Slow-Cooker Coke Carnitas

Here's What You Need:

• 3-4 pound boneless pork shoulder--check for markdowns to save!
• 1 can Coca-Cola Zero
• 2 medium onions, cut in 1/4" slices
• 1 poblano, seeded and chopped
• 1 can chopped chipotles in adobo
• Spice Rub:
• 1 tablespoon Cumin, 1 tablespoon Tajin or favorite Mexican spice and 1 tablespoon garlic
• Corn Tortillas, to serve
• Optional toppers: guacamole, salsa, queso fresco (or favorite cheese), jalapeños

1. Set the slow cooker on LOW for 7 hours.  
2. Mix the spice rub together and generously coat the pork roast, massaging it into the meat. Let sit while chopping other veggies.
3. In the bottom of the slow cooker, place onions, chipotles and poblano. Pour half of the can of Coke.  Place roast on top and pour the remaining Coke Zero. 
4. Cover and cook on low, rotating halfway through.
• NOTE: There will be a point where the roast will seem super tough and dry.  Keep cooking and it magically becomes fork tender. TRUST ME!
5. When fork tender, remove roast from slow cooker and shred.  Put it back in the cooking sauce until serving.
6. For a gathering, serve from the slow cooker or with tongs in a serving dish.

What NCAA® March Madness plans do you have? I'd love to hear what's hitting your table...or what you're mixing up with Coca-Cola!

Be sure to check out Coca-Cola on social media!

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PLUS ENTER TO WIN: Coca Cola #FinalFourPack Walmart Sweepstakes - $1,000 in Prizing