Pulled Pork Lettuce Wraps

Crock pot recipes seem to be all over Pinterest lately and as a result of my mindless daily browsing and Pinning, I was inspired to pull mine out. Honestly, my crock pot doesn't get nearly enough love. I have had it for almost two years now (thanks, Andi!) and sometimes, I forget that it's hiding in my kitchen. I'm challenging myself to take advantage of this appliance this Winter because really, it couldn't be easier. The Newlyweds (The McConnells) made this recipe last week and I was instantly cleaning the drool off of my keyboard when MOD sent it to me earlier this week. I added tomato paste, omitted tomato paste and served our pulled pork in lettuce cups with homemade pico de gallo and avocado mousse. Don't turn your nose up when you see cocoa powder on the list of ingredients. I think it's what makes the flavors in the pork pop!

Pulled-Pork Lettuce Wraps

recipe adapted from Real Simple

2 cups store bought salsa (look for low sodium)

1/4 cup tomato paste

1.5 Tbsp. chili powder

1.5 Tbsp. dried oregano

2 heaping Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder

1.5 lb. lean pork tenderloin with excess fat trimmed off (pork butt or shoulder will work, too)

In your slow cooker, combine salsa, chili powder, oregano and cocoa. Add the pork and turn to coat.

Cook, covered, until the meat is tender and pulls apart easily, on high for 4-5 hours or on low for 7-8 hours.