Food & Memories: North Carolina-style Pulled Pork

A Meal with My Stranger

By Courtney Barron
QuailBellMagazine.com

Ironically as a person who doesn't eat land animals anymore, Southern pulled pork smothered in vinegar and spices is the food that instantly takes me back to the time spent with my dad growing up. After what seemed like forever in a plane, I would arrive to North Carolina. I visited him, my stepmom, and my two half siblings just twice a year. On our car ride from the airport to Wilmington, which were often awkward due to months spent apart, my dad and I would pull up to a Smithfield's restaurant off the highway to indulge in one of the finest meals that the Carolinas have to offer.

Years later I can't recall a single time where a plate of pulled pork has not tempted me. This temptation has very little to do with taste. I've come to realize that I'm drawn to it because it reminds me of my dad. Every time this meal is in my presence I see his sun-kissed face and piercing blue eyes staring back at me, trying to find his daughter again. Sometimes we found each other during these meals and sometimes we didn't. Even years later this has been the case. 

For us, pulled pork is the food of strangers trying to connect because of love and despite distance.

My recipe:

1. Kill a pig (in a nice way if that's even possible).

2. Roast it all day.

3. Hack it up. 

4. Add some spice and vinegar (Steps 1-4 can be bypassed by visiting an authentic Southern joint who can prep this meal for you.)

5. Find your dad.

6. Connect.

#Nostalgia #FoodThatBringsBackMemories #SouthernPulledPork #SouthernFood #PersonalRecipes #DeliciousFood #BBQ

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