When you think of pumpkin spice, it is likely that your mind goes straight to sweet treats, desserts or even coffee. The truth is pumpkin spice goes far beyond pumpkin pie.

In this recipe, pumpkin spice, black pepper, cayenne and brown sugar work hand in hand to create the perfect dry rub for your pulled pork. Sugar is a common ingredient when it comes to achieving that traditional “barbeque” flavor as it helps enhance the flavor of the meat and balance the acidity of the BBQ sauce.

Get ready to transform your traditional pulled pork recipe into one that welcomes all the wonderful flavors of fall!

Ingredients:

• Pork Shoulder (in this recipe, it weighed in at 4.5 lbs)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1tablespoon sea salt
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
• 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
• 1.5 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1.5 teaspoons onion powder
• 1 teaspoon cayenne

Directions:

1. Combine the brown sugar, salt, pumpkin pie spice, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and cayenne in a bowl and stir together.
2. Rub the seasoning mixture on all sides of the pork shoulder.
3. Preheat the oven to 225 degrees Fahrenheit.
4. Place the seasoned shoulder on a sheet pan or roasting pan lined with tin foil.
5. Roast for 4-5 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
6. Wrap the pork in a large piece of foil and return to the oven and roast until the internal temperature reaches 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
7. Remove from the oven and allow to rest while still wrapped in foil for 1 hour.
8. Shred the pork and serve on buns with barbeque sauce.
9. Serve and enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Red Stick Spice Co 

Photo credit: Red Stick Spice