Southwestern Pulled Pork Crostini

Name: Southwestern Pulled Pork Crostini
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 45 min
Yield: 32 appetizers.
Ingredients: 1 boneless pork shoulder butt roast (about 2 pounds); 1/2 cup lime juice; 2 envelopes mesquite marinade mix; 1/4 cup sugar; 1/4 cup olive oil; SALSA:; 1 cup frozen corn, thawed; 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained; 1 small tomato, finely chopped; 2 tablespoons finely chopped seeded jalapeno pepper; 2 tablespoons lime juice; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1-1/2 teaspoons ground cumin; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; SAUCE:; 1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chilies; 1/3 cup apricot preserves; 1/8 teaspoon salt; CROSTINI:; 32 slices French bread baguette (1/4 inch thick); 1/4 cup olive oil; 2/3 cup crumbled queso fresco or feta cheese; Lime wedges, optional

A unique take on crostini, these hearty appetizers are great for tailgating and other casual parties. Every bite is spicy, sweet and salty, and the layers of salsa and sauce make the recipe even more special. —Randy Cartwright, Linden, Wisconsin

Ingredients

1 boneless pork shoulder butt roast (about 2 pounds)
1/2 cup lime juice
2 envelopes mesquite marinade mix
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup olive oil
SALSA:
1 cup frozen corn, thawed
1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
1 small tomato, finely chopped
2 tablespoons finely chopped seeded jalapeno pepper
2 tablespoons lime juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
1-1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
SAUCE:
1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chilies
1/3 cup apricot preserves
1/8 teaspoon salt
CROSTINI:
32 slices French bread baguette (1/4 inch thick)
1/4 cup olive oil
2/3 cup crumbled queso fresco or feta cheese
Lime wedges, optional

Directions

Place roast in a 3-qt. slow cooker. In a small bowl, whisk lime juice, marinade mix, sugar and oil until blended; pour over roast. Cook, covered, on low 6-8 hours or until meat is tender.
For salsa, in a small bowl, combine corn, beans, tomato and jalapeno. Stir in lime juice, oil and seasonings. In a small saucepan, combine sauce ingredients; cook and stir over low heat until blended.
For crostini, preheat broiler. Brush bread slices on both sides with oil; place on ungreased baking sheets. Broil 3-4 in. from heat 1-2 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
Remove roast from slow cooker; cool slightly. Shred pork with two forks. To serve, layer toasts with salsa, pork and cheese. Top with sauce. If desired, serve with lime wedges.