hermit wrote:
> I am looking for an authentic recipe for Mexican Carnitas. Also I
> would be interested to know of a good online source for Mexican foods
> and spices.
>
There are a lot of carnitas recipes listed when you google. Although
"authentic" is a loaded word, my opinion is that carnitas started out
as pork butt or shoulder simmered for a long time in lard, with garlic
the predominant seasoning. After simmering until it's very tender,
it's chunked up or shredded and then fried to develop a little bit of
crunchiness.

Almost any other method would probably be healthier, and the
alternative I like uses citrus flavors. You simmer the pork in water
with garlic, lime juice and orange juice. When very tender, you shred
it and roast it in a very hot oven, again to develop a little
crunchiness.

I've not had to buy spices online, but everyone raves about Penzey's.

-aem