Ingredients

• 1 pork shoulder roast (Boston Butt or Picnic roast), about 6 to 8 pounds
• 4 teaspoons Essence, recipe follows
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Homemade Barbecue Sauce, recipe follows
• 10 to 12 sandwich buns

Directions

Emeril's ESSENCE Creole Seasoning (also referred to as Bayou Blast):

2 1/2 tablespoons paprika

2 tablespoons salt

2 tablespoons garlic powder

1 tablespoon black pepper

1 tablespoon onion powder

1 tablespoon cayenne pepper

1 tablespoon dried oregano

1 tablespoon dried thyme

Combine all ingredients thoroughly.

Yield: 2/3 cup

Recipe from "New New Orleans Cooking", by Emeril Lagasse and Jessie Tirsch

Published by William and Morrow, 1993.

Homemade Barbecue Sauce:

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 1/2 cups finely chopped onions

6 cloves garlic, finely chopped

2 1/4 teaspoons sweet paprika

2 teaspoons Essence, recipe follows

2 teaspoons dry mustard

1 1/4 teaspoons salt

1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste

1 1/2 cups water

3/4 cup cider vinegar

6 tablespoons dark brown sugar

In a medium non-reactive saucepan set over medium-high heat, add the butter and, when melted, add the onions and cook until they are very soft, about 4 minutes. Add the garlic, paprika, Essence, ground mustard, salt, crushed red pepper, black pepper, and cayenne pepper and cook for 2 minutes. Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring frequently, for 2 minutes, or until the tomato paste begins to brown. Add the water, cider vinegar, and dark brown sugar, and stir to combine. Reduce the heat to low and cook until the sauce has thickened and the flavors have come together, about 15 to 20 minutes.

Set aside to cool before using. The sauce may be made up to 1 week in advance and refrigerated in an airtight, non-reactive container.

Yield: about 3 cups sauce