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Carnitas Pork Tacos

The Best Carnitas Tacos | Instantpot

February 23, 2021 // By: Jeanne
Posted In: Entrees // Leave a comment... Be the first!

So, question, do you guys have someone in your life that just does all the things, and they are good at it!? I’ve always felt that way with about my husband and his family. They are wonderful, do all the things, and are really good at all the things they do!

Whelp, then comes along Mr. Matt Kolodziejczyk… Let’s just call him Matt Kolo. And yes, that is the correct spelling of his last name, and I have NO clue how to pronounce it! He is a talented photographer. In the water and out of the water. He surf’s, ski’s, snowboards… all those things. To boot, he does them solo, or with a partially homemade device, that holds in his sister, so she can ski or surf with him, or his dad. It’s incredible!! She has a disability that prevents her from being able to enjoy life the way you or I do. So Matt and his dad, take her on these crazy adventures, so she can share in their passions. It really is amazing!

And seriously, it goes on. I talk about getting a bow and arrow because my daughters is just a little too easy for me. Oh, Matt has a compound bow, and blah, blah, blah. I chat about how I love nun-chucking, funny so does Matt! He actually bought me my first real pair of nunchucks! So excited! I think he’s a rum connoisseur, really, this doesn’t stop you guys!

So what does Matt Kolo have to do with Carnitas Tacos? Whelp, he’s an awesome cook too! Go. Figure! And you guessed it, I got this recipe from Matt. Have to give credit where credit is due. And he gets more in depth words about him than say, Joanna Gaines. Because, well, he hangs out with me in my kitchen and takes beautiful photos of my family. Joanna does not! (although I would feed her any day!)

Okay, CARNITAS TACOS!! You guys know I LOVE tacos!! And these are one of my favorite! They can be as simple as tortilla and carnitas, topped with cilantro/onion mix. Or if you are like me, I love to add pickled cabbage and chipotle crema to the top of that. I like saucy and extra! Just like I like my men! Haha, just kidding, my man is not extra. He is sweet and simple, aka perfection!

This recipe is written out for an Instantpot. But you can follow the instructions and add it to a crock pot just as easy. I would cook it on low for 8+ hours. Really get that meat to break down.

This is pretty easy recipe, just know ahead of time that the browning/searing of the meat takes a little time, and so does the shredding. Just plan that in your mind.

If you love tacos as much as I do, check out my recipe for Cauliflower Tacos. Wether you are into vegetarian dishes or just tacos, don’t let the cauliflower fool you. My kids love it as much as any type of taco I make. And we make all the tacos! Just scroll down the “Cauliflower Taco” post and you’ll find the Chipotle Sauce, the Mexican Curtido (pickled cabbage) and my Spicy Black Beans. One or all of those compliment these tacos beautifully!

And because I talked about Mr. Kolo so much, I hope you check him out! Instagram: Matt Kolo. Website: www.mattkolo.com He has beautiful prints of our SoCal beaches, waves, surfers and sunsets. And if you are local, he’ll shoot your family! (snap, snap not pew, pew)

I know you guys are going to enjoy these as much as we do!! Make sure you follow me on IG. Tag me in your photos and comment below. I love hearing from you!!

Cheers to Tacos!! ~Jeanne <3

Carnitas Pork Tacos
Print Recipe

Carnitas Pork Tacos | Instantpot

If you love tacos, you have to try these! Mouth watering, fall apart deliciousness with those crispy bits!! This will become a staple!
Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time1 hr
Shredding: 15 minutes15 mins
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: carnitas, Dinner, Easy Dinner Ideas, instantpot, instapot, pork, pressure cooker, Tacos, tacotuesday
Servings: 6

Equipment

  • Instantpot
  • Pressure Cooker

Ingredients

  • 3-4 lbs pork shoulder (cut into 2 inch pieces)
  • 2 jalapeños, cut lengthwise into half with stems removed
  • 4 large garlic cloves
  • 1 tbsp crystal salt or 1¼ tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 16 oz beer Mexican lager or Pale Ale
  • ¾ cup orange juice
  • 1 juice of one lime
  • 1 onion, quartered

Instructions

  • In a medium bowl, combine the Rub Mixture ingredients, then add the pork pieces and coat thoroughly.
  • Add oil to the Instant Pot. Using the display panel select the SAUTE function.
    When oil gets hot, brown the pork on both sides, 2-3 minutes per side. Meat will not be cooked through. Do not crowd the pot–you may have to work in batches. Transfer browned meat to a shallow dish and cover loosely with foil.
  • While still on sauté, add garlic and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until brown.
  • Add ¼ cup of the orange juice to the pot and deglaze by using a wooden spoon to scrape the brown bits from the bottom of the pot.
  • Add quartered onion and jalapeño to the pot, and lay pork pieces on top of the onion. Then add the remaining orange juice and lime juice and beer.
  • Turn the pot off by selecting CANCEL , then secure the lid, making sure the vent is closed.
  • Using the display panel select the MANUAL or PRESSURE COOK function*. Use the +/- keys and program the Instant Pot for 60 minutes.
  • When the time is up, let the pressure naturally release for 15 minutes, then quick-release the remaining pressure.
  • Carefully remove the pork from the pot to a parchment-lined baking sheet and shred. Pour 2/3 cup cooking juice over the meat. Set the pan under the broiler until tips of pork are browned and slightly crisp, 3-5 minutes.
    Carnitas/pulled pork
  • Or instead of putting it in under the broiler:
    Carnitas/pulled pork
  • Shred meat and put in a large bowl. Heat a large skillet, med-high, and then do this in batches:
    Once pan is nice and hot then, add 1 tbsp butter, 1-2 garlic (minced) and juice of ½ a lemon. Combine and then add meat and cook for a minute or 2 to get crispy bits. Flipping once or twice. Remove and repeat until you've gone through all the meat.
  • Serve warm on top of corn tortillas, topped with chopped cilantro, pickled cabbage and/or chipotle crema or cilantro crema.
    A great cilantro mix is to combine finely chop cilantro, finely chopped onion and squeeze lemon juice and mix together.
    Carnitas Pork Tacos

About Jeanne

I’m Jeanne – cook, photographer, momma of 3, and lover of all things homemade, especially tacos! I started Passion & Poppies because I wanted a way to catalog my kitchen and life endeavors.
I love to stay connected to my readers! You can find me on Instagram, Pinterest or Facebook.

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  • The Best Carnitas Tacos | Instantpot
  • French Macarons |Recipe from Magnolia Journal
  • Prosecco Cocktail with Berries and Lemons
  • Cauliflower Gnocchi with Artichoke Lemon Pesto
  • Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers | Smoked

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My friend was at the beach a little while back, an
My friend was at the beach a little while back, and saw this set up. How awesome and sweet is this! 
♥️
Today, my hubby and I are celebrating our 5 year wedding anniversary. Our engagement wasn’t elaborate like this, but it was our own kind of magic, and maybe a little awkward. 😂 
For those of you who don’t know, I’ve known my husband since we were 8 years old. He was my first crush, one of my best friends growing up, and my favorite person. Life happens, different paths were taken, so on and so forth. But always remained a favorite person. He is genuinely and factually, one of the most amazing men on the planet. 
Long story short, he obviously came back into my life, lucky me, and we’ve been connected ever since. 
I tell you all of that, to help understand the awkward silence that came over me when he got down on one knee and said “will you marry me?” ..... I do not know how long I didn’t speak, move or anything. (I’m going to have to ask him) The only thing I know is that I’ve never had an out of body experience, until that day. I felt like I was floating, observing what was going on. The slight breeze, the water running under the bridge, and my most favorite person down on one knee asking someone... wait is that me?! Did he just ask me to marry him? Am I dreaming? I’m dreaming... awe... I love him... and then I hear, with a shaky voice “Babes, is that a yes?” 
Oh snap! This is real! And then I finally say “YES!!” Then I leaped at him, almost knocked him over and I’m sure at that point made him feel better. And hopefully every day since, he knows and feels like the center on my universe. 
♥️
Where do you get engaged? And what’s your love story? 
♥️
♥️
♥️
#love #anniversary #engagement #wedding #lovestory #myfavorite #proposal

• Chocolate Croissant • It probably a good thi
• Chocolate Croissant • It probably a good thing I do not know how to make these! 
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One of the many things I love about staying at the Avila La Fonda, in Avila Beach. Waking up to fresh baked chocolate croissants. 🥐 
The smell is amazing and taste delicious 🤎
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#travel #croissant #chocolate #freshbaked #travel #avilabeach #lafonda #celebrate #breakfast #morningvibes

Jarcuterie and Champagne make the perfect afternoo
Jarcuterie and Champagne make the perfect afternoon snack in between wine tasting. ❤️ 🧺 
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#jarcuterie #picnic #champagne #lajolie #charcuterie #travel #socal #california #winetasing #anniversary

• Carnitas Tacos • If I had to choose one meal
• Carnitas Tacos • If I had to choose one meal to eat for the rest of my life, it just might be tacos! And most likely these tacos! 
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Thank you @mattkolo for your recipe! It’s bomb.com!! 
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The hubby and I have dialed in this recipe and I promise it doesn’t disappoint. Right down to the crispy bits that make this over the top!! 
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Recipe is on the blog, link in bio, search Carnitas Tacos or 
www.passionandpoppies.com/the-best-carnitas-tacos 
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#tacos #tacotuesday #wednesday #carnitas #pork #instantpot #instapot #dinner #easydinnerideas #foodie

Whelp, I can’t write straight. 😂
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I decided

Whelp, I can’t write straight. 😂 
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I decided to hand letter on the wrapping paper for my hubby’s anniversary gift. As you can tell, it’s been a while since I’ve practiced writing.
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#handlettering #handwriting #moderncalligraphy #anniversary #gifts #lettering #write

• The Craft House • It isn’t just a place I
• The Craft House • It isn’t just a place I sell my candles out of. Nor is it just a place I go to escape the groundhogs day of life. 
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This place is awesome! I’m proud of my sister-in-law and the space she has worked so hard to create. The DIY Craft Bar is one of my favorite aspects of this place. Who doesn’t love painting and sipping!? Plus, all the handmade products from local makers, make some of the best gifts. 
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It’s 21 and over, which mean you can have a beverage! And it also means no kids, which in turn means freedom! 🙌🏼 Win, win. (Swipe to the last photo to see what she has on tap)
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She does however have “Take and Make” kits for kids and adults, which Logan loves.  I love them too, because gives me a little bit of silence at home. #winning (Swipe to see Logan’s fish tank) 
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If you haven’t been here, I highly recommend you check it out. The seasonal crafts and products don’t last long. Believe me, the gnomes go quickly! 
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Store hours are posted on the website or go to website to order online:
www.thecrafthouse805.com or check out @thecrafthouse805 
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#thecrafthouse805 #thecrafthouse #paintnsip #diy #craftbar  #beer #wine #champagne #makers #makersgonnamake

• French Macarons • Have you tried these?? Def
• French Macarons • Have you tried these?? Definitely one of my favorite little treats. They have their quirks when making them, but totally worth it. But not difficult., just a little time consuming. 
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The first time I made these, as you can tell, they look like little burgers. The heart sprinkles helped I think. ❤️🤍 
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I have the recipe up on the blog. Will be updating it with some tips and tricks that I’ve learned. Will keep you posted when those are up. But check it out and I hope let me know if you make them, or have made them. Tips always welcomed! 
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Link in bio, search French Macarons. Or 
www.passionandpoppies.com/French-Macarons 
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Recipe from Magnolia Journal. Thank you @joannagains 
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#frenchmacarons #macarons #pastries #dessert #homemade #magnoliajournal #joannagaines

• Corned Beef • Never have I ever… microwave
• Corned Beef • Never have I ever... microwaved corned beef!! And I’m not gonna lie, it wasn’t terrible!
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Hubby text me from Costco saying “this is all they have” with a photo of a microwaved corned beef. I didn’t respond fast enough, so it ended up in the cart. And well, we try really hard not to waste food. So yeah... we microwaved the shit out of it! Just kidding, it took like 7 minutes, and again, wasn’t bad. I am however looking forward to slow cooking the next one! 
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Do you like Corned Beef?
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#cornedbeef #costco #microwave #easydinner #dinnerideas

• Prosecco Cocktail with Berries and Lemon • C
• Prosecco Cocktail with Berries and Lemon • Cocktail or Mocktail, either way it’s delicious and reminds me of Spring. Light and refreshing, so in other words, it makes a great daytime beverage! 
🍋 
This is topped with Prosecco, which if you know me, I love my bubbles. Do you have any recipes that go with bubbles? Please share! 
🍓
Recipe on blog, link in bio. Search: Prosecco Cocktail. 
🫐
🍓
🍋
#prosecco #cocktail #lemon #berries #beverage #vodka #weekend #friday

• Lemon Artichoke Pesto with Cauliflower Gnocchi
• Lemon Artichoke Pesto with Cauliflower Gnocchi •
🍋
First off, cauliflower gnocchi has become a family favorite. Who would’ve thought?! 
Second, I tried to replicate a jar of artichoke pesto I had bought, and happy to say, we love this a lot too!! I used homegrown parsley instead of basil, so good! 
🌿 
Full recipe is on the blog, link in bio, search Lemon Artichoke Pesto or
www.passionandpoppies.com/lemon-artichoke-pesto
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#easydinner #dinner #pesto #gnocchi #cauliflower #artichoke

• Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers • Or as my
• Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers • Or as my husband calls them, Atomic Buffalo Turds! 🤷🏼‍♀️
🥓 
Regardless of the name, have you tried these? They are always a big hit when we host. Only 5 ingredients and easy to put together. We love to throw them on the smoker but in the oven works just as well. 
🌶 
Check out the recipe on the blog. Link in bio, search “jalapeño poppers” or
www.passionandpoppies.com/bacon-wrapped-jalapeño-poppers 
🥓 
🌶
🥓
#jalapeno #jalapenopoppers #bacon #appetizers #partyfood #cheese

• Whipped Coffee • Also known as Dalgona coffe
• Whipped Coffee • Also known as Dalgona coffee. Super creamy, delicious and has a sweetness that reminds me of sipping coffee with my dad in Kenya. 
🤎
So yeah, this coffee has my heart!
🤎
Super easy to make. I have the recipe on the blog if you’d like to give it a whirl. 
🤎
Link in bio, search “whipped coffee” or
www.passionandpoppies.com/whipped-coffee
🤎
🤎
🤎
#dalgonacoffee #whippedcoffee #coffee #coffeelover #heart #morning

Doing a little work outside today with my little s
Doing a little work outside today with my little sidekick. 
Jen, @cacoffeerepublic your latte and latte art is on point 🤎☕️🤎
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#latte #latteart #coffee #bujo #bulletjournal

These are the cutest and most delicious heart cake
These are the cutest and most delicious heart cakes! Shout out to Cat’s Cradle Creation! Thank you for your hard work and tasty talent! 
♥️
Things don’t always seem to go accordingly. I knew I was going to be busy making Cocoa Bombs, and wasn’t going to make our own Valentine’s dessert. So I ordered these about a month in advance. 
And even thought I only gave the kids 3 small pieces of candy, we were lovingly gifted a ton of sweets. Plus Mikinzee decided she wanted to make a cake. Low and behold, these adorable cakes went uneaten, until today! After lunch treat!! And I really mean it when I say they are delicious! On top of the surprise Seafoam candy or honeycomb she sent me. Which is now my favorite candy. 😂 
♥️
Check out @catscradle_creations for other delicious treats. You will NOT be disappointed!.
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#valentines #heartcake #treats #chocolate #cake

Happy Valentine’s Day!! I posted about Shirley T
Happy Valentine’s Day!! I posted about Shirley Temple’s earlier in the week, and have now landed on an adult Shirley Temple, say hello to Chample! Champagne and grenadine! 
I got the recipe from my mother-in-law, who got it from @foodtalkdaily. She calls it the “Valentini” and serves it in a martini glass, which was super cute. I however just got rid of my martini glass, they were tacky, so this is my version. My daughter didn’t mind the marshmallow fluff and sprinkle rim, but I’ll either do the sugar rim or not. Either way, something fun for the holiday ❤️🍒
And any reason to have champagne! 🙌🏼
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#champagne #shirleytemple #valentines #heart #celebrate #love

• Cauliflower Tacos • Tacos are a food group,
• Cauliflower Tacos • Tacos are a food group, right? 
“Feed me tacos, and tell me I’m pretty” Yeah, sounds about right! 
🌮 
If you haven’t tried cauliflower tacos, go do it, now! Can be as easy as sprinkling taco seasoning on the cauliflower, or a few more ingredients and voilà, amazing cauliflower tacos! If you haven’t checked out my blog post for cauliflower tacos, I highly recommend. It will not disappoint! In there is also the recipe for Chipotle Crema, and Picked Cabbage, that goes brilliantly with the tacos. 
🌮 
Link in bio and search “cauliflower tacos” or
www.passionandpoppies.com/Cauliflower-tacos 
🌮
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#tacos #tacosarelife #cauliflower #foodie #easyrecipes #easydinner

Good Morning ☀️ and Happy Friday! Enjoying the
Good Morning ☀️ and Happy Friday! Enjoying the chilly morning, drinking tea and taking time to sit and be. Not something I do often. 
My mind landed on friends/family that I haven’t seen in a long while. Some due to distance, some due to hectic grind, but mostly due to Covid. 
Friendships are a huge part of making life go round. This post is for them, I might not see you or talk to you as often as I’d like, regardless, I still love and miss you! ❤️
Who do you wish you were having tea or coffee with right now?
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#friends #friendship #teatime #coffeetime #relax #goodmorning

• Homemade Booch • Kombucha, like or dislike?
• Homemade Booch • Kombucha, like or dislike? I’m a huge fan!  But our last batch tasted a little more vinegary than I like. So this is me, suggesting to my husband @brendo, let’s make a new batch! 😘
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#booch #kombucha #fermentedfoods #raspberry #brewityourself

🎶Happy is as happy does, laugh and live with a
🎶Happy is as happy does, laugh and live with a half-full cup...🎶 - Kenny Chesney 
❤️
Two things:
1) If you ordered Cocoa Bombs from me, they are at the shop and ready for pick up, when ever you’re ready to get them. 
Check @thecrafthouse805 for store hours. 
Unless we’ve discussed other pick up arrangements.😘 
🤎
2) Leopard print makes me happy 😍
🖤
Happy almost weekend! ❤️
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#cocoabombs #chocolate #chocolatewasted #valentines #hotchocolatebombs #happy

• Spinach and Lemon Linguine • Made this for d
• Spinach and Lemon Linguine • Made this for dinner last night if you caught my stories. Simple ingredients, easy to make and supper yummy! Definitely adding into the rotation. 
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Recipe up on the blog. Link in bio, search “linguine” or go to website:
www.passionandpoppies.com
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#linguine #pasta #lemon #spinach #easyrecipes #dinner #foodie

• Shirley Temple’s and Roy Roger’s • Bring
• Shirley Temple’s and Roy Roger’s • Brings back my childhood memories. I don’t know why, but whenever my parents would take us out for Mexican food, I would always order a Shirley Temple. So now the two go hand in hand. And now the girls do the same thing. 
We ordered lunch from our local Mexican restaurant and made our own Shirley Temple and Toy Rodger’s. 
Super simple! 7up/Coke, grenadine and cherries. 🍒 
When was the last time you had one of these?
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#shirleytemple #7up #coke #beverage #cherries #maraschino #memories

•Super Bowl Sunday • Who are you rooting for??
•Super Bowl Sunday • Who are you rooting for?? 
I’m rooting for champagne and food! Cheers to love and hearts!! ❤️ Go football! 🙌🏼
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What are you snacking on? 
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#superbowl #snacks #appetizers #caprese #valentines #hearts

Candles and Gnomes… These are a few of my favori
Candles and Gnomes... These are a few of my favorite things! 
7 day countdown to Valentine’s Day! Candles are at the shop and moving fast. Head over to the The Craft house and check out what prints there are and some other fun finds. Like the Valentine’s sign by @something.gray ❤️
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If you can’t make it into the shop, you can always message me if you’re interested. I also ship and can arrange porch pick ups. 
This photo also reminds me I need to make more gnomes.
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#candles #handpoured #soycandles #gnomes #maker #valentines #gifts

What’s your favorite fruit? I don’t think I co
What’s your favorite fruit? I don’t think I could pick one, but a ripe, locally or backyard grown strawberry is close to the top. 

We are lucky here in Ventura county to be surrounded by strawberry fields. So when strawberry season roll around, this Strawberry Sorbet is a must! It’s so delicious. 

Recipe is up on the blog when you’re ready to make it. I mean, why wait til strawberry season. We do have them in stores year around. 😘 And it will make a great Valentine’s dessert ❤️🤎

Link in Bio, just search strawberry sorbet on site. Or
www.passionandpoppies.com/strawberry-sorbet
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#sorbet #strawberry #icecream #homemade #dessert #valentines


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