Soy Slow Cooker Pork with Ginger and Almonds

INGREDIENTS

medium leeks

1 cup

low sodium soy sauce or tamari

4 tbsp

cream sherry

1/3 cup

peeled, julienned fresh ginger - cut into thin matchstick shapes

2 tbsp

granulated sugar

large garlic cloves, thinly sliced

large cinnamon sticks

star anise pod

1/2 tsp

red pepper flakes

4 lb

trimmed pork shoulder cut into 4-5 large chunks (from a 6-7 pound untrimmed shoulder)

2 cups

blanched, whole almond

2 tbsp

unseasoned rice vinegar (to your taste)

rice or noodles of your choice for serving

thinly sliced scallions and fresh cilantro for garnish