Monday, January 31, 2011

Stove-Top Pork Chops

You can let this meal simmer while you do a few other chores.

6 pork loin chops (3/4 inch thick)
1/2 c all-purpose flour
2 Tbs olive oil
2 tsp dried thyme
2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
4 large potatoes (abut 2 1/4 lbs)
5 med carrots, sliced 1/4 " thick
1 med onion, cut into wedges
2 c beef broth

Dredge pork in flour.  Heat oil in a large skillet; brown the chops on both sides.  Sprinkle with thyme, salt and pepper.  Peel potatoes and cut into 3/4 inch cubes; add to skillet along with the carrots and onion.  Pour broth over all; bring to a boil.  Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 40 to 50 minutes or until pork and vegetables are tender.  (I always have applesauce on the side with this dish).
Makes 6 servings
ENJOY!!

Sunday, January 30, 2011

Lemon Chicken

Another great one-pot recipe.  I tried this recipe because I just LOVE rice (more than pasta).  I hope you will try it and ENJOY!!
Lemon Chicken Recipe

1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
1 med onion, chopped
1 large carrot, thinly sliced
1 garlic clove, minced
2 Tbs butter or margarine
1 Tbs cornstarch
1 can (14 1/2 oz) chicken broth
2 to 3 Tbs lemon juice
1 tsp grated lemon peel
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 c uncooked instant rice
1 c frozen chopped broccoli, thawed
1/4 c minced fresh parsley

In a skillet, cook chicken, onion, carrot and garlic in butter until chicken is lightly browned, about 5 minutes.  In a bowl, combine the cornstarch and broth; stir in lemon juice, peel, salt if desired and rice.  add to skillet and bring to a boil.  Reduce heat; add broccoli and parsley.  Cover and simmer 5-10 minutes or until rice is tender.
Makes 4 servings

ENJOY!!


Friday, January 28, 2011

Microweave Meatball Stew from One-Pot Recipes

I haven't had this one but am DEFINITELY going to try it soon - perhaps over the weekend when I am babysitting for my little Miss Adison!  Don't stew when there's no time to simmer dinner.  This extra speedy stew is ready in about 25 minutes.
Microwave Meatball Stew Recipe
Microwave, Meatball Stew

1 egg, beaten
1/2 c dry bread crumbs
1/2 c finely chopped onion
2 Tbs onion soup mix
1 pound ground beef
1 can (16 oz) whole potatoes, drained and quartered
1 1/4 c sliced frozen carrots
1 1/4 c frozen peas
1 can (10 3/4 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
1 can (10 1/2 oz) condensed beef broth, undiluted
1/2 tsp dried savory
1/4 tsp dried thyme
2 Tbs cornstarch
2 Tbs water
1/4 tsp browning sauce, optional

Combine egg, crumbs, onion and soup mix.  Add beef and mix well.  Shape into 1 1/2 inch meatballs.  Place in a microwave-safe baking dish; cover and microwave on high for 5 minutes.  turn meatballs and microwave 5 minutes more; drain.  Combine the next seven ingredients; spoon over meatballs and stir once.  combine cornstarch and water and browning sauce if desired; stir into the stew.  Microwave on high for 2 minutes or until thickened and bubbly.
Makes 4 - 6 servings
Enjoy!!

Thursday, January 27, 2011

One-Pot Recipes - Vegetable Beef Casserole

Vegetable Beef Casserole RecipeHave little time to cook?  Much less time to clean up?  Tired of some of those tried and true crock-pot recipes?  This little cookbook has some marvelous recipes.  Here is just one from the selection of Oven Entrees:

Vegetable Beef Casserole

3 med unpeeled potatoes, sliced
3 med carrots, sliced
3 celery ribs, sliced
2 c fresh or frozen green beans
1 med onion, chopped
1 lb lean ground beef
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
4 med tomatoes, peeled, seeded and chopped
1 c (4 oz) shredded cheddar cheese

In a 3-qt. casserole, layer half of the potatoes, carrots, celery, green beans and onion.   Crumble half of the uncooked beef over vegetables.  Sprinkle with 1/2 tsp each of thyme, salt and pepper.  Repeat layers.  Top with tomatoes.  Cover and bake at 400 degrees F for 15 minutes.  Reduce heat to 350 degrees F; bake about 1 hour longer or until vegetables are tender and meat is no longer pink.  Sprinkle with cheese; cover and let stand until cheese is melted. 
Makes 6-8 servings
ENJOY!!

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

I'm backkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk

     Here it is almost the end of January - I've been quite neglectful of my blog.  I love the holiday season yet it's a sad time for me also.   
     Not that the weather shows it, but we're on our way to SPRING.  More snow expected here tonight - I'm really tired of it.  The cold weather is really getting to me this year - must be cause I'm getting older - HA HA.  I've gone from going out in my jeans and shirt w/gloves to actually wearing a sweatshirt or fleece jacket this year.  But we are on a warming trend - near 30 again today.  I know I shouldn't complain abut the weather as so many of my friends - fb, blog and others - have had much colder temperatures and much more snow.
     Spending the day with my darling Adison today while her Mom is working.  Will try to get back on track with more recipes and fun stories for  you.