Category Archives: Meats

Beef, Pork, Lamb recipes

Slow Cooker Pork Chops

Slow Cooker Pork Chop Dinner

 

Slow Cooker Pork Chop Dinner

Finally getting use out of my slow cooker.  Slow Cooker Pork Chops was quick to put together and enjoyed for our Sunday Dinner with steamed asparagus and an apple salad.  A simple menu for two.

Apple Salad

Apple Salad

I have had a slow cooker for several years.  I am just now getting into using it more and more. Occasionally I would use it for soup and not venturing into meals or meats.  This year I have changed that.  This fall, Crock Pot Applesauce  was  successful, then I tried Crock Pot Scalloped Potatoes and Ham for a family reunion.  For New Year’s, it was Slow Cooker Red Lentils-Sausage Stew looking for Good Luck in 2016,  the Italian way.  In this new recipe, there is a layer of sliced onions and quartered potatoes cooked with the Slow Cooker Pork Chops.

Slow Cooker Pork Chops

Slow Cooker Pork Chops

Since starting to church on Sunday mornings, I have found the slow cooker very handy, which I am sure many of you could have said,  “I told you so.”  It is great to come home and smell dinner, makes me feel as though someone else did the cooking.  

Slow Cooker Pork Chops

Slow Cooker Pork Chops

Julia Ann
Center cut loin pork chops and potatoes smothered in gravy
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 hours
Total Time 5 hours 15 minutes
Course Meat
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup sliced onions
  • 2 large potatoes quartered
  • Seasonings salt and pepper
  • 4 center loin cut pork chops 1/2 inch thick
  • 4 ounce can of mushrooms sliced
  • 1 package Country Gravy Mix
  • 1 cup water

Instructions
 

  • Put the sliced onions on the bottom of the slow cooker.
  • Arrange the quartered potatoes on top of onions.
  • Season the pork chops with seasonings, salt and pepper.
  • Put the pork chops on top of the potatoes.
  • Mix the Country Gravy Mix with water; heat to thicken.
  • Pour the gravy over the pork chops.
  • Cover and cook on high for 5 hours.

Notes

The seasoning used for the pork was a blend of sugar, salt, paprika, black pepper, onion, and garlic powder.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

 

Ready to add the gravy and start

Ready to add the gravy and start cooking.                                       

Slow Cooker Pork Chops

Slow Cooker Pork Chops ready to be served.

Pork Chop Dinner

Pork Chop Dinner

Other links to look into:

Simply Recipes:    Slow Cooker Mexican Pulled Pork

The Kitchen:  How to Cook Pork Chops in the Slow Cooker

 

Logo 2016Julia Ann and cookbookinabox® in partnership with Netta Belle’s Choice® Spices bring you great recipes  for your cooking experience.

©2007-2018 Netta Belle’s Choice® The Art of Gourmet Cookery® cookbookinabox® “Reg. U.S. Pat. & Trdmk. Off.”  Reg. “Trade-marks Canadian Intellectual Property Office. “ Netta Belle’s Choice® The Art of Gourmet Cookery® cookbookinabox®. All rights reserved.

Red Lentils-Sausage Stew

Slow Cooker Red Lentils-Sausage Stew

Happy New Year 2016!

Red Lentils-Sausage Stew

Red Lentils-Sausage Stew

In the Italian tradition, lentils-sausage stew was our New Year’s food for luck. It seems across the continents good luck is thought to be prosperity,  good health, happiness, success and longevity. We aren’t Italian, we  wanted to try another tradition to celebrate the New Year’s.  It would be interesting to prepare the New Year’s evening menu recipes from around the world which are noted to be Lucky New Year’s Food. 

Here is my suggestion for your 2017 New Year’s Menu celebration.

Italy:  Cotechino con Lenticcjie, pork and lentils
American South: Black-eyes peas, Hoppin’ John, cooked greens
Japan:  Toshikoshi Soba, long buckwheat noodles
Ireland  Buttered Bread Sandwiches
Spain:  12 grapes  referring to Champagne
Berlin:  Berliner Pfannkuchen, jelly doughnuts
Greece: Vasilopita, a New Year’s Cake with a coin hidden in it.                                                                        The person getting the coin will have good luck all year.

Slow Cooker Red Lentils-Sausage Stew

Red Lentils-Sausage Stew

Red Lentils-Sausage Stew

Slow Cookers or Crock-Pot cooking are  great for winter hearty stews, soups or casseroles. Red Lentils-Sausage Stew is a good example of easy meal preparation.  We had a romaine tossed salad, crusty garlic bread, Cinnamon Apple Sauce and Brown Sugar Marble Pound Cake om/crock-for desert. No Champagne, however, we did have some Soft White Wine by Oliver’s Winery.  It was a quiet and satisfying New Year’s Eve. Looking forward to 2016 offerings. 

 

Red Lentils-Sausage Stew

Slow Cooker Red Lentils-Sausage Stew

Julia Ann
A slow cooker makes a hearty stew of red lentils, sausage and vegetables. A winter time comfort food to enjoy with crusty bread.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 20 minutes
Course Entree
Cuisine Italian
Servings 8 cups

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 sausage remove casing and crumble, or crumble whole sausage
  • 1 cup red lentils rinse
  • 1/2 cup onion chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1/2 cup carrots coarsely chopped
  • 1/2 cup celery coarsely chopped
  • 1 medium potato chopped in 1/2 inch cubes
  • 14.5 oz tomatoes and juice
  • 1 cup frozen cut spinach
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 cups water
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon oregano
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Layer all the vegetables on the bottom of the slow cooker.
  • Add the crumbled sausage.
  • Pour in the broth and water.
  • Add the seasonings and stir into the broth.
  • Cover, cook on high for 3 hours.

Notes

3 links of bratwursts were used in this recipe; other sausages links or ground sausage could also be used. 
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

 

Wishing you many blessings during 2016:  healthy lives, friends, safety and joys in abundance.

Netta Belle's Choice cookbookinabox

 

 

Roast Beef Dinner

Roast Beef Dinner for Two

Roast Beef Dinner for Two

Roast Beef Dinner for Two

Having a Roast Beef Dinner is a big event at cookbookinabox’s  house.  Several reasons which many probably may identify . Health is our biggest reason, fat,  cholesterol is higher in red meats.  Expense, it is more expensive to have choice cuts on a regular basis.  Meatless meals is often our choice.  However, there are times when a nice Roast Beef Dinner brings good memories and is comfort food.  

Cast Iron Dutch Oven

Grandmother’s Cast Iron Dutch Oven

We have the cast iron dutch oven that was my husband’s grandmothers.  It had made a long trip through Texas when the family travel by horse and wagon in the early 1900’s. So it is always a treat and fun to use this kettle.  I also like to use this kettle for soups as well.

Beef Bottom Round Roast

Beef Bottom Round Roast

Since there are only 2 of us in the home, I bought a small beef bottom round roast under 2 pounds.  The recipe was adapted from Joy Of Cooking’s, Beef Pot Roast, cooked in a convection oven instead of the stove.

Preparing the beef roast for the oven

After baking the beef roast and removing to a plate to keep warm, I decanted the juices and fat into a fat separator.  I poured off the juices into a measuring cup, and poured about 4 tablespoons fat back into the dutch oven to make the roux for gravy.  I used the juices and added cream to make 2 cups for the liquid to the 4 tablespoons of fat and  4 tablespoons of flour.

Making the roux for gravy

Roast Beef Dinner

Roast Beef Dinner

Julia Ann
A special Sunday Dinner Roast Beef, tender, juicy to be enjoyed with mashed potatoes and gravy.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 3 hours
Course Entree
Cuisine American
Servings 4 -6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pound beef bottom round roast
  • 2 tablespoons oil
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 1/2 cup onions finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup carrots finely sliced
  • 1 1/2 cups beef stock or bouillon
  • 1 teaspoon seasoning blend
  • 1/2 teaspoon Sea Salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
  • GRAVY
  • 4 tablespoons fat
  • 4 tablespoons flour
  • 1 1/2 cups meat juices
  • cream to make 2 cups liquid

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 325 F.
  • Trim off fat, make cuts into the side of the meat to prevent curling
  • Flour all sides of the roast.
  • Heat the oil in the Dutch oven.
  • Brown the roast on all sides.
  • Add the onions, carrots, and broth to the roast.
  • Cook about 5 minutes.
  • Bake in the preheated oven 2 hours or until meat is tender, to 155 F to 165 F for medium well.
  • Remove meat from pan to a dish; cover to keep warm
  • GRAVY
  • Strain off the vegetables.
  • Decant the juices and fat into a fat separator.
  • Pour off the juices, on top, to a measuring cup, add cream to make 2 cups liquid
  • Pour 4 tablespoon fat and juices to the Dutch oven, stir to loosen the bits and pieces of the meat.
  • With a whisk, add the flour, stirring until blended.
  • Gradually add the 2 cups of the liquid, stirring with the whisk to smooth.
  • Simmer the gravy up to 10 minutes to thicken.
  • Taste and correct seasonings as needed.
  • Add 1/2 teaspoon thyme.
  • Serve over the meat and potatoes.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Roast Beef Dinner for Two

Roast Beef Dinner for Two

The Roast Beef Dinner menu

Marinated Vegetable Salad
Mixer Whole Wheat Bread
Roast Beef and Beef Gravy
Mashed Russet Potatoes
Steamed Asparagus
American Persimmon Cake

 

Visit these links:      Simply Recipes – Roast Beef;            allrecipes – All American Roast Beef

 

Netta Belle's Choice cookbookinaboxJulia Ann and  cookbookinabox® in partnership with Netta Belle’s Choice® bring you great recipes for your cooking experience.  ©2007-2018 Netta Belle’s Choice® The Art of Gourmet Cookery®  cookbookinabox® “Reg. U.S. Pat. & Trdmk. Off.” Reg. “Trade-marks Canadian Intellectual Property Office. “ Netta Belle’s Choice® The Art of Gourmet Cookery® cookbookinabox®. All rights reserved.
            

Baked Pork Chops

 

Baked Pork Chops in Sauce and Vegetables

Baked Pork Chops in Sauce and Vegetables

Now summer is over, grilling outdoors begins to wane as the temperature changes. I began to look for a new recipe for  pork chops.  Having many cookbooks, I decided I would try a recipe that I have not tried from The New Your Times Menu Cook Book by Craig Claiborne, 1966.  The recipe for Country Pork Chops became my Baked Pork Chops. 

Baked Pork Chops

Browned Pork Chops and Vegetables

Browned Pork Chops and Vegetables

I really did not adapt it so much. A pork seasoning dry rub was used to marinate the pork chops before browning. I used Dijon mustard in place of prepared mustard and beef bouillon in place of the beef stock.  My other changes were using a thinner pork chop, not the 1 inch thick and only 2 instead of 6 and preparing a smaller amount of the sauce. The sauce recipe would be enough for 6 chops.  Actually thought the sauce would be good over other meats and less expensive cuts such as pork or steak cutlets. 

Sauce Ingredients

Sauce Ingredients

Once again using my old reliable cast iron skillet for the browning and making the sauce..

Cooking the Sauce

Cooking the Sauce

Baked Pork Chops in Sauce

Baked Pork Chops in Sauce

Baked Pork Chops

Julia Ann
Pork chops topped with a mild tomato sauce and chopped vegetables to make an interesting change of pace from summer time grilling.
Prep Time 35 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Course Entree
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 4 center cut pork chops
  • 1 teaspoon pork seasoning dry rub or salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 cup carrots finely diced
  • 1/4 cup celery finely diced
  • 1/2 cup onion finely diced
  • 1/2 cup beef bouillon or stock
  • 1/2 cup tomato sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Chopped parsley

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350 F.
  • Trim excess fat off pork chops.
  • Heat the olive oil in large skillet.
  • Season pork chops on both sides with pork seasoning dry rub or salt and pepper.
  • Brown on both sides about 10-15 minutes.
  • Put the carrots, celery and onions in a shallow two quart casserole.
  • Arrange the browned pork chops on top.
  • Pour out any excess fat from the skillet.
  • Add the bouillon or stock, tomato sauce, mustard and Worcestershire sauce to skillet.
  • Whisk together to blend.
  • Pour mixture over the pork chops; cover.
  • Bake for 50 minutes.
  • Remove cover and bake 15 minutes longer.
  • Sprinkle with chopped parsley.

Notes

Recipe taken from Craig Claiborne, Country Pork Chops, The New York Times Menu Cook Book1966.
Julia Ann and cookbookinabox® in partnership with Netta Belle’s Choice® bring you great recipes for your cooking experience. ©2007-2018 Netta Belle’s Choice® The Art of Gourmet Cookery® cookbookinabox® “Reg. U.S. Pat. & Trdmk. Off.” Reg. “Trade-marks Canadian Intellectual Property Office. “Netta Belle’s Choice® The Art of Gourmet Cookery® cookbookinabox® All rights reserved.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

 

Baked Pork Chop Dinner

Here is a suggestion for your dinner of Baked Pork Chops:  baked potatoes with butter and sour cream, country prepared green beans from the pressure cooker seasoned with onion and Ciabatta Bread.

Baked Pork Chop Dinner

Baked Pork Chop Dinner

Summer Time Cole Slaw and American Apple Pie would round out this country Baked Pork Chop Dinner.

Some other Pork Chop recipes you might like to try:

Annie’s Eats – Parmesan-Crusted Pork Chops

Simply Recipes –  Brined Pork Chops

Netta Belle's Choice cookbookinaboxJulia Ann and cookbookinabox® in partnership with Netta Belle’s Choice® bring you great recipes  for your cooking experience. ©2007-2018 Netta Belle’s Choice® The Art of Gourmet Cookery® cookbookinabox® “Reg. U.S. Pat. & Trdmk. Off.” Reg. “Trade-marks Canadian Intellectual Property Office. ” Netta Belle’s Choice® The Art of Gourmet Cookery® cookbookinabox® All rights reserved.

 

Crock-Pot Scalloped Potatoes and Ham

Crock-Pot Cookery

As summer is slipping away for another year and heading into the fall and winter months, the recipes are also changing.  like the seasons.  The comfort food of soups, casseroles of macaroni and cheese and crock-pot or slow cooker meals are plentiful.  Do you have a favorite crock-pot recipe?

Crock-Pot Scalloped Potatoes and Ham

Crock-Pot Scalloped Potatoes and Ham

Crock-Pot Scalloped Potatoes and Ham was the right dish to take to a carry-in 3 hours away.  This recipe was inspired by Crock-Pot by Rival. Country Scalloped Potatoes and Ham. My changes were additions such as garlic and onion powders, and 1/4 cup  or less of jalapeno  peppers.  I also layered the potatoes, ham and cheese before adding the sauce.

Scalloped Potatoes and Ham

Serving Scalloped Potatoes and Ham

A recipe for a carry-in or pitch-in.

This carry-in was with my farm family.  There was no lack of food, with bratwurst, fried chicken, hot dogs and hamburger, shredded pork, spaghetti and meatballs. chili, scalloped corn, baked beans, green bean casserole, all with a variety of finger foods, and salads.  Oh the desserts! Pie, cake, brownies, and a favorite cookie, Buckeyes. Of course they were hit of chocolate and peanut butter.

Crock-Pot Scalloped Potatoes and Ham

Julia Ann
Richly seasoned potato and ham dish for making in the crock-pot or slow cooker. It could be the entree for a meal with ham, cheese, mushroom soup and potatoes.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 20 minutes
Course Vegetable Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 10 -12 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 8 potatoes peeled and thinly sliced
  • 1 pound fully-cooked ham, cut in 1-inch cubes
  • 1/4 cup jalapeno peppers finely diced
  • 1 package 1 oz country-style gravy mix
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 can (10 1/2 oz cream of mushroom soup
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded

Instructions
 

  • Lightly grease crock-pot.
  • Layer potatoes, ham, part of the cheese and jalapeno peppers in the crock-pot
  • Whisk the gravy mix, onion and garlic powders, soup and water until well blended and smooth.
  • Pour the blended gravy over the potatoes.
  • Cover and cook on LOW 7 to 9 hours (HIGH: 3 to 4 hours).
  • To with cheese last 30 minutes of cooking.

Notes

To prevent darkening of uncooked potatoes, put into a cup of water and 1/2 teaspoon of cream of tartar, toss, drain and continue with recipe.................
Julia Ann and cookbookinabox® in partnership with Netta Belle’s Choice® Spices, bring you great recipes, outstanding herbs and spices for your cooking experience. ©2007-2020 Netta Belle’s Choice® The Art of Gourmet Cookery®
cookbookinabox® “Reg. U.S. Pat. & Trdmk. Off.” Reg. “Trade-marks Canadian Intellectual Property Office. “Netta Belle’s Choice® The Art of Gourmet Cookery® cookbookinabox® . All rights reserved.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

 

Suggested menu with Crock-Pot Scalloped Potatoes and Ham

Allrecipes.com – Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes and Ham

Recipe4living.com – Scalloped Potatoes and Ham

 

Netta Belle's Choice cookbookinaboxJulia Ann andcookbookinabox® in partnership with Netta Belle’s Choice® bring you great recipes,  for your cooking experience. 2007-2018 Netta Belle’s Choice® The Art of Gourmet Cookery® cookbookinabox® “Reg. U.S. Pat. & Trdmk. Off.” Reg. “Trade-marks Canadian Intellectual Property Office. “ Netta Belle’s Choice® The Art of Gourmet Cookery® cookbookinabox®.  All rights reserved.