Cranberry-Sauced Pork Chops

This sauce is a delicious - and quick - way to use up some of the cranberry sauce left over from the holidays.

Ingredients:

6 pork loin chops, about 3/4-inch thick

pepper

1 Tbsp margarine or butter

1/2 cup apple juice

1 cup cranberry sauce

2 Tbsp sliced green onion

2 tsp. cornstarch

1 tsp. brown sugar

Trim fat from meat.  Sprinkle chops lightly with pepper.  In a skillet, cook chops in hot margarine/butter over medium-high heat about 4 minutes or till brown, turning once.  Drain off fat.

Pour apple juice over chops.  Bring to boiling.  Reduce heat.  Simmer, covered, for 5 to 6 minutes or till no pink remains in chops and juices run clear.  Transfer pork chops to a platter, reserving 1/2 cup juices in skillet.  Keep warm.

For sauce, stir together cranberry sauce, green onion, cornstarch, and brown sugar.  Stir into reserved juices in skillet.  Cook and stir over medium heat till thickened and bubbly.  Cook and stir 2 minutes more, then serve atop pork chops.

Asian BBQ Ribs

Here is another crockpot recipe that I acquired from a friend.  The prep is easy, the slow-cooker does all the work, and the kids can enjoy eating something messy with their hands! The Asian flavoings in the sauce lend well to a side dish of fried rice.

Ingredients:

3 lbs. pork ribs

1/4 cup oyster sauce

1/4 cup hoisin sauce

4 Tbsp honey

1 Tbsp sesame oil

2 Tbsp rice wine

1/2 cup ketchup

Mix together everything except the ketchup in a small mixing bowl.  Put ribs in slow cooker and pour sauce over the top.  Slow cook on HIGH for 4-5 hours.

Remove ribs and place in a 9x13 baking pan.  Pour liquids from slow cooker into a wok; add ketchup and cook until thickened. 

Pour over ribs and bake at 350 F (180 C) for another 20-25 minutes.

Pork Fajitas

"Will work for food"... I fell in love with this dish years ago when I traded piano lessons for meals (long story). This recipe comes from my cousin, Jennine, who, whilst tending my toddler and newborn, served this up one weeknight while I taught her daughter a piano lesson (along with 5 other kids).


A great alternative to boring old tacos, this dish is loaded with flavour, but not spicy (so the kids will love it too).



Ingredients:
pork loin roast
1 lime, juiced (or 2 small)
1 orange, juiced
1 Tbsp brown sugar (to taste)
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 Tbsp beef bouillon
2 Tbsp soy sauce
2 Tbsp fresh-chopped cilantro (coriander)
1 teaspoon. garlic powder
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup water
pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients into slow-cooker. Cook 10-12 hours on LOW or 3-5 hours on HIGH.

About a half hour before serving, gently shred pork using two forks.

Serve wrapped in warm tortillas with cheese, sour cream, tomatoes, lettuce, etc. as desired.