Category: PORK

PORK TONKATSU with WATERMELON TOMATO SALAD

TONKATSU basically means breaded with seasoned Panko bread crumbs and fried – traditionally deep fried though I pan fry.

PORK TONKATSU with WATERMELON TOMATO SALAD
PORK
4 boneless center cut pork chops, pounded thin
4-6 tablespoons avocado oil (or other neutral oil)
2 cups Panko bread crumbs
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste
2 LARGE eggs, lightly beaten
1 tablespoon mayonnaise

  • Whisk together the eggs and mayonnaise in a shallow bowl.
  • Add Panko crumbs to a similar shallow bowl.
  • Heat 3 tablespoons of oil in large skillet over medium heat.
  • Season egg mixture with FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper.
  • Season pork chops with FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper.
  • Dip each pork chop in egg mixture and then dredge in Panko crumbs.
  • Add pork chops to skillet and cook on both 2-3 minutes per side until golden, adding more oil as necessary.

SALAD
2 cups 1/2″ watermelon cubes
2 cups grape tomatoes, halved
1/3 cup chopped red onion
1/2 cup CHOPPED, FRESH Italian leaf parsley
1/4 cup avocado oil
1 tablespoon mayonnaise
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Juice of 1 LARGE lemon
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste

  • Toss the watermelon cubes, tomato halves, red onion pieces and parsley together. Set aside.
  • Whisk together avocado oil, mayonnaise, vinegar and lemon juice.
  • Season to taste with FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper. Set aside.
  • Just before serving pour dressing over the salad and gently toss.

HASH BROWN TOPPED MEATLOAF

HASH BROWN TOPPED MEATLOAF
Your favorite meatloaf recipe
12 ounce package refrigerated hash browns, frozen is okay but need thawed
1 LARGE egg, lightly beaten
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste

  • Toss hash browns with FRESH ground salt and pepper in a large bowl.
  • Add beaten egg and toss until well coated.
  • Place hash browns evenly on top of meatloaf.
  • Bake 1 hour and 15 minutes until cooked through and hash browns are crispy.

Pampered Chef KANSAS CITY RUB Grilled Pork Chops

Pampered Chef KANSAS CITY RUB Grilled Pork Chops
This isn’t as much a recipe as a it is a testament to Pampered Chef’s new Kansas City Rub.

I rubbed these thick pork chops on Friday afternoon and covered them for the refrigerator. I rubbed them again on Saturday and by Sunday they were PERFECT for grilling.

The flavor was absolutely amazing! AND they were so tender you could almost cut them with your fork 😀

BARNYARD PIE

This is a wonderful hearty, savory yet tangy breakfast pie.

BARNYARD PIE
1 pie dough – homemade or store bought
4-5 leftover buttermilk biscuits, broken into pieces
1 LARGE bunch green onions, chopped
1/3 cup SMALL chopped red onion
12 ounces bacon, diced and cooked crumbly
6 LARGE eggs, beaten
1 cup half and half
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
1 teaspoon red pepper
4 ounces cream cheese, softened at room temperature
1/2 cup FINELY grated pepper jack cheese
3 tablespoons tart cherry or pepper jelly

  • Preheat oven to 400°.
  • Roll pie dough into a large 12-13 inch round.
  • Place pie dough into a 10 inch pie plate, trim and crimp edges.
  • Prick bottom with a fork once or twice.
  • Parbake pie shell 8-10 minutes.
  • Scatter broken biscuit pieces into the bottom of the pie shell.
  • Sprinkle green onions over biscuits followed by the bacon pieces.
  • In a medium mixing bowl cream the cream cheese.
  • Whisk together the eggs, half and half, FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper and red pepper flakes.
  • Pour into cream cheese and mix together well.
  • Pour into the pie shell making sure NOT to fill over the bottom of the crimped edge of the pie.
  • Sprinkle with the pepper jack cheese.
  • Microwave the jelly for 30 seconds.
  • Quickly spread the jelly over top, using a spatula to spread evenly.
  • Bake 20 minutes.
  • Reduce heat to 375°.
  • Turn pie pan 180 degrees.
  • Bake another 10-15 minutes until the top is golden and egg mixture is set firm.
  • Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.

GRILLED SPICY LIME PORK CHOPS


GRILLED SPICY LIME PORK CHOPS

4-6 bone-in pork chops
1 cup Italian salad dressing
1/2 cup pear apple sauce
1/2 cup Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup Frank’s original hot sauce
1 LARGE lime juiced
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper

  • Whisk together all ingredients except pork chops in large bowl.
  • Place pork chops flat in large container with a lid (like a Tupperware marinader).
  • GENEROUSLY season with FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper.
  • Pour marinade over chops and put lid on.
  • Let chops marinate over night (at least 8 hours), inverting ever couple hours if you can.
  • Pre-heat grill to medium and oil grate.
  • Remove chops from marinade.
  • Pour marinade into sauce pan and heat over medium heat to SLOW boil.
  • Let marinade boil for at least one minute then remove from heat
  • Place chops on grill and baste occasionally.
  • Grill for about 5-6 minutes per side until seared, cooked through and no longer pink.

49er CHILI & CHILI DOG CASSEROLE

Like most men, my husband LOVES chili dogs. But, we don’t eat much bread these days. So, when I saw Sandra’s recipe for Chili Dog Casserole it was right up our alley! The only thing I did different was make a batch of 49er Chili! 49er chili is an OLD scrap of a recipe I found on one of our recipe box searches in antique stores. This casserole really is like having your chili dog and fries, all in one spot and gets rave reviews from everyone. It’s perfect for picnics, BBQs, church potlucks or backyard get togethers.

CHILI DOG CASSEROLE
6 hot dogs your favorite brand, sliced into small pieces
15 ounce can chili or 1 1/2 cups homemade
14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes, drained WELL (I used spicy seasoned)
1 cup shredded or very thinly sliced, carrots (optional – hubby didn’t care for them)
12 ounces crinkle cut French fries, frozen
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

  • Preheat oven to 450°.
  • Spray a 9 x 13” baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
  • In a medium sized skillet, saute the sliced hot dogs until nice and fragrant and seriously browned. We like them really charred 😀
  • In a medium bowl, add the hot dogs, chili, tomatoes, and carrots.
  • Stir until evenly combined.
  • Pour this mixture into the prepared baking dish.
  • Evenly arrange French fries in a single layer on top of the hot dog mixture.
  • Bake for 30 minutes.
  • Evenly sprinkle the cheese on top of the fries, and bake an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.

Chile is one of the oldest dishes around and dates back to the Aztecs in Mexico. I assume this one received its name after an old gold miner’s recipe. I have revamped it a little as time went by, but we love it.

49er CHILI
2 pounds SMALL lean beef pieces or ground beef
1 clove garlic, FINELY minced
1 medium white or yellow onion, FINELY chopped
2 teaspoons chile powder
FRESH ground black pepper, to taste
2 cups tomato sauce/puree
3/4 cup room temperature beer
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon sugar

  • Combine the beef, onions and garlic in a large dutch oven and brown SLOWLY.
  • Drain off any excess grease.
  • Return meat mixture to pan and add remaining ingredients and simmer for 30 minutes.

1 LARGE can chili beans (optional)

  • Stir in beans if using and and simmer 15 minutes more.

2 tablespoons corn flour
1/4 cup water

  • Whisk corn flour and water together.
  • Stir corn flour mixture into chile.
  • Simmer 20-30 minutes more.

Shredded cheese
Chopped onions
Sour cream

  • Serve HOT with topping of choice.

PINK ALFREDO PRIMAVERA MEATBALLS

PINK ALFREDO PRIMAVERA MEATBALLS
MEATBALLS
1/2 pound ground sirloin
1/2 pound ground pork
1/2 pound sweet Italian sausage
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 SMALL onion, FINELY chopped
2 LARGE cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons avocado oil

  • In a large bowl mix together ground meats, seasonings, chopped onion and garlic until well blended.
  • Form into golf ball sized meatballs.
  • Heat oil in cast iron skillet over medium heat.
  • Sear meatballs, turning often, until browned.
  • Transfer to paper towels to drain.

PINK ALFREDO SAUCE
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon minced garlic, jar
1 tablespoon Classico sun-dried tomato paste
1 egg yolk, beaten
1/4 teaspoon thyme
salt and pepper to taste
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • Melt butter in a saucepan.
  • Add garlic and saute until fragrant.
  • Gradually add heavy cream, stirring constantly. Stir in salt, pepper and grated Parmesan cheese and stir constantly until melted.
  • Whisk in egg quickly and heat through.

VEGETABLES
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon avocado oil
1/2 pound asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2 inch pieces
2 carrots, peeled and cut into 2 inch matchsticks
1/2 cup frozen petite peas, thawed

  • Melt butter and oil in a large sauce pan.
  • Add carrots, sauteing 3-5 minutes until begin to soften.
  • Add asparagus pieces, sauteing a couple minutes more.
  • Fold in peas.

ASSEMBLY
1 /2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

  • Spread half the sauce on the bottom of your baking dish.
  • Arrange meatballs on sauce.
  • Arrange vegetables around meatballs.
  • Pour remaining sauce over top.
  • Top with cheese.
  • Bake 10-15 minutes until heated through and cheese is melted.

GRILLED SPICY LIME PORK CHOPS

GRILLED SPICY LIME PORK CHOPS
6 bone-in pork chops
1 cup salad dressing Italian style
1/2 cup apple sauce
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup Frank’s hot sauce
1 LARGE lime juiced

  • Whisk together the Italian dressing, apple sauce, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce and lime juice.
  • Place pork chops in large container in a single layer.
  • Pour marinade over chops, cover and let chops marinate 8-12 hours.
  • Pre-heat grill to medium and oil grate
.
  • Remove chops from marinade.
  • Pour marinade into sauce pan and heat over medium heat to a SLOW boil
.
  • Let marinade boil for at least one minute then remove from heat
.
  • Place chops on grill and baste occasionally.
  • 
Grill for 6 to 8 minutes per side until browned and no longer pink
.

FAITH & FOOD FRIDAY #4 ~ INSTA POT STICKY PORK LETTUCE WRAPS

I’m still featuring my Mary & Martha GRACE meal prayer box on Faith and Food Friday, hosted by Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom.

THIS WEEK’S PRAYER:

God, You’re great! God, You’re good! Now we thank you for our food. By your blessings we are fed. Give us, Lord, our daily bread. Amen

INSTA POT STICKY PORK LETTUCE WRAPS
PICKLED ONIONS
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup seasoned rice wine vinegar
2 tablespoons sugar
FRESH ground sea salt, to taste
1 pinch of red pepper flakes
1 small red onion, halved and sliced thin

  • Bring the water, vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper flakes to a boil in a small saucepan.
  • Place onions in a tempered bowl.
  • Pour vinegar mixture over onions and toss gently.
  • Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

PORK AND SAUCE
1/2 cup PACKED brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon Chinese 5 spice
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon FRESH ground ginger
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 pounds boneless pork shoulder, cut into 3-4 pieces
2 tablespoons avocado oil
2/3 cup homemade chicken broth
1/4 cup Hoisin sauce
1/4 cup soy sauce
3 tablespoons seasoned rice wine vinegar
2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
1-2 tablespoons Sriracha
1 tablespoon cornstarch
Bibb Lettuce leaves
Toasted sesame seeds
1 bunch green onions, sliced diagonally

  • Whisk together 2 tablespoons of the brown sugar, ground ginger, Chinese 5 spice,
  • FRESH ginger, 1/2 of the green onions, garlic, salt and pepper in a large bowl.
  • Add pork pieces, turning to coat well.
  • Add the oil to the insta pot and set to saute’.
  • When hot, add pork pieces and brown 2 minutes per side. Remove to a plate.
  • Add broth to insta pot, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom.
  • Whisk in the Hoisin sauce, vinegar, chili sauce and Sriracha.
  • Return the pork to the pot.
  • Place lid on and set to lock. Make sure the valve is in the sealed position. Set to pressure cook on high for 45 minutes.
  • Allow pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes.
  • Turn the valve to the venting position to vent any remaining pressure.
  • Turn the insta pot off and remove lid.
  • Remove pork to cutting board and shred.
  • Set insta pot back to saute and stir in remaining brown sugar.
  • In a small bowl whisk together the cornstarch and 3-4 tablespoons of the liquid from the insta pot.
  • Pour cornstarch mixture into the insta pot and whisk until smooth, stirring and cooking 10 minutes until thickened.
  • Season to taste.
  • Return the pork pieces and stir to coat.
  • Serve on lettuce leaves with pickled onions.
  • Top with green onions and sesame seeds.

BACON CHEESEBURGER SLIDERS

BACON CHEESEBURGER SLIDERS

A slightly sweet and garlicky glaze on these Hawaiian Roll Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders makes the best slider recipe! We’re always looking for easy ground beef recipes and these easy sliders take a burger to the next level.

1 package of 12 pack King’s Hawaiian roll sliders
4-6 slices bacon, diced
1 pound lean ground beef
1/3 cup diced red onion
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard (optional)
1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
6 slices sharp cheddar cheese
3 tablespoons butter melted
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 1/2 tablespoons sesame seeds (optional)

  • Preheat oven to 350°.
  • Slice entire package of rolls (do not separate) in half and toast bottoms in broiler for 1-2 minutes.
  • Cook bacon until crisp.
  • Remove bacon pieces to paper toweling to drain.
  • Brown ground beef and onions in bacon drippings and then drain WELL.
  • Return meat mixture to the pan and lower heat to low.
  • Season with salt, pepper and dry mustard if using.
  • Stir in shredded cheese for 1 minute.

  • Sprinkle bacon on top.
  • Add slices of cheddar cheese and replace top half of rolls.
  • Melt butter and stir in brown sugar, onion and garlic powders.
  • Spoon or brush over the tops of the sliders.
  • Sprinkle with sesame seeds if using.
  • Bake for 10 – 15 minutes until rolls are lightly browned and cheese is melted.
  • Serve warm and enjoy!


RUSTIC CASSOULET (slightly updated)

RUSTIC CASSOULET
2-3 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite sized pieces**
1/2 pound thick-cut bacon, diced
1 pound Johnsonville beef sausage, cut into bite sized pieces
3 tablespoons butter
2 shallots, diced
4 garlic cloves, FINELY minced
1/4 cup FRESH minced Italian flat leaf parsley
28-ounces whole peeled tomatoes (seasoned, if you can find them)
14-ounce can white beans, drained and rinsed
2 tablespoons FRESH chopped thyme
1 cup Moscato white wine
1 +/- cups chicken stock
2 cups seasoned bread crumbs (fresh are best – I make them from baguettes )
1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
FRESH ground sea salt and ground black pepper
2 cups pasta of choice (optional)
Crusty French Bread (optional)

  • Preheat oven to 325°.
  • Brown the bacon until browned and crumbly in large saute skillet/dutch oven. 
  • Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
  • Add chicken and sausage pieces to bacon fat and brown on all sides.
  • Add salt and pepper to taste.
  • Remove from fat and set aside. 
  • Add the shallots, cooking 3-4 minutes until softened.
  • Add garlic, sauteing a few minutes more until fragrant.
  • Add white wine and chicken stock, bringing to a boil. Turn heat off.
  • Add tomatoes and beans. 

  • Add meat back in.
  • Mix together crumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, thyme and 1 tablespoon melted butter together until well blended.
  • Spread crumb mixture over the top and bake covered for 30 minutes.
  • Remove cover and bake 5-10 minutes more until browned.

NOTES **

  • I sometimes cook the chicken thighs whole and then shred them – just depends on my mood.
  • You can change this into a thick soup/stew by eliminating the bread crumbs and adding 8 ounces (2 cups) of macaroni during the last 10-15 minutes. I then serve it with crusty bread for dipping.

PAN FRIED PORK STEAK & POTATOES

PAN FRIED PORK STEAK & POTATOES

2-4 criss cross cut boneless pork steaks
2 tablespoons avocado oil
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon Italian herbs
2 cups chopped Yukon potatoes
3/4 cup chopped carrots
1 SMALL bunch green onions, sliced thin
1 tablespoon water
2 tablespoons heavy cream

  • Preheat oven to 350°.
  • Generously season pork steaks with FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper.
  • Rub pork steaks on both sides with oil.
  • Heat heavy skillet over medium high heat with remaining oil.
  • Sear steaks 3-4 minutes each side and then keep warm in oven while you prepare the potatoes.
  • Add onions to skillet and saute 2 minutes.
  • Add garlic and saute another 30 seconds or so until fragrant.
  • Add potato and carrot pieces, frying until fork tender and crisp on the edges.
  • Add in Italian herbs and sprinkle with paprika, stirring to coat and blend well.
  • Add water and heavy cream, simmering a few minutes until thickened.