KITCHEN TIPS AND TRICKS

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Steve and Kim                    

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ONION-ROASTED POTATOES

Carolyn Smarszcz, from the Boven Birth Center, Holland Hospital offered up this delicious recipe for Onion-Roasted Potatoes. Thanks Carolyn!

INGREDIENTS:
2 pounds of red potatoes sliced 1/2-inch thick (I prefer them unpeeled). 1/3 cup vegetable oil. 1 envelope of dry onion soup mix.
PREPARATION:
Combine all ingredients in a large plastic bag; shake until well coated. Empty the bag into an ungreased 13/9/x2-inch baking pan. Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes, stirring occasionally. Uncover and bake 15 minutes longer or until potatoes are tender. Serves 6-8. This is an excellent side-dish for your summer meals. Give it a try.
Steve and Kim

Apple Pie Pork Chops

I know this sounds like something you would NEVER put into your mouth. But if you don't, you'll be missing one of the very best pork chop recipes I've ever tried. At least try it once!

INGREDIENTS:

4-6 thick center-cut pork chops
1 can of apple pie filling
Your favorite BBQ sauce.

PREPARTATION:

Place the contents of the apple pie filling into the bottom of a greased 9x13 pan (I prefer glass).
On top of the filling place the pork chops
Cover the pork chops with a generous coating of your favorite BBQ sauce.
Cover with aluminum foil and poke a few small holes in the top to allow the steam to escape during baking.
In a 300 degree oven place the pan on the middle shelf. Allow to cook approximately 3 hours or until the pork chops are thoroughly cooked through. Remove from the oven and enjoy this great meal.

Come on you porkers, get cooking!
Steve and Kim

MEATLOAF WITH RICE

Meatloaf is one of the easiest American dishes to make, and everyone has their own favorite way of preparing one. The best thing about meatloaf preparation is that measured ingredients can be approximated for individual tastes. This delightful meatloaf is a take-off from the Porcupine Meatballs that was popular in the 1950s. The addition of rice makes for a substantial and hearty dish. We really love this tasty and unusual meatloaf.

INGREDIENTS:

1 pound extra-lean ground beef (hamburger)
1/2 cup uncooked white rice (instant or minute rice)
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1/4 cup minced red bell pepper
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt or to taste
1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1 tablespoon minced fresh or dried herbs of your choice (such as rosemary, basil, chives, sage, and/or tarragon)
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 egg, beaten
1/4 cup tomato ketchup
1/4 cup skim or non-fat milk
1/4 cup dry bread crumbs

PREPARATION:

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a small loaf pan.
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, uncooked rice, onion, bell pepper, garlic, salt, pepper, herbs, Worcestershire sauce, egg, ketchup, milk, and bread crumbs. Using your clean hands (removing any rings), mix together all the ingredients. Mix thoroughly but lightly, being careful not to pack the meat too much. NOTE: This meatloaf mixture will be moister than most recipes at this point. The extra liquid is needed for the rice to absorb while cooking.
Place in prepared loaf pan. Bake approximately 60 minutes or until meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (do not overcook or it will be dry). Remove from oven and let the meatloaf rest for 15 minutes before serving.
Makes 4 servings.

We hope you enjoy this tasty dish. Come back again soon for more exciting dishes.

Steve and Kim