Monday, August 23, 2010

Soda Pork Chops




I found this recipe in a local school cookbook and thought it sounded intriguing. It has very few ingredients and it seemed too easy. And the outcome? Loved by everyone! My son said they were the most awesome thing he's had in a long time. I've noticed a theme with us though, you can put ketchup and brown sugar on anything and they will eat it! These would be good to make for a large crowd and would go splendidly with the Country Club Potatoes.
Enjoy!




6-8 porkchops, boneless and thin cut
salt and pepper
1 cup ketchup
1 cup cola (such as Coca-Cola, Pepsi or Dr. Pepper, not sugar-free)
1/4 cup brown sugar

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Spray large, shallow baking dish with cooking spray. Place chops in dish, leaving enough room for sauce to get in between, sprinkle chops with salt and pepper. In smaller bowl, combine ketchup, sugar and cola then pour over chops. Bake uncovered for an hour or until tender.

Sunday, August 15, 2010

Country Club Potatoes


Maybe it was the long, hot day at the pool. Maybe it was because we were hungry for real food. Maybe it was this, maybe it was that. Who knows but these potatoes were awesome and devoured by the whole family. Even my husband, a potato non-lover, thought they were awesome. They were quick and easy and stayed hot for a long time! Now I understand why they are served at buffet style events. Love them.



1 pkg frozen shredded hash brown style potatoes
2 cups half and half
6 TBS butter
salt and pepper
1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Paprika

Heat half and half to a boil. Stir in potatoes, butter, salt and pepper. Simmer until thickened. Place in 9x13 casserole dish. Top with Parmesan and Paprika. Broil until brown and bubbly or bake in 350 degree oven until browned and bubbly. That's it.

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Grilled Shrimp




I would have sworn I had posted this recipe since it is our favorite grilled shrimp. However, I couldn't find it on here so sorry if you've seen this before! When I first saw this recipe, many years ago, I thought there was no way it would be as good as it is. Shrimp usually goes best in a white sauce, not a tomato sauce, but you don't really taste the tomatoes in the end product. You just taste scrumptiously moist shrimp with great flavor. It only takes a couple minutes to grill either on skewers or in a grill pan. This doesn't serve but a couple people so double as needed.



1 pound fresh shrimp, peeled & deveined
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 small can of tomato sauce
1/4 cup olive oil
2 TBS red wine vinegar
1 TBS dried basil
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

Place shrimp in shallow glass pan. Mix rest of ingredients together in small bowl. Pour over shrimp. Marinate in fridge, stirring occasionally, for 2-4 hours. Thread on skewers and grill over medium heat or place in a grill pan and toss until cooked. Discard marinade. Do not overcook.