Saucy Pork Chops

*Taken from the "Fix-it and Forget-it Cookbook"

4 pork chops
salt to taste
pepper to taste
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 T. oil
2 - 2 1/2 c. ketchup
1/2 c. brown sugar
1 T. hickory flavored liquid smoke
1 cup of onions

Season chops with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Brown both sides in oil in a skillet and drain. Combine ketchup, brown sugar and liquid smoke in a bowl. Place onions in slow cooker. Dip browned chops in sauce mixture and place on onions. Pour remaining sauce over chops. Cover and cook on low 7-9 hours or high 4-5 hours.

I made this with coleslaw and it was yummy. Of course the kids don't like coleslaw, so I gave them carrot sticks instead.

With school and other activities starting up, the slow cooker is a big help.

Happy cooking!

Busy Day Beef Stew

2 lbs. stew meat, cubed
2 medium onions, diced
1 c. chopped celery
2 c. sliced carrots
4 medium potatoes, diced
2 1/2 T. quick cooking tapioca
1 T. sugar
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
10 3/4 oz. can tomato soup
1 1/2 soup cans of water

Layer meat and vegetables in slow cooker. Sprinkle with tapioca, sugar, salt, and pepper. Combine the soup and water and pour into slow cooker. Do not stir. Cover and cook on low 6-8 hours.

This stew is easy and it makes the house smell so good. It is perfect for this time of year, when the weather is still brisk. It is best with corn bread. It is one of my favorite meals. The kids complain about eating it, but they still do. They love the cornbread. I got this recipe out of the "Fix-it and Forget-It Cookbook" by Dawn J. Ranck and Phyllis Pellman Good. I enjoy this cookbook, so I recommend buying it.

Tomorrow Oprah is having on some famous chefs. I believe that they will be showing cheap meals and the things that you should get at the grocery store. If you can't be home to watch it - try to record it. I am sure they will have some great tips for you.

Happy cooking!

Chicken Tortilla Soup

4 Chicken Breast halves
2 15oz. cans black beans, undrained.
2 15 oz. cans stewed tomatoes
1 cup of salsa
4 oz. can chopped green chilies
141/2 oz. can tomato sauce
tortilla chips
grated cheese

Combine all the ingredients except chips and cheese in a large slow cooker. Cover. Cook on low for 8 hours. Just before serving, remove the chicken breast and slice into bite size pieces. Stir them into the soup. To serve, put a handful of chips into individual bowls. Ladle soup over chips. Top with cheese. (Our family also likes to top with a dollop of sour cream.)

I got this recipe from the Fix-it and Forget-It Cookbook. Great Recipe!