Pork Chops with Easy Onion Gravy

 I told you I'd be back....

With a really easy, super yummy recipe too. 

Today we are having a blizzard...

really, I'm serious. 

At times we can't see our neighbors homes that are just on the other side of the cul-de-sac we live on. 

Gotta love Midwestern weather, 
or not.  

Not really...when it's -30 with the windchill and a total whiteout because of 40 mph winds. Sheesh, makes me wonder why I'm still here sometimes. Then it passes and the beautiful Spring weather arrives and it's a memory for another year.

So...the first dish in 3 weeks that I found myself making was a easy braised pork chop dinner. 

A simple, yummy dish with minimal ingredients and I was able to do it virtually with one arm, which in my case at this time is a good thing. 

I served it with a simple but flavorful side dish of orzo with spinach and parmensan, that recipe I'll share at a later date-my family eats that like it's a main dish!!

It's been 3 weeks since I my arm broke, a week later I had surgery and they cemented, plated and screwed it back together and I am on the road to recovery. 

I have been blessed again with a phenomenal medical support team from the Mayo clinic and with their top notch care and the continued support of the Oncology team, I have been given a fighting chance.

Believe me, if i can pull this together after that, you know anyone can. And, you'll be glad you did!!

Positive attitude, love, strength and patience

So...having to take a little sabbatical. 

Health related, broken arm due to a cancerous growth. Got it removed and more metal put in with some cement-really!- so I should be good to go in a bit.

I'll be thinking of lots of delicious recipes to bring you while I'm off being pampered by my family. Thank goodness my oldest daughter is here to help she's a talented cook as well!,

Dear hubby is most likely relieved to be back at work and not head nurse-he did great tho-and I'm happy to be on the mend.

Positive attitude, strength, love and patience are key right now.

Take care and give your loved ones a hug.

Hugs-Kari/SourdoughNative

Easy Chilaquiles Verde

Chilaquiles, undressed.

Chilaquiles-(Chee-la-key-lays), are a traditional Mexican dish. 

Typically, corn tortillas that are cut in quarters and then fried crisp are the basis of the dish. Green or red salsa or sauce is poured over the crisp tortilla triangles.
The mixture is then simmered until the tortilla starts softening. Eggs, scrambled or fried are sometimes added to the mix. The dish is topped with cheese and/or sweet Mexican crema. Like many Mexican dishes, the wide variations of this dish make this a great recipe to change up with whatever you have on hand. 
 
In Mexico it is common for the tortilla chips to remain crisp, and this easy version had the best of both worlds, some are slightly softened and the edges are still pretty crisp. 

This dish is commonly garnished with cream, shredded queso fresco, raw onion rings and avocado slices, and usually, chilaquiles are eaten at breakfast or brunch. This makes them a popular recipe to use leftover tortillas and salsas.

The full dish in all it's cheesy goodness!!

This easy version eliminates the frying step, instead baking the whole casserole in the oven and I also used a multi grain tortilla chip, making this dish much lower in fat and really good for you!

I fried the eggs on the side, and then garnished the plates with a Avocado Salsa. My family gobbled this right up and it made 6 healthy portions, meaning 2 lucky people get leftovers. 

I beefed up the layers by adding leftover spanish rice, 1 cup of refried beans and then used a readily available jarred Salsa Verde. 

I had this baby layered and ready to pop in the oven in less than 10 minutes! Now that's my kind of meal. 

This is one that I'm sure would be devoured no matter what time of day it made it to the table.

The "dressed" dish-YUM!!!

Scalloped Ham, Potato and Broccoli

Bringing back an old favorite....

I know one of the best ways to use leftover ham is in the classic Scalloped Ham and Potatoes.

But I have been ramping up our veggie intake lately and decided to also include a layer of Broccoli.

Broccoli by itself....bleh.
Layered with tender gold potatoes, ham and a creamy sauce with cheese....

Winner, Winner!

One Pot Pizza Pasta Bake

You know, sometimes everything just kinda falls into place. 

I know, most days it's like being on a crazy circus ride with all that we need to do each day with work, kids or other commitments. Especially this time of year. 

Last night I came home from work with the idea to make a easy baked pasta. 
Not really relishing the idea of dirtying all kinds of pots and pans to accomplish it though. So I made it my mission to try and create this really tasty and easy dish in just one pot...

It just blew me away, and also my family, how darn good it is. 

Made me wonder why on earth I have been boiling pasta, cooking the meat and sauce separately and then combining it in a casserole dish all these years. 

ONE POT~~~

Seriously, I made this in a stainless steel, 5 quart covered pot. Similar to this one..

First browning and crumbling the sausage and then just throw everything else in the pot, uncooked pasta and all, and bake. 

Oh and by the way....I had this baby in the oven in less than 20 minutes, more like 15. 

Easy peasy, one pot to wash and it makes a really substantial recipe. 

This time I just used meat, but in the future you can bet I'll be adding all my favorite pizza toppings as well. 

 Come on....you know you want to see the recipe...

Easy Chicken Piccata

This dish is always the one I make for my mom for a special dinner. And I have to admit it is one of my favorites as well. 

It's not complicated, yet it is full of flavor and zing!!

I mean come on, tender boneless chicken simmered in a garlicky, lemony, butter wine sauce...

Yeah baby!!!

Serve it with simple angel hair or make a delicious and easy rice pilaf, like I did. It's soo good, you can serve it with any side really.