Cooking: Spicy Slow-Cooked Pork Roast

It may surprise some people, but I'm one mean cook! I enjoy coming up with new ideas/spins on dishes... or just perfecting a tried and true. Usually this comes around during the holidays... so, one of the recipes that I'm known for in my family is my Pork Roast.

Typically the night before Thanksgiving or Christmas, I'm slaving away in the kitchen preparing a pork roast that will cook for several hours. However, there are times throughout the year that I just say, "Screw it! I want a pork roast and I don't want to worry about it cooking all day." Enter, the crock pot!

I received a new crock pot over Christmas. It's great - large, oval shaped, and it has a timer. I've cooked several things in it already, including my own version of Chicken Noodle Soup.

Anyway, I wanted to share an easy crock pot recipe that anyone can make. In fact, it's very quick - which comes in handy when you don't have a lot of time.

The first thing is to make sure you have a thawed-out piece of meat. Last night I soaked the roast in hot water, then left it in the refrigerator all night. This morning, I unwrapped it and placed it in a serving dish.

Next, I cut up my peppers and onions. I use both red and green Bell Peppers. I also chop 2 Jalepeno peppers. I then cut slits in the roast and stuff it with the jalepenos. I take chopped garlic (out of the jar) and rub it into the slices as well. Salt and pepper the roast, making sure to rub it into the slits. You can also use Greek Seasoning. I then cut up one onion - I like yellow onions because they aren't as strong and have a sweeter taste.

After everything has been cut up, I put the roast into the crock pot. I added a can of Cream of Mushroom soup and a can of Cream of Chicken soup, as well as 1 can of water. I then added the peppers and onions. I threw in a small bag of baby carrots, and more garlic. Covered it up, and set the timer for 9 hours.

That took less than 20 minutes.

So, when I get home, I'll have a nice pork roast ready for dinner. The only tasks left will be to cook up some garlic potatoes (Green Giant, frozen) and rice, and I'll be eating high on the hog... literally!

Bon Apetite!

Cooking: 30-minute Fish Dish

Are you one of those people that want to eat healthier meals? Let's get more specific... are you wanting more fish in your diet? And, would you like to cook a dish that is EASY and QUICK?

I'm blessed with a mom who is a fantastic cook. And, fortunately for me, she loves to cook fish. A few weeks ago, I asked her some questions on cooking salmon and tilapia. Normally I grill my fish... but she told me an easy way to bake it. I took her recipe, and then added a little "flare" to it.

Here's my 30-minute recipe... preparation is 10-15 minutes and the cooking time is 15-20 minutes.

First, preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Also, open up cans of asparagus and green beans. Put them in a pot and heat them up. While those are heating up, melt some butter into a casserole dish. After the butter has melted, open up a large can of diced tomatoes. I used the Italian Seasoned tomatoes. Pour those into the casserole dish over the butter. Cut up some onions. You can also add bell peppers, too.

Next, place the fish over the top of your first layer. I used both salmon and tilapia. I then seasoned everything with salt, pepper, dill, lemon juice... a great seasoning to use is "Greek Seasoning." It's like an all-spice. I then poured a little olive oil over the top of everything. Crumble saltine crackers over the top of the dish.

Drain the cooked asparagus and green beans, and pour them over the top of the fish. Crumble more crackers over the top of everything, and now your dish is ready to go. Seriously, this should have taken you about 15 minutes at the max!

Place the dish in the oven and cook anywhere between 15 and 20 minutes. The fish should be moist and flaky when it's done. When you pull it out, it's ready to be served. I was able to get several meals out of it. And, if you're serving it for others, you can at least get 4 servings if not more.

This dish is easy, it's light, and I guarantee you'll love it. Feel free to add any variations to it. If you like it, let me know!

Enjoy!!!