FCtC Weekend Challenge #3- Dijon Porkchops & Potatoes

I took note of all the requests on the last drawing... {thank you!} and realized that many of you are interested in fast and easy crock-pot meals.  Like I said last week, I don't really use my crock pot alot, but I have to admit... IT IS SO HANDY!  I have been feeling under the weather this week and have done pretty much nothing other than bottleing salsa and chili sauce so my tomatoes don't go to waste.  I had no daycare kids today and decided I had ALL day to make another batch of salsa and one of chili sauce.  Well, that pretty much takes up all of my counter space and stove top, so the crock pot came to the rescue once again!  My 11 year old does not really care for any meat, but if it is cooked with any sort of potato, he'll at least try it!  Pork chops are one thing he will try no matter what.  So pork chops it was! And of course, had to add potatoes so he'll even consider trying it :-)  I was in a hurry so that I could get going on the canning stuff.  I just got out my food processor and cut up my potatoes, which of course, cut them thinner than I really would like them.  But they're still really good.  I like the touch of spice that the thyme and dijon mustard gives these potatoes!  And the pork chops become exceptionally moist and tender when cooked this way... So now, you need to try them for yourselves!  Just go to the right side of the page and grab the weekend challenge button.  Put it on your blog.  Post pictures of your DIJON PORKCHOPS & POTATOES. Of course, change it up like you wish or leave it just how the recipe states.  Let us all know what you like, don't like, changed, or sould change next time.  Write up a post about this Weekend Challenge and let everyone know they're welcome to come join in the fun!  Make sure you come back and link up your blog so everyone can check out what you've done!  Thanks:-)

DIJON PORKCHOPS & POTATOES
recipe adapted by From Cupboard to Cupboard
printable recipe

1 can Cream of Mushroom Soup
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/8-1/4 cup dijon mustard
1 teaspoon ground thyme
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
5 potatoes (medium-sized), cut into slices (I suggest slicing them at least 1/4 inch thick)
1 onion sliced (optional)
4 boneless pork chops, cut thick

In a large bowl, stir together soup, broth, mustard, thyme, garlic and pepper.  Stir in potatoes and onions until coated.  Transfer to a 4 or 5 quart crock pot.  Place pork chops on top of potatoes and season with salt and pepper.  Cover; cook on low heat for 7-8 hours or high heat for 3-31/2 hours. Serves 4

F.C.t.C. Weekend Challenge #2

This is one of my favorite dinners ever!  I don't use my slow-cooker (crock pot) alot.  It's not that I don't like the meals, I just never think about it!  My mom used to make this often for us growing up.  Of course, there was no recipe involved, just a variety of ingredients from the cupboard and fridge.  This is truly one of those dishes that when I have no time {or energy}, it's simple and I always have the ingredients on hand.  There are so many changes and options that could be made to your liking.  If you haven't already figured it out, my family is slightly picky and choosy about what they eat.  So I keep these extremely simple.  But they are good that way!  So for this weekend's challenge, just do what you like!  Switch it up as much as you like and post it to your blog!  Let us know what you changed, didn't change, or would change next time. There are endless options! Grab my Weekend Challenge button on the right side of my blog and add it to your blog to show people where to enter the From Cupboard to Cupboard Weekend Challenge!

My Mom's Crock Pot Potato Dinner
recipe from my mom
Adapted by From Cupboard to Cupboard
printable recipe here

8 medium potatoes, scrubbed and thinly sliced
1 lb {or so} thinly slice deli ham, cubed
2 cups shredded cheese {I like monterey jack}
2 cans cream of mushroom soup
1 can water

Mix together in a medium bowl, the soup and the water.
In a 4 qt crock pot, layer ingredients: 4 potatoes, sliced, salt & pepper to season, soup mixture, ham, cheese, 4 sliced potatoes, salt & pepper to season, soup mixture, ham, cheese...
Cook on high until potatoes are cooked thru. {Every crock pot is different, but mine took 2 1/2 hours} Of course, you could cook them on low for longer.  Whatever tickles your fancy!

Here are some of the add-ins you could consider:
* sliced onions
*cooked and crumbled bacon
*browned, seasoned, & drained hamburger or turkey burger
* sliced carrots
* frozen peas
* try cream of chicken soup instead of cream of mushroom
*add your favorite herbs like basil, parley, chives, etc.
* sprinkle garlic salt {I like the California Style} instead of plain salt
* use Velveeta for a creamier texture sauce

I tell ya!  The options are endless and I can't wait to see what you guys come up with! 

Happy Cooking!
Teauna

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