Whew! Thankfully I have friends who look out for me.  Last week I ranted about writing the new year and what did I do?  On the date of my article put 2016!  I said it was going to take a while. I should proof a little better.  Oh well if that is the worst thing I did …. que sera sera.  At this friends request I am going to do some crock pot recipes.  We all have those days where we want a real meal, not another burger, Mexican or pizza… (no offense to my friends with those establishments) So here ya go Quaylene.

 

Thank you, Pinterest, for sucking up way too many hours of my life to count, but also for the recipes I have tried that worked out.  Yes, I have had my Pinterest fails.  Pinterest has also enabled my OCD.  I have separated and organized my boards.  All 74 board and 6,000 + pins, and counting.  I realize that is not many compared to some but an excess to others …but this is all about ME ME ME.  A sampling of my boards:  a piece of (cake), beans, beans the magical fruit, don’t go (bacon) my heart, (lettuce) think it over, up in (smoke) that one is smoker ideas! It goes on & on, I love the play on words.  On the Pinterest recipes/craft ideas that I have tried if I have made any alterations to the recipe/idea I always put it in the notes.  That is a definite plus. I have tried others suggestions or omitted things because of this option.

 

If you aren’t on Pinterest, here’s my page. https://www.pinterest.com/shakapuddn/   You can find just about anything on there and it’s fun to reminisce when things pop that stir a memory. …the shakapuddn is a memory and my homage.  Shake a puddin was a snack food when I was 9.  I think I had it every day afterschool as my snack.  Between my Easy Bake oven and Shake-a-puddn that must have been what spurred my interest in the kitchen. I think it was one of the first things I ever “made” by myself.  If you consider dropping a powder mix in a cup and adding water & shaking.  In retrospect, it does not sound appetizing.  When you are 9, its fantastic!  

 

Okay enough reminiscing, on to the recipe. I agree the presentation on this one is not the prettiest but the flavor compensates.  This is one that I have made a lot for the simple reason it’s good and bonus, it’s easy.  

 

Ranch House Pork Chops

6 pork chops bone in or boneless

1 pkg of dry Ranch dressing (I have the large container so it’s 3 T)

10oz can Cream of Chicken

I add a few cloves of garlic (you can never have too much in my opinion, lol)

Dump all ingredients in the crock pot depending on when you want to eat, can be low all day or high 4-6 hours.  Option, if you want a complete dinner in a crock pot; add two cans of new potatoes.  Also, time cooking may vary depending on the size of the chops. Your meat should be fork tender.

Remember don’t keep opening that crock pot and checking.    This creates its own gravy to use with the chops & potatoes if you want.  

If you did not use the canned New Potato option then :  I like to make mashed potatoes (I almost always leave the skins on, that’s where your vitamins are) with green chile in them.  Just add the chopped frozen from what you put up from the summer or get some of the Hatch or Bueno frozen and add to taste.  I have found when making mine, if when you draining the potatoes if you’ll warm your milk/cream, butter & green chile in the pan and let it warm then add your potatoes and beat or mash.  You can add some cheese as well, but seldom do we enjoy the flavor just the way it is. If you want to complete the meal you can make some rolls or add a salad.

 

Voila’

**Written by Joann Rackler