Stuffed Pork Chops

I know most of us are always looking for an easy meal to make for our families. I prepare most meals for two but when the grandchildren are coming for a visit or I know I'm having guests I double and triple up meals.

First I want to say if you all didn't know by now I love pork and will prepare it often.  It cooks easily and depending on the day and time you can marinade or add any herb (thyme, rosemary, dill) to it and it will do fine.

My most favorite cut is the tenderloin or loin end but I'm not opposed to any actually. The butt cut is usually the most most  grade.  Pork rocks in my house.  The below is an example of one easy and delicious family meal.  I served it with a baked sweet potato and applesauce.  Yummy!

Here's what I did. When I was at the store the other day I bought 4 thinly sliced boneless pork chops and decided to make stuffed pork chops with them.  I had some stove top stuffing and created my version of a stuffed pork chop. 

This meal is very easy to put together.  Bottom one pork chop, center 1 to 2 T. stove top stuffing, Top the other pork chop.  Press slightly and place a little oil in the bottom of a baking dish.  Place stuffed pork chops in dish and season with salt, pepper, parsley and paprika.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place the dish in the oven uncovered for 10 minutes and then covered for 30 minutes. ** Check after 20 minutes.  Depending on your oven they might be done.

Applesauce and a baked sweet potato as sides.


Happy Easy Cooking,

Soup's On: Easy Wedding Soup!

Not everyone has time to make mini meatballs for wedding soup so you avoid making it, Correct?

I make a quick version and it takes about an hour from start to finish.  Quick and Easy! I think you can handle a hearty bowl on a cool, damp or chilly day especially when it's done 1,2,3.  Enjoy!

Here's what I do.  I did it today and although I had to go out for the acne de pepe everything else was at my finger tips.  Note:  Since it's fall and winter is approaching keep large containers of chicken and beef broth for these days.

1 lb. or less good quality ground beef (today I used round)(lean)
1 medium carrot chopped
1/2 to 1 package frozen spinach(rinse and squeeze to remove as much water as possible) Note: When using frozen spinach I place a few tablespoons of water in a large bowl with the spinach and microwave for a few minutes to thaw. (fresh can be used but rinse well and cut in small pieces)
1-28 oz. Chicken or Beef Broth
2 cups water
8 oz. Acne de Pepe
Pecorino Romano cheese to taste

In a medium size pot add 1 to 2 T olive oil. Place beef in pot with a pinch of salt and pepper.  Cook slowly while breaking beef apart in small pieces until all red disappears.  Add carrots, spinach cooking for a few minutes.  Add, broth and water.  Simmer until carrots are tender.

In a separate pot cook pasta according to directions.  Drain and rinse.  Add to Soup.  Sprinkle with some grated Italian cheese

9/26/12.
1/5/13

Italy #4

Pictures to share and lots of memories in my head that will last forever.  Please enjoy Venezia or Venice.

Italy #3

I hope you are enjoying a trip to Italy in mostly photos.  I have to definitely jot some things down to keep my notes of this special holiday that I was able to take with my hubby, his sister and her husband for 15 days.  It was a great once in a lifetime gift to ourselves because we enjoy traveling and also the opportunity to find our family roots were the best of both worlds.  I will be forever filled with gratitude to be able to do this.

St. Mark's Square

A view from a castle at Lake Como

We actually got to see a wedding party celebrating at Lake Como(note the bride and groom)

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Please feel free to share my photos but please note where you are posting them from.  Thank you.

copyright I Like to Bake and Cook Blog 2014

Italy Day #2

My hubby's grandfather's brother's, daughter, Claudia (Hope I got that right)

My photos and captions will be spread out since I have deleted some so if I won't be able to tell you the exact location I will note it somewhere on the blog at times to keep you informed.

Home made ravioli with speck, regional dried porchetta type meat with ricotta in an asparagus sauce.  Roberta made the meal with assistance of Sabrina and Fabio

My hubby's family (Lorena, first on left helped translate) A real doll she is Roberto and Roberta's daughter)

One of he meals from Roberta

In the kitchen with L to R Sabrina, Roberta and Fabio

She's 81 and it took 3 women 3 liters of flour and 35 eggs to make pasta for 45 on our tour.

Hubby's family

 View from his families farm

Experiencing the walk to my great grandmother and grandfather's home, sigh............<3

Notification Baby Boy Born in Frontone (my great grandmother and grandfather's region Frontone)

Notification Baby Girl Born Frontone

The castle Frontone(a short distance from my grandparents home.  Breathtaking!

 

Me knocking on the door seeing who might be home!  Emotions running wild!

Sharing this experience with my hubby <3

Our trip included stops in Lecco, Venice, Verona, Bologna, Lake Como, Siene,  Isle of Capri, Florence, Sorrento and Rome.  I may have missed a few in between but will give you more information as it comes back into my head.  It was a very long and very informative tour so there is lots stored in my mind but it's right at the moment most thoughts are scattered. Every single stop brings back such wonderful memories. 

FYI:  Don't forget to take photos!!!! They will bring you back to great times and great memories forever.

Feel free to show my photos but please note they are my photos and not to be duplicated.  Thank you.

Copyright I Like to Bake and Cook Blog 2014