Slow Cooker Ranch Pork Roast and Potatoes

Dylan loves ranch flavored anything so when I came across this recipe on Six Sisters Blog I knew I had to try it. I had also been looking for good pork recipes. I like pork because it is a nice change from the usual chicken we eat. If you haven't noticed, many pork recipes contain fruit. I don't really do fruit and meat except during very rare occasions. It just really doesn't do much for me. I was excited to find this recipe! It was a hit!

• 2 1/2 pound pork roast (I used a pork loin roast, Six Sisters used a pork shoulder)
• 4-6 potatoes depending on size (I used six small potatoes)
• 8 ounces cream cheese (I used reduced fat and it was fine)
• 1 packet ranch dressing mix
• 1 can cream of chicken soup

Start by spraying your slow cooker with cooking spray. Cut potatoes in half and place in bottom of slow cooker. Place pork roast on top. In a bowl, mix together cream cheese, ranch mix, and chicken soup (I used a hand mixer). Spread evenly on top of roast. I cooked this on high for four hours. Six Sisters states that you can also do low for 9-10 hours. This makes a big meal and could probably serve eight people. I'm excited to take this with me to work tomorrow for round two! And I think we may be having it for supper tomorrow night too...

***If you have never been to Six Sister blog, check it out! They have great crafts and recipes!***

Triple Meat Pizza Sub

I made this last night for supper! Dylan totally loved it (and I did too). He told me I am the perfect wife. That's how good this sandwich is. He even took the leftovers in his lunch today! I was so excited to make this yesterday so I could share it with you today! This was so simple and so good. You need to make this tonight for dinner! I adapted this recipe from my latest issue of Simple and Delicious. I made it a little healthier without sacrificing taste.

• 1 cup (4 oz.) monterey jack cheese (I used reduced fat and it worked fine)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 Tablespoons butter, softened
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (I used reduced fat)
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 loaf french bread or french baguette, halved lengthwise (so it opens like a huge sandwich)
• 3/4 cup diced ham (or you could use deli ham)
• 4-6 slices bacon, fully cooked and drained (use however many you need for the size/length of your bread)
• Sliced Pepperoni (again, however many you need for the size/length of your bread)
• 1/2 cup pizza sauce

Mix together the cheeses, butter, mayonnaise, garlic, Italian seasoning, pepper flakes, and pepper to make a sandwich spread. Spread over cut sides of bread. Layer ham, bacon, pepperoni and pizza sauce. Put the top of the bread on top so it now looks like a sandwich.

Wrap in aluminum foil. I did so that the seam of the foil was up so nothing leaked out into my oven. (I hate cleaning my oven!!!) Bake at 350 for 20 minutes, or 30 if you make this sandwich ahead of time. Make sure it's heated through before you serve it. Cut in slices to serve.

Stay tuned tomorrow for another excited recipe!!! :-)

Grilled Pork Chops/Pork Loin/Pork Steak

I always love when I can incorporate a meal that can be grilled by my husband (a.k.a. Grillmaster)! He feels like he helped cook dinner and it usually means less time for me in the kitchen! I usually make the marinade the day before and let the pork chops marinade overnight. Then, when your very own Grillmaster gets home, he/she can grill and you'll have a great dinner with very little effort! This is a great summertime meal.

•  1 1/2 cups oil
• 3/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
• 2 Tablespoons dry mustard
• 2 1/4 teaspoons salt
• 1 Tablespoon pepper
• 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
• 1 1/2 teaspoon parsley flakes
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1/2 cup lemon juice
• 6-8 pork chops or pork of choice.

Combine all ingredients except pork chops. Mix well. Put pork chops in bowl and pour marinade over pork chops. Marinate at least three hours. Grill over medium coals basting with remaining marinade.

***This is a large marinade! Here is what you do! Wait for a great sale at a grocery store of choice and buy a couple family packs of pork. While you're there pick up some gallon or quart sized freezer bags depending on the size of your family. Go home. Make this marinade! Cover all meat in the marinade. Separate pork into the freezer bags making the portions as you need. Divide the marinade between bags, seal, label, and freeze! You can remove each bag the day before you need it and grill! I totally did this today with chicken. I love coming home knowing that dinner is taken care of!