Wednesday, November 14, 2012

BBQ Pork Sandwhich


So let's just start by saying, I am usually not a fan of pork chops! But when you find a pack of 4 for like $3 you will find a way to use them. If you're a bargain shopping momma like me! Lol
One of my biggest complaints about pork chops is they are usually dry and tough. Normally when I make them I cook them like a lot of mommas... with cream of mushroom. This time I wanted to go for something different and maybe a little more pleasing to the eye. Also I had about 15 min to figure this out and get it going or prepped before I had to be out the door. So of course the crockpot was the only choice. Like most of my recipes this is one you throw in and go. ( My chops were even frozen) 
 
What you will need: 
 
About 4 Pork Chops
3/4 Bottle BBQ
3/4 Cup Water
1/2 Onion, Sliced
Salt & Pepper
Hoagies/Buns
 
First, in slowcooker mix together BBQ and water. Add Sliced Onion. Place Pork Chops on top and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook on Low about 7 hours. 
( I was a little behind on getting dinner together so I had mine on Low for  about 3 hours and High for about 2 ) 
You will know when your pork chops are done because they will fall apart with fork.  
 
Once you have shredded with fork stir and coat with sauce continue in slowcooker on low for about 15-20 min to let all the yummy juices soak in. While your pork is resting in the juices, take your buns and toast them in a skillet. I like to use mayo instead of butter to avoid the greasy buttery taste but this is of course your choice lol
 
Now pair with your favorite side and dig in! I hope you like it!
 

Crockpot Chicken & Pastry Dumplings



This recipe is Soooooo Yummy! It may even have some of you thinking of grandma’s Chicken and Dumplings from when you were little. The dumplings are not your normal biscuit dumplings. They are soft and fluffy instead of dense and doughy. It is the perfect meal to warm your belly this winter. It is so easy and affordable to make.  

 
What you will need…
 
2-3 Chicken Breast ( I did 3 so I could save some once cooked for chicken salad)
1 Onion – Chopped
1/2 Bag Baby Carrots- Cut into thirds 
2 Stalks Celery 
2Cans of Chicken Broth
1 Can Cream of Chicken
2 Cups of Water
1/2 tsp. Garlic Powder
Salt and Pepper to taste
 
Kitchen Tip: You could also use a rotisserie chicken. You can even make your own broth/stock.
 
Take your rotisserie chicken and place it in a boiling pot of water. Once your chicken starts to fall off the bone remove chicken and shred. Next strain the stock and use about 4-5 cups of it instead of canned broth. Store the left over stock for a later recipe.
 
Dumplings:
 
3 Cups Cake Flour
3/4  tsp. Baking Soda
3/4  tsp. Salt
4-5  tbsp. Shortening
3/4 to 1 Cup Milk ( You will gradually pour this in and may not use it all)
 
The easy part…
 
Put your chicken, onion, carrots, celery, salt and pepper, garlic, chicken broth, and water in the slowcooker.

Cook on low for about 6 hours or until chicken falls when picked up with fork. Remove chicken from slowcooker and shred using two forks. This should be effortless. Put your chicken back into slowcooker. ( This is where I set some aside for chicken salad)
 Add cream of chicken and stir.
 
Now you are going to make your dumplings. In a bowl take your flour, baking soda, salt and one tablespoon at a time of shortening. You are going to mix all of this together by hand until small crumbly balls form.(sorry I forgot to take a picture of this part) You will slowly add shortening to achieve this. Next you are going to slowly pour in a little less than a cup of milk until one big dough ball forms. Do not over mix! ( they will become tough ) Now on a floured surface knead your dough about 4-5 times. Next roll out you dough pretty thin, a little thicker than a tortilla. (if that helps lol) Now you are going to cut them into strips about one to two inches long and a little less than an inch wide.


 Once they are cut into strip you are going to leave them for about 20-30 min to dry a little. after you have waited for them to dry s little you are going to place them into the slowcooker with rest of the yummy goodness. Let them cook for about 30 min and then Dinner is Served!
 
~ If left on “keep warm” it will thicken. You can add more water or broth if desired.
~Also I had a few too many dumpling strips so I saved some of mine, uncooked in a freezer bag for a later recipe. 
 
~ If you do not have time to make the dumplings you could boil some egg noodles and have Chicken Noodle Soup.
Gotta Love Multifunctional Recipes

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