finally...pork chops that don't suck!

Since I started cooking I've had issues with pork chops. They're always dry and tasteless. But not anymore...
This technique is a combination of tips from friends, my mom, and other websites. I would not have guessed that cooking pork chops in milk would make them tasty, but it really works!
I recommend using a cast iron skillet.
First set your oven to 325.
Next, cut a large onion into thick wedges (maybe 1/4 inch each) and saute them along with some sliced baby portabella mushrooms in some olive oil. Season with coarse salt and fresh ground pepper then set aside.
Season 4 large bone-in pork chops. You can season them however you want, just do it generously. I've used a combination of spices, including a premade steak/chop rub consisting of sea salt, garlic, coriander and black pepper, which was good. Rub the spices into the meat. Make sure you get both sides. Sprinkle a little bit of flour onto each side then brown in some hot olive oil. Don't try to cook them, just brown each side for a minute or two. I have a 12 inch skillet and can brown the chops two at a time. Set them aside.
Scatter some of the onion and mushroom mixture onto the bottom of the skillet. Place the pork chops on top. Depending on the size of your chops and your pan, you may have to overlap the edges.
Warm up about 1 cup of either whole milk, half & half, or heavy cream. I've tried all three, heavy cream tasted best. Don't boil it- just warm it, then pour over the chops and onions and mushrooms.
Cook for 1 hour.
ENJOY! (and don't have a heart attack from all the fat!)

Modified Converse Shoes

Another project in the works...
I'm so taken by this new style of Converse shoes that has no laces. You just slip them on. Very nice for a person like me who has clumsy fingers. What doesn't make sense is why shoes with no laces should cost more than shoes with laces. So, I'm going to try to modify a pair I already own. A little elastic, a needle and thread, and a little time should do it.

PVC Dog Bed

I'm working on making an awesome bed for Ramona out of PVC pipes. You can buy them pre-made but they're pretty expensive- like $75. I spent a lot of time at LOWES yesterday exploring my options. I never knew plumbing supplies could be so complicated. All these white plastic pieces that all look the same. The two employees trying to help me out seemed amused. When I told them Ramona weighs over 70lbs. one suggested I go to Art Van Furniture and check out the queen sized beds on sale. Anyway, I think materials are going to cost about $15 tops!

Apple Cider-Ginger Barbecue Sauce (Low Cal)

This is a low calorie adaptation of a barbecue sauce recipe from The Cast Iron Skillet Cookbook. This one is only for people who aren't afraid to eat Splenda!

3/4 cup Splenda brown sugar
1 cup water mixed with 1 small can tomatoe paste
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 clove minced garlic
1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated

Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan, simmer about 10 minutes, ENJOY!

See Spot pull Jane down and drag her through the mud!

Why do my dogs totally freak out if they are on leashes and see another dog? They saw a Chesapeake Bay Retriever at the dog park and just went nuts. I don't get it. I don't know how to keep them from killing me!

Introductory Post

This blog is intended to serve as a chronicle of our adventures in domesticity. Please post your recipes, nutrition tips, decorating ideas, or whatever you feel it takes to create and maintain a good home life.