Raspberry Glazed Pork Chops

Raspberry Glazed Pork Chops
(Recipe found at onceamonthmeals.com via Pinterest)

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup raspberry jam
2 tablespoons mustard
1 pound pork chops, boneless

Mix vinegar, jam and mustard. Brown pork chops on both sides in a large skillet. Pour in jam mixture. Cover and simmer 10 minutes. Remove pork chops from pan. Bring sauce to a boil and reduce by half, serving with pork chops. To make for freezer, mix vinegar, jam and mustard. Divide pork chops into gallon freezer bags. Pour sauce into pint freezer bags and place in bag with pork chops. Freeze. When ready to serve, thaw and brown pork chops on both sides in a large skillet. Pour in jam mixture. Cover and simmer 10 minutes. Remove pork chops from pan. Bring sauce to a boil and reduce by half, serving with pork chops.

Grilled Asian Ginger Pork Chops

If you read my blog at all, you know that I have a love of pork chops and I enjoy finding new ways to flavor them. This was a recipe that I pulled out of one of my magazines and I couldn't wait to try it. The timing was perfect for grilling and they turned out perfect, even with me grilling them! The hubs was out of town late that night but he enjoyed them for leftovers the next day also, what little I could save for him - my boys were eating us out of house and home when it came to this meal! :)

Grilled Asian Ginger Pork Chops
(recipe found in Good Housekeeping)

1/2 cup orange juice
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon garlic chili paste (I used chile powder)
1/2 teaspoon salt
6 pork loin chops

In a shallow container, mix orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, chili paste and salt. Add pork chops, then turn to coat evenly. Chill, covered, turning the chops in the marinade occasionally, for at least 4 hours or overnight. Preheat grill for medium to medium high heat and lightly oil grate. Grill pork chops for 5-6 minutes per side or to desired doneness.

Root Beer BBQ Chicken

I tried this recipe with my kids and they couldn't stop eating it!! I had to buy smaller packages of chicken legs then I usually do and I was a little concerned about not having enough. I was right to be concerned! I had to stop them from eating more and more, seriously they would have had 4 or 5 if I would have let them... I can't blame them though, the crispiest of the skin from being seared on the grill and the sauce was fabulous!! My boys took a couple pieces with them to cub scout camp the next day and enjoyed them just as much! Just make sure that you have enough gas for your grill... Not so much fun to find out that you are out when you are in the middle of searing! No worries though - I just heated the oven up to 450 and finished cooking that way. It was a late supper, but the kids didn't seem to mind.

Root Beer BBQ Chicken
(recipe found in Family Fun)

BBQ Sauce
1 cup root beer
1 cup ketchup
1/2 cup orange juice
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons liquid smoke

Chicken
3 pounds bone in, skin on chicken pieces (I used chicken legs)
1 teaspoon steak seasoning

To make the sauce: combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil of medium heat, then lower the heat and simmer the sauce until it thickens and reduces by about a quarter, about 15-20 minutes. Set aside to cool. Place chicken on a sheet pan and rub with steak seasoning. Let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Prepare your grill so that the heat is concentrated on one side (direct heat). Sear the chicken over the direct heat, covered, turning it once or twice, for about 8 minutes. Move the chicken to the cooler side and cook it, covered, turning it once or twice, until almost cooked through, about 12 minutes. Baste the chicken with the sauce, close the lid, and cook for about 3 minutes. Repeat two or three times, until the sauce is thick and browned and the chicken is done, for 8-10 minutes.

Pie Iron Tacos

We headed out on our first camping trip of the season and I decided that I wanted to try a new recipe... Since my kids are a little obsessed with tacos, I thought that these sounded right up their alley! They were a huge hit and I ended up making them on the next camping trip that we went on as well! I love cooking over the fire while we are camping - luckily our first weekend wasn't a huge bust since the rain stopped just in time for us to get the fire going to make these! They were super yummy and easy to prep at home before we left for the weekend!

Pie Iron Tacos
recipe found on pinterest via twomaidsamilking.com)

1 pound ground beef
1 ounce packet taco seasoning
12 (5") corn tortillas
1 cup cheese
1/2 cup onion, chopped
taco garnishes - lettuce, black olives, green olives, tomatoes, salsa, sour cream, taco sauce

Prepare taco meat according to taco seasoning packet directions. Place tortilla shells on each side of a pie iron. Place meat on one shell.

Add cheese and onion, if desired.

Close pie irons and tear any extra tortilla shell off.

Place in fire and heat until tortillas are browned to desired amount.

Top with your favorite taco toppings!

Or just pick it up and go! :)

Honey Garlic Pork Chops

These chops were fabulous!! They were super tasty and saucy... The kids couldn't get enough of them and were disappointed that I didn't make enough for two a piece... They were a bit more time consuming with having to baste every five minutes, but I was able to get some homework done with the kids while they were cooking. Next time I make these I would love to try them on the grill... That was my plan for this time, but the rain was coming down hard and I didn't have the hubs to send out in the monsoon! :) I think it would be fantastic on chicken as well. It definitely makes a lot of sauce, so don't be sparing with the basting...

Honey Garlic Pork Chops
(recipe found on justapinch.com)

1 1/2 pounds pork chops
1 cup ketchup
1/3 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce
3 cloves garlic, minced
salt and pepper

In a medium bowl stir together ketchup, honey, soy sauce and garlic. Spray broiler pan with cooking spray. Place the chops on broiler tray. Lightly season the pork chops on both sides with salt and pepper. Brush each chop with the sauce to coat. Place oven rack two notches down from the top. Place chops in the oven. Broil about 5 minutes, baste. Broil another 5 minutes; turn chop, baste. Keep turning and basting until chops are cooked. Mine took about 20 minutes. Remember to baste often.

Mushroom Stuffed Cheeseburgers

I made these this summer when my father-in-law came into town for a visit. It was a beautiful summer night and perfect for grilling up burgers! Remember, you can still make these now, doesn't matter how cold or wintery it is, burgers and grilling can still happen! :) The kids thought that these were fantastic and barely even noticed the mushrooms that filled the middle... Love when that happens!

Mushroom Stuffed Cheeseburgers
(recipe found in Taste of Home)

2 bacon strips, finely chopped
2 cups chopped fresh mushrooms
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup chopped sweet red pepper
1/4 cup chopped green pepper
2 pounds lean ground beef
2 tablespoons steak sauce
1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
4 slices provolone cheese, halved
8 kaiser rolls, split

In a large skillet, cook and stir bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon; drain on paper towels. Cook and stir mushrooms, onion and peppers in bacon drippings until tender. Using slotted spoon, remove to a small bowl; cool completely. Stir in bacon. In a large bowl, combine beef, steak sauce and seasoned salt, mixing lightly but thoroughly. Shape into 16 thin patties. Top eight of the patties with cheese, folding over cheese to fit within 3/4" of the edge. Spread with mushroom mixture. Top with remaining patties, pressing edges to enclose filling. Grill the stuffed burgers, uncovered, over medium high heat or broil 4" from heat 5-6 minutes on each side. serve on rolls.

Roasted Chicken Breast

Sometimes it is the simple things that fly past you when you are not looking. I am always on the look out and searching for new recipes to try, new recipes to share and I bypass the simplest ones... I realized this whole heartedly the other day when I found this recipe. So completely simple, ingredients that I always have on hand, yet I've never just made it this way. It was fantastic! So, slow down, take it easy and try this new recipe that is so simple it might be overlooked!

Roasted Chicken Breast
(recipe found on pinterest)

chicken breast
olive oil
salt and pepper

Rub chicken breast with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Heat oven to 425 or start the grill for a grilled version of this tasty chicken! Cook for 15-20 minutes in the oven and then let sit for 10 minutes before cutting into.

Grilled Shrimp Scampi

Around here we are a hearty bunch! That means that we grill all year round, even if we have to shovel our way across the deck to get to the grill and scrape off the top of it... There's just something about grilled meat that is so fabulous! So, that's the way we cooked this scampi and it was wonderful - a perfect, light meal! Easy and yummy...

Grilled Shrimp Scampi
(recipe found in Taste of Home)

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 1/2 pounds uncooked jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined

In a large bowl, whisk the first five ingredients. Add shrimp; toss to coat. Refrigerate, covered, 30 minutes. Thread shrimp onto skewers. Grill, covered, over medium heat or broil 4" from heat 6-8 minutes or until shrimp turn pink, turning once. Serve with rice.

Cilantro Chicken

Yep, I had the hubby home and made him go out and shovel off the foot of snow that was in the way to get to the grill! :) It was delicious though and I don't think that he minded that much! This recipe was fabulous and was a fun new twist on our chicken... A few tips - buy a jar of minced garlic and save your hand from pressing all the garlic that you will need. And make sure you have all the ingredients that you need to make this recipe before you try to make it the first time... or the second! :) It's worth it!



Cilantro Chicken
(recipe found on pinterest via recipegirl.com)

2 1/2 pounds chicken
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup minced garlic
1/2 bunch fresh cilantro
3/4-1 cup sweet chili sauce (I couldn't find this, so I used sweet and sour sauce)

Process olive oil, garlic and cilantro in blender until it is a smooth texture. Place chicken in ziplock bag and add cilantro mix. Squish around to cover chicken and allow to marinade overnight or all day! Grill 4-5 minutes on each side or until chicken is cooked through. Brush with sweet chili sauce and serve!

Mexican Ranch Burgers

I love a good burger cooked up on the grill but I also like a little variety in my burgers! This was a new recipe that I found and it was delicious... Not too spicy for the kids but it had a wonderful flavor.

Mexican Ranch Burgers
(recipe found on pinterest via http://skinnymom.com)

1 pound extra lean ground beef
1 packet ranch dressing
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 tablespoon chili powder

Mix all ingredients until well combined. Form into patties and grill until done to your liking.

Serves: 4
Points: 4

Cilantro Lime Chicken Sandwiches

Yumm.... It was a fabulous night that we had these sandwiches! The avocado and cream cheese spread pushed this sandwich over the top! Everything is better grilled!

Cilantro Lime Chicken Sandwiches
(recipe found in Taste of Home Healthy Cooking)

1/2 cup canola oil
1/4 cup lime juice
4 teaspoon ground cumin
8 boneless skinless chicken breast halves
1 cup fat free spreadable cream cheese
1/3 cup minced fresh cilantro
1/4 cup chopped red onion
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
8 whole wheat hamburger buns, split
1 medium ripe avocado, peeled and thinly sliced
2 medium tomatoes, sliced

In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the oil, lime juice and cumin. Add the chicken; seal bag and turn to coat. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour. In a small bowl, combine the cream cheese, cilantro, onion, salt and pepper; chill until serving. Drain and discard marinade. Grill chicken, covered, over medium heat or broil 4" from heat for 6-8 minutes on each side or until thermometer reads 170. Spread cream cheese mixture onto buns. layer with avocado, tomatoes and chicken; replace bun tops.

Serves: 8
Points: 10 points per sandwich

Grilled Taco Burger and Potato Packs

I was looking for something new and easy to take with us for camping and I found this wonderful foil pack recipe. I love cooking over the fire while we are camping... Everything just seems to taste so much better!! We LOVED this recipe and it will definitely be a do over when we go again... The cheese dip that I picked was a little too spicy for the kids but other then that it was a definite hit!

Grilled Taco Burger and Potato Packs
(recipe found at www.bettycrocker.com)

1 pound ground beef
1/2 cup plain bread crumbs
2 tablespoons taco seasoning mix
1/4 cup milk
3 cups frozen southern style diced hashbrown potatoes
1 cup cheese and salsa dip

Heat gas or charcoal grill. In medium bowl, mix ground beef, bread crumbs, taco seasoning mix and milk until well blended. Shape mixture into 4 patties. In another medium bowl, mix frozen potatoes and dip. Cut 4 (18x12") sheets of heavy duty foil. Place 1 patty on each; top with 1/4 of potato mixture. Wrap each packet securely using double-fold seals, allowing room for heat expansion. When grill is heated, place packets, seam side up, on grill over medium heat; cover grill. Cook 15-25 minutes, rearranging packets several times, until patties are thoroughly cooked.

Garlic and Herb Chicken Kabobs

I love kabobs!! They are so yummy straight off the grill and fun to eat... Not that I would like to make a bunch for a group of people but they are a nice treat for our family! The kids weren't too excited for the peppers but the rest of it was well liked by everyone...

Garlic and Herb Chicken Kabobs
(recipe found at Nourishing Hearts)

1/2 cup olive oil
6 small cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons each - basil, tarragon, oregano, thyme
1 teaspoon salt
pinch of ground black pepper
2 pounds cubed, boneless skinless chicken breasts

Mix all ingredients in a gallon freezer bag, massaging and blending well. Freeze.

To prepare: allow meat to thaw completely. Skewer the chicken chunks onto the skewers. If using wooden skewers, don't forget to soak skewers in water for 10 minutes prior. Grill meat until cooked through and done. Add whatever additional veggies and fruit you choose to skewers as desired. I used pineapples and red, orange and green peppers...

Spicy Barbecued Chicken

There is just something about the hubs grilling that makes everything taste so much better! :) I have been attempting to do the grilling when he is gone and I don't do half bad but it just tastes different somehow... maybe it is the partnership of working together to get supper ready or just having him home, but whatever it is - it works! :) This chicken had a great taste and was delicious!!



Spicy Barbecued Chicken
(recipe found in Taste of Home)

2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon canola oil
1/2 cup chili sauce
3 tablespoons brown sugar
2 teaspoons salt free seasoning blend, divided
3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, divided
2 teaspoons ground mustard
2 teaspoon chili powder
8 boneless skinless chicken breast halves

In a small saucepan, saute garlic in oil for 1 minute. Add the chili sauce, brown sugar, 1 teaspoon seasoning blend and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 1 minute. Remove from the heat; set aside. Prepare grill for indirect heat. Coat grill rack with nonstick cooking spray before starting the grill. Combine the mustard, chili powder and remaining seasoning blend and cayenne; rub over chicken. Grill, covered, over indirect medium hot heat for 3 minutes. Turn and baste with chili sauce mixture. Grill 6-8 minutes longer or until juices run clear, basting occasionally.

Serves: 6
Points: 4

Cheddar and Bacon Burgers

This is definitely my new favorite burger!! It was simple to throw together and OMGosh it was so good... The kids and I scarfed them down and they were super tasty for lunch the next day!

Cheddar and Bacon Burgers
(recipe found in Taste of Home Simple and Delicious)

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup crumbled cooked bacon
1 envelope onion soup mix
2 pounds ground beef
8 hamburger buns, split

Combine cheese, bacon and soup mix in a large bowl. Crumble beef over mixture and mix well. Shape into eight patties. Grill burgers, covered, over medium heat for 5-7 minutes on each side or until a meat thermometer reads 160 and juices run clear.

Asian Burgers

I know, I know - we are in the beginning of December and I am posting about burgers... I can't help it - we use our grill even when the snow is on the ground and we have to shovel it off the top of the grill! I love it!! These were some tasty burgers and they had a unique taste that was easy to whip up since we always have the ingredients on hand... Garlic Chive Baked Fries were on the menu with these burgers - look for that recipe coming soon! Beau even ate them and he is my "nothing potato will ever touch my mouth" kid... :)

Asian Burgers
(recipe found in Parents Magazine)

1 pound lean ground beef
2 scallions, finely chopped
1 tablespon minced fresh ginger
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tablespoons reduce sodium soy sauce
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil

In a large bowl mix together the beef, scallions, ginger, garlic, soy sauce and sesame oil. Shape mixture into 6 burger patties. Grill until desired doneness and enjoy!

Serves: 6
Points: 3 per burger

Grilled Sirloin Teriyaki

This is a super versatile recipe that can be used with almost any meat! The real recipe called for sirloin steak but can use fish, chicken or pork chops, which is how we tried it!! It was fantastic... Easy to throw together in the morning and quick to grill up at night. It had a wonderful flavor and we all enjoyed it!

Grilled Sirloin Teriyaki
(recipe found in Taste of Home Healthy Cooking)

3 tablespoons reduced sodium soy sauce
4 1/2 teaspoons rice vinegar
1 1/2 teaspoon minced fresh gingerroot
1 garlic clove, minced
1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 beef top sirloin steak (1 inch thick and 1/2 pound)

In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the first six ingredients. Add the steak; seal bag and turn to coat. Refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight. Drain and discard marinade. Moisten a paper towel with cooking oil; using long handled tongs, lightly coat the grill rack. Grill beef, covered, over medium heat or broil 4 inches from the heat for 4-5 minutes on each side or until meat reaches desired doneness.

Serves: 2
Points: 3 1/2 per serving (with pork chops)

Chili Rubbed Pork Chops

This is a favorite weight watchers meal of mine. I love grilling and I love pork chops so how could it not be one of my favorites?!? The rub is easy to throw together and definitely gives the chops great flavor... I paired this with weight watchers Broccoli with Cheese Sauce for a great figure friendly meal!



Chili Rubbed Pork Chops
(recipe found at http://www.weightwatchers.com/)

2 teaspoons chili powder
1 1/2 teaspoons packed light brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
4 (5 ounces) each pork chops

In a small bowl, combine chili powder, brown sugar, cumin, cinnamon, salt and pepper. Rub spice mixture on both sides of pork chops. Place chops on a plate, cover and refrigerated for at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours.

Coat grill rack or a large grill pan with cooking spray; heat grill or set pan over medium heat. Grill chops for 3 minutes, then turn and continue cooking until grill marks appear and chops are firm, about 4 minutes more. Transfer to a serving plate or cutting board; let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Servings: 4
Points: 5 per pork chop

Grilled Honey Lime Chicken

I love summertime: grilling, picnics, late nights by the fire!! Although we usually grill year round (my hubs looks awesome standing next to the snowbanks with the grill spatula in his hands!:), there is just something about grilling during the summer. Here is another awesome grill recipe that I found... Turned out tasty, juicy and delicious!! I paired it with Corn Pudding in the crock pot and it was a great summer meal!



Grilled Honey Lime Chicken
(recipe found in Taste of Home Simple and Delicious)

3/4 cup oil and vinegar salad dressing
1/2 cup honey
3 tablespoons lime juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
8 boneless skinless chicken breast halves

Combine first five ingredients in a small bowl. Pour 1 cup marinade into a large ziploc; ad the chicken. Seal bag and turn to coat; refrigerate for 2 hours. Cover and refrigerate remaining marinade. Drain and discard marinade. Moisten a paper towel with cooking oil; using long handled tongs, lightly coat the grill rack. Grill chicken, covered, over medium heat or broil 4" from heat for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until a meat thermometer reads 170, basting occasionally with reserved marinade.

Bobby Flay Steak Marinade

I found a Bobby Flay cooking show the other day when I was flipping through channels and it was cracking me up!! You can totally tell that it was from when he was first starting out and he's all nervous and fumbly... I LOVE watching Bobby Flay and I was excited to try this marinade out that he was making on the show that I watched. It turned out fabulous! I didn't get a chance to do the orange mixture on top, but the marinade was pretty kick butt on it's own...



Bobby Flay Steak Marinade
(recipe found on Main Ingredient with Bobby Flay)

2 cups orange juice
1 tablespoon pepper
3 cloves garlic
1/2 cup soy sauce
3 oranges
2 green onions
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon lime juice
3 tablespoons olive oil
salt and pepper

Combine first 4 ingredients in a large ziploc bag. Add steak and allow to marinate in fridge for 8 hours or overnight. When ready to serve, combine remaining ingredients and allow flavors to combine. (Don't let it sit too long or the oranges will start to fall apart...) Grill steak to preferred doneness, discarding marinade. Top with orange mixture and serve.