Pecan Pie Bark

shared by Patty H. (whose friend Betty shared it with her)


Ingredients:
2 sticks of butter
1 cup white sugar
1 1/2 cups of pecans
12 sheets of graham crackers


Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees
2. Lay crackers tightly across the bottom of a lightly greased rimmed baking sheet. Set aside.
3. In a large pan mix butter, sugar and pecans.  Bring to a boil over medium heat and cook for 3 minutes, stirring constantly.
4. Carefully and evenly spread mixture over the crackers.
5. Back in 325 degree oven for 8 minutes.
6. Let cool before breaking apart.
7. Do not cover and do not store in the refrigerator to avoid sogginess.

Apple Cinnamon Quick Bread

shared by Patty H.  (not only does this taste great, it smells wonderful while it is baking)


Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1 apple, peeled and finely chopped
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 Tablespoon vanilla
pinch of salt
2 eggs
1 cup buttermilk (I added 1 T. lemon juice to one scant cup of milk and let it set for 5-10 minutes)
1/4 cup oil or melted butter


Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Lightly spray a loaf pan.
3. Stir together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, brown sugar and chopped apple.
4. In another bowl, lightly whisk together the eggs, oil, vanilla and buttermilk.
5. Pour the liquid ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir together just until combined. Don't over mix.
6. Bake at 350 degrees for about 50-60 minutes or until a tester comes out clean from the middle.

Balsamic Roasted Pork Chops

shared by Patty H. (I was looking for something to use my Montreal Steak Seasoning on and this was the perfect recipe for that.  I even had balsamic vinegar in the cabinet without having to go buy some.  It turned out to be very tasty.)


Ingredients:
2-3 lbs. boneless center-cut pork chops
1 packet McCormick Grill Mates Montreal Steak Seasoning (0.71 oz.) (Note:  I had a jar, not a packet so I used a teaspoon which didn't make it too spicy.  You could use more, depending on taste.)
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
1/2 cup olive oil


Directions:

1. Mix the balsamic vinegar, olive oil and seasoning together and pour into a 9 x 13 glass casserole dish.
2. Place the pork chops in the dish, turning them to be sure they are coated well with the marinade.
3. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and chill overnight.
4. When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
5. Remove plastic wrap and bake for 1 hour, turning the pork chops over 1/2 way through the baking time.
6. Remove pork chops to a serving platter and pour the marinade into a small saucepan on medium heat.
7. Mix together 2 T. dry red wine (or water) and 2 T. cornstarch.  Add to the pan sauce.
8. Simmer and stir until thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
9. Pour thickened sauce over pork chops and serve warm.

I didn't fix the sauce.  We ate the pork chops with just the seasonings and they were tender and tasty.