My Husband Hates Pot Roast

Oh, the hubs and his preferences! Just teasing-in general he's a traditional guy--a meat and potatoes man. Just don't put the meat and potatoes in the crock pot and simmer for a few hours-then he's a "I'll just stop and get something on the way home" kinda man.

I personally like pot roast and have had to adapt a bit throughout our married life to try to replace this universally well-liked go-to dinner from our menu. This week I had two success stories that were inexpensive, easy and well received. I thought I would share them here if anyone else is looking for new family dinner recipes.

Pork Loin
(this should have a better name, but I kinda made it up so name it yourself and call it your own!)
1.5 lb Pork Loin
Dijon Mustard
Lipton Onion Soup mix
Salt (few dashes), Pepper (1 tablespoon?)
Other spices on hand ( i used dried ginger and allspice) probably a tablespoon of each.
Most of a 10 oz. jar of CHUNKY Applesauce
EVOO

I patted the pork dry, then coated with Dijon mustard, mixed the spices together and sprinkled over all sides of the pork. Browned the loin on all sides in a heated skillet with evoo, then set aside. I added the onion soup mix and 1/2 water to the hot skillet to "de-glaze"and recapture the lost spices and mustard and renderings from the pork. Placed the pork in the Crock Pot on low for 4 hours, poured the contents of the skillet and most of the jar of applesauce on top.

Jay had the rest of the applesauce for lunch. :)

It was really good, I served with shredded cabbage and John's Slaw Dressing and mac-n-cheese.

Tomato Beef Bake (you could call this roast)
2 lb. Oven Roast
Lipton Onion Soup Mix
Salt (dash) Pepper (several grinds)
Sprinkle of flour
Jar of Sliced Mushrooms, drained
can of Hunt's Diced Tomatoes w Onion and Garlic

Coated the Roast with dry soup mix, pepper, salt then dusted lightly with flour. Add mushrooms and tomatoes, cover and bake (could Crock Pot this and it would be awesome, but I didn't have 4 hours to spare) 350 degrees-90 minutes. Serve over rice. I served with green beans.

One day, when I don't have a 16-month-old on my hip and a baby in my tummy, I might try to photograph some things while cooking. Right now, it's impossible. That's life.