BBQ RIBEYE CHOPS

This is a recipe I got from Pinterest and transferred here to my own recipe file.  Perhaps you would enjoy it, too. Note: This is pork, not beef.

3 1/2    pounds    beef, ribeye petite roast/filet 
1    cup    barbecue sauce ( I love Sweet Baby Rays ) 
1/2    cup    ketchup 
2    tablespoon    red wine vinegar 
1/4    cup    brown sugar 
1    teaspoon    liquid smoke ( optional ) 
   to taste    garlic powder 
   to taste    onion salt 
   to taste    black pepper 
   to taste    red pepper flakes ( if you want it spicy (optional) ) 

Season the pork with garlic powder, onion salt, and pepper.

Mix the barbecue sauce, ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, liquid smoke, and pepper flakes together in a seperate bowl.  Layer the pork chops in your slow cooker, making sure to put the sauce on each chop as you go.  Cover and cook on low for 6 hours.  The meat should fall to pieces nicely!

BBQ VEGGIE JOES

1 cup chopped carrots

2/3 cup brown lentils, rinsed and drained

2.3 cup uncooked regular brown rice

1/2 cup chopped onion

2 tbsp packed brown sugar

2 tbsp yellow mustard

1/2 tsp salt

1 garlic clove, minced

1/4 to 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

2 14.5-oz cans vegetable broth (may use chicken broth)

1 8-oz pkg portobella mushrooms, chopped

1 15-oz can tomato sauce

2 tbsp cider vinegar

8 French-style rolls or whole wheat hamburger buns, split and toasted

Assorted toppers ie chopped tomato coarsely shredded iceberg lettuce or red onion slices

In a slow cooker, combine carrots, lentils, uncooked brown rice, onion, brown sugar, mustard, salt, garlic, and cayenne pepper. Stir in broth.

Place cover on cooker and cook on high3 to 3 1/2 hours. Stir in mushrooms, tomato sauce, and vinegar. Replace cover and cook on high for 30 minutes.

Use a slotted spoon to spoon mixture onto buns. Add any desired toppers.

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SALISBURY STEAK FROM THE CROCKIN' GIRLS

• I got this email recipe over a dozen years ago. It is still a favorite.
• 
  
• 2 Pounds lean ground beef
• 1 Package onion mushroom soup mix
• 1/2 Cup crushed saltine crackers
• 1 egg
• 1/4 Cup milk
• 2 Tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/4 Cup flour
• 2 Cans cream of mushroom soup
• 1 Package brown gravy mix

In a large bowl, mix together beef, onion mushroom soup mix, crushed saltine crackers, egg, and milk.

1. Using your hands, shape beef mixture into 8 patties.
   
   Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
   
   Dredge the patties in flour to coat and brown on both sides.
   
   Place the browned patties into the slow cooker (overlapping is ok).
   
   In a medium bowl, prepare the brown gravy according to package instructions.  Mix in both cans of mushroom soup; pour gravy mixture over the patties.
   
   Cook on LOW for 4 to 6 hours, or until beef is done.
   
   
   

SLOW COOKER HONEY-ORANGE CHICKEN DRUMSTICKS

• Another recipe for all you chicken lovers out there!
• 1/3 cup honey
• 2 teaspoons orange zest
• 2 tablespoons orange juice
• 3 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce 
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 12 medium chicken drumsticks (3-3 1/2 pounds), skin removed (see Tip)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds

1. Combine honey, orange zest, orange juice, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, vinegar and crushed red pepper in a small bowl.
2. Coat a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. Add drumsticks, pour in the sauce and mix to coat. Cover and cook until an instant-read thermometer registers 165°F when inserted into the thickest part of the meat without touching bone, 2 to 3 hours on High or 4 hours on Low.
3. Transfer the drumsticks to a bowl. Very carefully pour the liquid from the slow cooker into a medium skillet. Bring to a boil over high heat. Boil until reduced and syrupy, 10 to 15 minutes. Pour the sauce over the drumsticks and stir to coat. Serve sprinkled with cilantro and sesame seeds.

Yield: 6 servings of 2 drumsticks

Per serving: 245 calories

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ALL-MEAT CHILI SPREAD

This is another of the recipes from the little booklet that came with my first crock pot in the 1970s.

4 pounds ground chuck, browned in skillet and drained
3 cups water
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon salt
2 to 3 tablespoons cumin
4 to 6 tablespoons chili powder

Put all ingredients in CROCK-POT; stir thoroughly to mix spices.  Cover and cook on High for 2 hours, stir well and turn to Low for 6 to 10 hours.  Serve topped with fresh chopped onion.

(Try this over Mexican Red Beans. Hm-m-m good!) Also good on nachos, or on Italian bread slices like a bruschetta.

FIESTA PORK SANDWICHES

1 (3 to 4-lb) boneless pork shoulder roast

1/3 cup lime juice
2 tbsp grapefruit juice
2 tbsp water
1 bay leaf
6 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp chili powder
2 tbsp olive or canola oil
1 large onion, thinly sliced
12 to 14 sandwich rolls, split

Cut roast in half and pierce several times with a fork.  Place in a large resealable plastic bag.  In a bowl combine the lime juice, grapefruit juice, water, bay leaf, garlic, salt, oregano, and chili powder; pour over the meat in the bag.  Refrigerate overnight, turning occasionally.  Drain, reserving marinade.

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the roast and brown on all sides.

Place the onion in bottom of crock pot or slow cooker, top with roast and pour marinade overall.

Place lid on cooker and cook on high setting for two hours.  Reduce heat to low and cook an additional 6 to 8 hours until the meat is tender and cooked through.

Remove meat from cooker and shred.

Discard the bay leaf and skim fat from cooking juices.  Transfer juices to a saucepan and bring to a rolling boil.

Serve the meat on the sandwich rolls accompanied by the juice as a dipping sauce.

Yield: 12 sandwiches

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SIMPLE HOISIN CHICKEN

12 (3 1/2-4 lbs total) bone-in chicken thighs, skinned

2 tbsp quick-cooking tapioca

1/8 tsp salt

1/8 tsp black pepper

1/2 cup hoisin sauce

1 pkg (16-oz) frozen stir-fry vegetables

3 cups hot cooked rice for serving

Spray the inside of slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. Place chicken in the cooker and sprinkle with the tapioca, salt and pepper. Pour hoisin sauce overall.

Place lid on cooker and cook on low setting 4 to 5 hours or on high setting 2 1/2 hours.

If using low heat setting, turn to high. Stir in the frozen vegetables and cook an additional 30-45 minutes or until the veggies are tender. 

Serve chicken and veggies over the hot cooked rice.

slow cooker favorites volume 2

MEXICAN RED BEANS

1 lb dried red beans (pink or kidney beans); soaked overnight

4 cups cold water
1 large onion, coarsely chopped
1 lb can tomatoes
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp crushed red pepper (or 2 tsp chili powder)
2 tsp salt
1/4 lb salt pork or bacon, chopped

Put the soaked and drained beans into crock-pot (or slow cooker).  Add water all remaining ingredients.  Cover and cook on high 2 hours, then turn to low for 8 hours.

CROCK POT STROGANOFF

2 lbs beef stew meat

1/2 large garlic clove
2 cans cream of mushroom soup
1/2 lb fresh sliced mushrooms
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
8 oz cream cheese
8 oz sour cream
6 cups hot cooked noodles or rice

In a large skillet brown the beef with the garlic, mushrooms, salt and pepper.  Remove to crock pot or slow cooker.  Add the soup.

Put lid on cooker and cook on low 8 to 10 hours until beef is very tender.

Stir the cream cheese and sour cream into the beef.

Serve over the noodles or rice.

I saw this on Just a Pinch over a dozen years ago.

COPYCAT CRACKER BARREL CARROTS

Add the carrots, butter, both sugars, garlic powder, salt and water to the cooker.

Place lid on cooker and cook on high 3 hours or on low 6 hours. Drain liquid before serving.

 

MAC AND TRIPLE CHEESE

10-oz dry elbow macaroni

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
8-oz American cheese, sliced thin & roughly chopped
1 1/2 cups milk
1 can (12-oz) evaporated milk
1 1/2 tsps Worcestershire sauce
3/4 tsp dry mustard
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp butter
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

Spray the inside of your slow cooker or crock pot thoroughly with nonstick cooking spray.

Combine the macaroni, cheeses, and milks in the cooker; stir well to mix and place lid on cooker.

Cook mixture on high for 3 hours or on low for 4 hours.

30 minutes before the end of the cooking time, stir in the Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt, and pepper.

In a small nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter.  Stir in the breadcrumbs and cook, stirring for a couple of minutes until toasted golden.  Sprinkle over the macaroni and cheese and serve immediately.

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CHEESY MACARONI AND CHICKEN SOUP

3 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth 

1 (16-ounce) package frozen mixed vegetables 
1 (10.75-ounce) can cream of chicken soup, undiluted 
2 cups chopped cooked chicken 
1 (16-ounce) package pasteurized prepared cheese product, cubed 
1 (20-ounce) package frozen macaroni and cheese

In a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker, combine chicken broth, mixed vegetables, cream of chicken soup, and cooked chicken.

Cover and cook on LOW setting 4 hours. Add cheese and frozen macaroni and cheese. Cover and cook on LOW setting 2 additional hours, or until cheese melts and soup is thoroughly heated.

To keep this recipe really easy, you can use leftover cooked chicken or a rotisserie chicken.

This is a recipe from the Mr. Food website. 

CARIBBEAN PORK CHILI

1 1/2 lbs boneless pork loin roast, cut into 1-inch cubes

1 tbsp chili powder

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 tsp ground chipotle chili pepper, optional

1.2 tsp ground cumin

1/4 tsp salt

1 tbsp canola oil

2 (14.5-oz ea) cans no-salt-added diced tomatoes, undrained

1 can (15-oz) no-salt-added black beans, rinsed and drained

1 can (8-oz) no-salt-added tomato sauce

1 cup frozen whole kernel corn

1 medium mango, halved, seeded, peeled and chopped

1/4 cup snipped fresh cilantro

1/4 cup red onion slivers (optional)

In a medium bowl, combine pork, chili powder, garlic, ground chili pepper (if using), cumin and salt; toss to coat meat.

In a large nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Cook half the pork in hot oil until browned on all sides, stirring occasionally. Transfer to a slow cooker. Repeat with the remaining pork.

Add tomatoes, beans, tomato sauce and corn to the cooker. Cover and cook on low setting 4 to 5 hours or high setting2 to 2 1/2 hours. 

Top each serving with the mango, cilantro and onion slivers, if using.

Yield: 6 servings Per serving: 315 cal, 7g fat (2g sat), 246 mg sodium, 32g carbs, 32g pro,8g fiber

ZESTY MEATBALLS

2 lbs fully cooked frozen meatballs, preferably cocktail size

1 bottle (16-oz) Catalina salad dressing
1 cup orange marmalade
3 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
3/4 tsp red pepper flakes

Combine the Catalina dressing, marmalade, Worcestershire sauce, and the red pepper flakes in crockpot or slow cooker; mix well.  Add the frozen meatballs, stirring to evenly coat.

Place lid on cooker and cook on high 2 to 3 hours.

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BEEF POSOLE

8-oz round red potatoes, chopped

1 large onion, cut into thin wedges

1 lb flank steak, cut into 6 pieces

2 cans (14.5-oz each) 50%-less-sodium beef broth

1 can 15.5-oz can golden or white hominy, rinsed and drained

1 can (14.5-oz) diced tomatoes.

1 fresh polano chile pepper, chopped (tip-wear gloves or wash hands well with soap and water after handling)

1 tbsp hot chili powder

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 tsp ground cumin

1/4 tsp salt

3 cups shredded cabbage

Chopped fresh cilantro for serving

Lime wedges for serving

Crumbled queso fresco (optional)

Place potatoes and onion in a 4-to-5-qt slow cooker. Top with the flank steak. In a bowl, combine the nest eight ingredients. Pour over the steak. Cover and cook on low 7 hours or high 3 1/2 hours.

If using low, turn to high. Add the cabbage. Cover and cook on high 30 to 60 minutes or until beef is tender. Transfer beef to a cutting board, using two forks, pull into shreds. Stir back into the slow cooker.

Top each serving with cilantro, lime wedges, queso fresco, if desired. Add sliced chile peppers, if desired.

Yield: 6 servings Per serving: 231 cal, 6g fat (2g sat), 24g carbs, 20g pro, 755mg sod

slow cooker favorite volume 4

SLOW COOKER CHICKEN POT PIE

1/3 cup all-purpose flour

1 3/4 tsps poultry seasoning
1 3/4 tsps dried thyme
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 tbsp canola oil
2 large carrots, cut-up into bite size pieces
2 celery ribs, sliced
2 large red potatoes, cut into bite-size pieces
8 mushrooms, sliced thin
1 large yellow onion, chopped
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
2 1/4 cups Bisquick or similar product
2/3 cup milk

In a large resealable plastic bag combine the flour, poultry seasoning, 1 teaspoon of the thyme, salt, and pepper; add chicken and shake to coat.

Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.  Remove chicken pieces, shaking off excess flour and using a slotted spoon, place chicken into the skillet.  Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to brown on all sides.  Remove from the skillet and place in slow cooker or crock pot.

Add the remaining tablespoon of the oil to the skillet.  Stir in the carrots, celery, potatoes, mushrooms, and onion; cook, stirring, for 5 minutes.  Stir in the remaining seasoned flour and cook for 1 minute.  Add the broth and bring to a boil.  Pour the mixture over the chicken in the cooker.

Place lid on cooker and cook on low for 7 hours or on high for 4 hours.

One hour before the end of cooking time, stir together the Bisquick, milk, and remaining thyme just until mixed.  Drop by tablespoonfuls over the chicken mixture in the cooker.  Place a cotton dish towel over the cooker then place the lid over the towel.  Continue cooking until the biscuits are done.

Note: This is another of my recipes I got from an old Family Circle magazine years ago.

SLOW COOKER BAKED APPLES

• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
• 2 tablespoons trans-fat free margarine or butter
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 6 Gala or Macintosh apples, cored
• 1/2 cup apple juice or apple cider
• 2 tablespoons orange liquor (optional)

• In a large bowl, mix brown sugar, walnuts, margarine or butter, and cinnamon. If you don’t want to use walnuts, you could use pecans or go nut-free by substituting with ¼ cup chopped raisins, prunes, or granola! Another great substitution is ¼ cup of rolled quick oats moistened with a tablespoon of water before stuffing the apples.
• Use a grapefruit spoon that has the sharp edges (or a melon baller or small pairing knife) and core most of the way through, I leave about ½ inch apple left at the bottom. You could remove the skin but I find that it helps to hold the apple together as it bakes - it also adds extra fiber which is always a plus.
• Fill the apples with the filling and place them in the crock-pot.
• Pour the apple juice or cider (and the liquor, if using) into the crock-pot, around the apples. If you don’t have apple juice or cider, you can use apple lime juice or apple vinegar (diluted with water and a little sugar).
• Set the crock-pot on high heat and cook 2½ to 3 hours until the apples are soft and begin to collapse.
• If you don’t have a crockpot, you can use a 7x11 casserole dish or stock pot. Preheat the oven to 350F and cover the pan with aluminum foil. They’ll take about 45 minutes to one hour. A glass baking dish is also an option, just be sure to lower the heat slightly 5-10 degrees since glass can cause food to burn.
• If you’re making this recipe for a large crowd, you could do these in the oven in a large disposable roasting pan and just double the recipe. They also taste delish with a scoop of low-fat frozen vanilla yogurt.
• You can refrigerate these for up to 3 days, but store them in an air-tight container so they don’t pick up odors from the fridge.
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Nutritional Stats Per Serving (1 apple): 214 calories, 1 g protein, 34g carbohydrates, 7 g fat (1 g saturated), 0 mg cholesterol, 2g fiber, 50 mg sodium.

Weight Watchers® Points Plus: 5

Note: This is from the Skinny Chef.

HOT FRUIT PUNCH

1 quart cranberry juice

3 cups water

6-oz can frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed

10-oz pkg frozen red raspberries, thawed

2 oranges, sliced

6 cinnamon sticks

12 whole allspice

Combine all ingredients in slow cooker.

Place lid on cooker and cook on high for 1 hour or until hot. Remove the spices before serving. Turn heat to low to keep punch hot during serving.

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CHICKEN & SAUSAGE PAELLA

2 1/2 to 3 lb chicken breasts and thighs, skinned
1 tbsp canola oil
1/2 lb smoked sausage, halved lengthwise then sliced
1 large yellow onion, sliced
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tsp dried thyme
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1/4 tsp ground turmeric
1 can (14 1/2-oz) chicken broth
1/2 cup water
2 cups chopped tomatoes
1 yellow bell pepper, cut into very thin bite-size strips
1 green bell pepper, cut into very thin bite-size strips
1 cup frozen green peas
3 cups hot cooked brown rice

Heat oil in a large skillet; add chicken and brown (doing in two batches, if necessary).  Drain of any fat.

Place the drained chicken, smoked sausage, and onion in a crockpot or slow cooker.  Sprinkle with the garlic, thyme, pepper, and turmeric.  Combine the broth and water; pour overall
.

Place lid on cooker and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours or on high 3 1/2 to 4 hours.

Add the tomatoes, peppers, and peas; replace cover and allow to set for 5 minutes. 

To serve, spoon the paella over the hot brown rice.

Yield: 6 servings.

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CROCK POT SAUSAGE & VEGGIES WITH PEPPERS

A friend of mine posted this on her facebook page years ago.  I thought it was worth sharing.  

1 pound smoked sausage, cut in pieces

6 potatoes, peeled and halved

1 large onion, peeled and sliced or chopped

3 or 4 large carrots, scraped and cut in pieces

1 large green pepper

1 large red sweet pepper

1 (14 ounce) can beef broth or 2 cups

1 package onion soup mix

2 bay leaves

1 teaspoon basil

1 teaspoon minced garlic

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Place sausage and vegetables in crock pot.  Mix together the broth, onion soup, spices and Worcestershire sauce and pour over the vegetables.  Cook on low for 5 or 6 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours until the potatoes and carrots are done.  Makes six to eight servings. 

SCOTT'S CROCK POT PORK CHOPS

(I have no idea who Scott is.)

4 to 6 bone-in pork chops
salt and pepper
flour for dredging
1 1/2 tbsp canola oil
1 can cream of celery soup
1/2 soup can of water
3 tbsp catsup
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 small onion, chopped

Sprinkle chops with salt and pepper; dredge in flour.

Heat oil in large skillet and brown chops on both sides; remove to crock pot or slow cooker.

Mix the remaining ingredients together and pour over the chops.

Cook on high for 1 hour then on low for 5 - 6 hours or on low for 8 hours.

old crockpot

DR. PEPPER PULLED PORK

2 1/2-3 lb pork butt (also known as a pork shoulder)

24 oz. (2 cans) Dr. Pepper
1 medium onion, cut in quarters and then again in half
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 teaspoons dry ground mustard
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Salt and black pepper to taste
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
3 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
Barbecue Sauce of choice

Place the chopped onions in the bottom of the slow cooker. Place the pork butt on top of the onions and add the garlic, ground mustard, cayenne pepper, salt, pepper, apple cider vinegar and Worcestershire sauce. Pour the Dr. Pepper on top and cook on high for 4-5 hours (or on low for 8 hours).

Very carefully, because the pork will be hot, remove the meat from the slow cooker and place on a large cutting board. Using two forks, shred the pork by pulling away from each other. The meat should be very tender by this point. Place the shredded pork back into the slow cooker and continue to cook for an additional hour.

Drain the remaining juices and toss the meat and onion mixture in the barbecue sauce of choice. I don't have an exact amount listed-just add a bit at a time until you get to your desired sauciness!

CROCK POT RANCH MEATLOAF

2 lbs ground beef
2 eggs, beaten
3/4 C milk
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
3 slices bread, crumbled or torn into small pieces
1/2 C diced onion
1 envelope dry Ranch Dressing mix
1/2 C ketchup

Mix eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and bread crumbs. Allow to soften (about 20 minutes). Combine this mixture with ground beef, onion, ranch pack, and ketchup. Mound in a greased crockpot. Cover the top of the mixture with additional ketchup. Put the cover on and turn crockpot on high for 15 minutes, then reduce to low and cook for 7 hours.

I like this because the Ranch Dressing mix gives it a different flavor than the usual meatloaf.  I got this recipe from a friend several years ago. 

SWEET BABY RAY'S CROCKPOT CHICKEN

4-6 chicken breast

1 btl Sweet Baby Ray's sauce -large for normal crocks
1/4 c vinegar - any kind
1 tsp red pepper flakes
1/4 c brown sugar
1 tsp garlic powder
Mix everything but chicken
Place chicken in crockpot (frozen is ok)
Pour sauce mixture over chicken
Cook on low 4-6 hours

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RANCH HOUSE CROCK POT PORK CHOPS WITH PARMESAN MASHED POTATOES

I saw this today on a friend's facebook page.  It sounds good so I am going to try it and I thought some of you might like it, too.  Being diabetic I will leave off the mashed potatoes (no doubt the best part!).

6 pork chops, 1/2 inch thick
1 packet dry Ranch Dressing Seasoning
10 oz can Cream of Chicken Soup
4 lbs peeled, cubed potatoes
5 Tablespoons real butter
1 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese
6 cloves roasted garlic (directions are below)
1- 1 1/2 Cups warm skim milk (any milk will do, I used skim)
1 Tablespoon salt, or to taste
1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper, or to taste

Place pork chops, Ranch seasoning and soup into a medium sized crock pot over high heat for 4 hours or low heat for 6 hours.
Place potatoes into a large pot of cold water. Place onto stove top over high heat and bring to a boil. Once water is boiling, cook for 10-12 minutes or until potatoes are fork tender. Drain and transfer to the work bowl of a stand or electric mixer. Mix on low until potatoes are mashed then add butter, Parmesan, garlic, milk, salt and pepper. Season to taste if needed. For thinner mashed potatoes add more milk, slowly until your desired consistency.
Scoop mashed potatoes onto serving plates and top with pork chops and soup gravy from crock pot. I put a little parsley on top to serve.

Roasted Garlic

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Place bulb of garlic with skins on, wrap lightly in tin foil and bake for 1 hour. Remove from foil and let cool for 15 minutes. Remove garlic from skins, place in a bowl and mash with a fork until completely mashed. Set aside. One garlic bulb will have around 12 cloves.

Credit: realmomkitchen.com