Tag Archives: pork chops

Tis the Season for Southern Fixin’s

October 31, 2011
10

 Cool weather is here. The leaves are changing, Halloween is over and the Holiday season is about to begin. Autumn has officially arrived.  These cool months are the perfect time to make use of seasonal favorites like apples, pears, winter squash, and of course, Sweet Potatoes!  These are also the perfect ingredients to allow the slow cooker to work its magic. So dust off your crock pot and get started. This collection of savory fall Sweet Potato recipes will help you utilize your slow cooker to its maximum potential while requiring only minimal effort from you.  Before you know it, you will planning meals for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day, so why not ease into the season with these simple, yet delicious homestyle favorites.


Pork and sweet potatoes always go well together, so my first offering features the two ingredients. I add a touch of cayenne to make sure this meal warms you all the way to your toes.  Sweet potatoes and apples make an awesome side, but with their sweet cinnamon glaze they could almost be a dessert. 

Whichever recipe you try first, make sure to cook up some corn pone to go with your crock pot goodness.  Yellow corn, not white. This meal is in living color. While you are at it serve up some greens – toss in a cup of country ham to give ‘em that down home flavor. Sit back relax and enjoy. It may be cold outside, but it’s comfy cozy inside and supper is ready!
 

Crockpot Pork and Sweet Potatoes Recipe

This Crockpot Pork and Sweet Potatoes recipe makes 8 servings.

What You Need
• 4 sweet potatoes, peeled, sliced
• 2 pound pork roast
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

What To Do
1. Place sweeet potatoes in bottom of crockpot, then pork on top.
2. Combine remaining ingredients and sprinkle over top.
3. Cover; cook on low 8-10 hours.
4. Remove pork and slice. Spoon juices over pork and potatoes.
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Sweet Potatoes with Apples Recipe

This Sweet Potatoes with Apples recipe makes 4-6 servings.

What You Need
• 5 medium sweet potatoes
• 3 apples, peeled, cored, cut into wedges
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup maple-flavored syrup
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1/4 cup pecan pieces

What To Do
1. Generously grease the bottom and sides of crockpot with butter or margarine.
2. Peel sweet potatoes and slice a half-inch thick. Place slices on bottom of crockpot.
3. Top with apple wedges; then nutmeg and cinnamon, maple syrup, and the melted butter.
4. Cover and cook on low about 4 hours or until potatoes are tender.
5. Sprinkle with pecans the last 30 minutes.

Sweet Potato Gravy!!! A New Southern Tradition?

May 15, 2011
9

Being from the South, I know we have the reputation of putting gravy on everything.  And I suppose there is a measure of truth in the stereotype. Every good southern cook should have a plethora of gravy recipes to choose from…sawmill gravy, redeye gravy, chicken gravy, beef gravy, brown gravy, mushroom gravy – I even have a friend that makes tomato gravy.  But until yesterday, I had never even thought of sweet potato gravy. I am almost ashamed to admit that.  I strive to show how versatile sweet potatoes can be in everything from pizza and soup to biscuits or nachos, and yet I didn’t know sweet potato gravy existed until my friend gave me the recipe.  Here is another thing I didn’t know…it’s delicious!

After a little investigating, I discovered that the original came from famed chef Emeril Lagasse.  It has a lot of potential for custom variations, so I hope you will put your own spin on it and share it with me.  I think I will add some tart apples for contrast when I next make this dish…and I will be making it again!  So without further ado, here it is…

Pork Chops with Sweet Potato Gravy

Ingredients

  • 4 thick pork chops, 6 to 8-ounces each
  • 2 teaspoons Emeril’s Essence or your favorite Cajun seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups thinly sliced onions
  • 1/2 cup pecan pieces
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne
  • 1 pound sweet potatoes, baked, peeled, and mashed (about 1 1/2 cups)
  • 3 tablespoons pure cane syrup
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions
  • Chopped parsley leaves, for garnish

Directions

  • Season the pork chops with the Essence.
  • In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the chops and cook until brown, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Transfer the chops to a warm platter and cover to keep warm.
  • Reduce the heat to medium. Add the flour and, stirring constantly, cook until the roux is dark brown, the color of chocolate, about 3 minutes. Add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 6 minutes, or until wilted. Add the pecans, water, salt, and cayenne and mix well. Bring to a boil. Add the sweet potatoes and  blend to make a smooth mixture. Stir in the syrup and green onions. Return the pork chops to the pan, reduce the heat, and simmer until the pork is cooked through, 4 to 5 minutes, basting the chops with the gravy.
  • Remove from the heat and serve immediately. Garnish with parsley.