Simple "Gourmet" Style Sandwich

SIMPLE "GOURMET" STYLE  SANDWICH
This is one of my favorite ways to prepare  a sandwich. With the fresh veggies and the toasted bread, it has such a crisp and healthy taste. I  toast 2 slices of wheat bread while I slice up red onion, cucumber, bell pepper, and avocado slices. Add a slice of cheese and let it melt onto the warmed bread fresh from the toaster, then throw some turkey on and top with the sliced veggies. I like to slice some extra cucumber to go as a snack on the side. Grapes or pita chips pair well too, and it is a lot healthier than chips.

Pork Chop Casserole

PORK CHOP CASSEROLE
I got this recipe from Paula Deen's website and added a little variation to it. Of course it is unhealthy and has a ton of butter, but it is well worth the extra calories! This is a bed of potatoes and onions covered with a creamy white sauce , and topped with pan-fried pork chops. For next time I think I'm gonna add sauteed mushrooms along with the onion mixture for a little extra taste. This is a great option for a family dinner night. Cooking time is about an hour, prep time is about 25 - 30 minutes. Recipe can be cut in half  if needed for a smaller meal.
INGREDIENTS:

• 8 Boneless pork chops
• 8 medium potatoes
• 1/2 medium white onion, chopped
• 1 - 2  jalapenos, chopped
• 1 tbsp. chopped garlic 
• Salt, Pepper, Mrs. Dash (seasoned salt)
• Lea & Perrins Worcestershire Sauce
• 1 cup of all purpose flour
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil 
• Paula Deen's White Sauce (see below)

Paula Deen's White Sauce
- 8 tbsp. butter (1 stick)
-  1/2 cup all purpose flour
- 4 cups of milk
- 1/4 cup of chives
- Dash of salt and pepper to season

White Sauce
Melt butter; remove from heat. Stir in flour; add salt and pepper. Return to heat and cook, stirring constantly, until mixture is bubbly. Add milk, 1 cup at a time. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring frequently. Reduce heat and simmer 1 to 2 minutes, then let stand at least 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in parsley or chives, if desired.

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Peel potatoes; slice 1/4 inch thick and cover with cold water. Dice onion and jalapeno into very small slices. Drain potatoes; layer half the potatoes in a well-greased 15x10 inch casserole dish. Scatter half of the onion, jalapeno, and garlic mixture on top of potatoes. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Repeat with remaining potatoes and onion mixture. Cover potatoes with white sauce. Cover casserole dish with plastic wrap and microwave for 5 minutes on high or bake uncovered for 15 minutes.
Have pork chops marinating in Worcestershire sauce about 15 minutes before cooking to make tender and juicy. Sprinkle seasoned salt on pork chops and dredge chops in flour mixture. Lightly brown chops in vegetable oil. Do not cook them completely. As chops are removed from frying pan, lay them on top of potatoes.
Bake at 350 degrees for 50 to 60 minutes. The juices from the pork chops will drip down into the potatoes. Let cool for 5 minutes and serve!

Mexican Pizza

MEXICAN PIZZA
This is a simple dish to create and can be a delightful snack at parties. Total prep and cook time will take about 15 - 20 min. I made this last night for dinner, and it was quite tasty! Ingredients can vary depending on your taste buds. Crescent rolls are used as the crust and can be sliced into small appetizer squares or can be served in larger slices as a meal. I added sour cream, avocado, pico, and salsa on the side to spice it up. Optional additions may include olives, chopped tomatoes, green onions, cilantro, and jalapenos.

INGREDIENTS: 

•  1 lb. of ground beef
• 1 packet of taco seasoning
• 1 tsp. of crushed garlic (optional)
• 2 cans of crescent rolls (8 oz. cans)
• 1 can (16 oz.) of refried beans 
• 2 - 3 cups of shredded mixed cheese 
• 1/4 cup canned jalapenos (optional)
• 4 green onions, chopped (optional)
•  1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro for topping (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Brown ground beef and drain. I add a little bit of garlic and some other seasonings for taste when browning the meat, but this is optional. Add packet of taco seasoning after beef is fully cooked through, then simmer. 
3. While beef is cooking, spray Pam onto cookie sheet to prevent sticking. Unroll crescent rolls onto cookie sheet, connecting across and covering the bottom to make an even rectangle crust.
4. Place in oven for 10 - 12 minutes, or until golden brown.
5. Heat refried beans in microwave for two minutes, stir, and cover the top of baked crescent crust.
6. Add ground taco meat evenly spreading over the crust.
7. Add shredded cheese on top. Add any additional toppings such as jalapenos, green onions, or olives. Place back in oven for 4 - 6 minutes in order to melt cheese. Top with cilantro. 
8. Slice into squares for serving. Serve with guacamole, pico, sour cream, salsa, or ranch on side.