Brown Sugar and Balsamic Glazed Pork Loin

Last night was another crock-pot dinner night. I don't usually do back to back crock-pot meals, but I found this recipe (again, on Pinterest) and really wanted to try it. I love anything with the word balsamic in it, and this was no exception!

Ingredients
1 (2 pound) pork loin *I used bone-in, the bone fell right out when it was done.
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1/2 cup water

Glaze
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1/2 cup water
2 tablespoons soy sauce

Directions
Combine basil, salt, pepper and garlic. Rub over roast. Place in slow cooker with 1/2 cup water. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. About 1 hour before roast is done, combine ingredients for glaze in a small sauce pan. Heat and stir until mixture thickens. Brush roast with glaze 2 or 3 times during the last hour of cooking. Serve with remaining glaze on the side.

I of course forgot to charge my camera, and therefore have no pictures.

Crock-Pot Italian Alfredo Chicken

As previously posted, tonight's menu includes a chicken alfredo dish. It's a variation of a recipe I found on Pinterest. I tweaked it a bit for our family's tastes, and it turned out AWESOME!

Ingredients:
3-5 Frozen Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
1 Jar Alfredo Sauce *I used a roasted garlic sauce, because I LOVE garlic*
1 Brick of Cream Cheese
1 Packet of Italian Dressing Seasoning
Milk

Directions:
In the bottom of a crock-pot mix the jar of alfredo sauce, cream cheese (I softened mine for 30 seconds in the microwave, or you can leave out for a bit beforehand to soften.) and packet of italian dressing mix. Add a splash of milk to thin out the sauce. Place chicken breasts on top of the sauce mixture, and cook on low 6-8 hours. My chicken always falls apart, so I shred it. Serve over your choice of prepared pasta. I use bow-tie.

That's it! It's sooo simple, and sooo delicious! Little L goes crazy for this, she loves anything with a sauce.

About Us

Hi there, i'm Mrs. L! I'm a wife and mommy to some pretty awesome people. Mr. L is a hardworking diesel technician who loves to eat. Little L is an almost 2 year old, energetic little girl who also loves to eat. Therefore, I cook a lot! Luckily, I love to cook and try new recipes, so I thought i'd start a little blog about our life and what we eat.

We live in middle of nowhere, Indiana. You know, by those cornfields... We live in a sort of, family compound. My mom and dad live next door, grandma and grandpa live in front of us and my brother and sister in law live below us in a converted basement apartment. We get together for dinner at least 3 times a week, and try and rotate houses and who cooks. Although, I offer to prepare dinner most often.

Living in the middle of nowhere has its advantages and disadvantages. Being in a farm town, we have access to yummy fresh produce! My favorite farm stand is a quick 2 minute drive down the road, and we go almost daily during the summer. Going into town is about a 10 minute drive. The town consists of the grocery store, post office, library, gas stations and a handful of fast food restaurants. Not a whole lot to do. Good shopping and fun places are an at least 30 minute drive away.

Well, that gets you a little look into our exciting lives. Now, on to the important stuff. DINNER! My parents and my uncle are eating with us, here's tonight's menu;

Crock-Pot Italian Alfredo Chicken Over Bow Tie Pasta
Garlicky Brussel Sprouts
Fresh Baked French Bread

Recipes to follow... Hope you enjoy!