Slow cooked apple crisp

Crock pot apple crisp

The other day I purchased a five pound bag of apples from Safeway and they were awful. I peeled two for the kids, and they were completely bruised. There were two apples in the center of the bag that were beginning to rot.

Being the person that I am, I can not waist food. When I hear people complain and say things like "I'd rather starve than to eat...," it's obvious they have never gone hungry before.

Anyhow, I just can't waste food. Instead of tossing the bag I made slow cooked apple crisp. Besides peeling and slicing the apples; it's super easy.

These ingredients are based on using a 5 lb. bag of apples. This recipe also contains nuts.

Slow cooked pulled pork tacos

Taco toppings including cucumbers

This is not exactly a new recipe, but the way I used the slow cooked, pulled pork from Sunday. My kids love tacos so we made tacos out of the slow cooked pork.

You'll need:

• Slow cooked pork recipe
• Taco shells, soft or corn tortillas
• Tomatoes
• Spinach or lettuce
• Black Olives
• Cheese, your choice

Slow cooked pork roast in Coke-Cola

Seared pork roast

I recommend everyone purchase a slow cooker, also known as a crock pot. It's great to cook all types of foods from meat to side dishes to dessert, and all while you're doing something else besides cooking. I often use my slow cooker for meat and sauces and begin cooking them in the early, early morning, or before going to bed.

The other day I used my slow cooker for a sirloin tip pork roast. It was simple, tasty and great in other dishes. I bought the sirloin tip pork roast at Costco, but this cut isn't always available. If this pork roast isn't available buy a shoulder or some other pork roast.

Slow cooked pork in Coco-Cola ingredients

• Pork roast
• 1 whole red bell pepper coarsely chopped
• 1 whole onion coarsely chopped (I prefer Vidalias)
• 1 can Coca-Cola
• Salt 
• Pepper
• Garlic powder or fresh
• Grill Mates seasoning (optional & to taste)
• 1Tbsp olive oil

Slow cooked pork in Coco-Cola preparation

Seasoned, slow cooked pork roast

Heat a pan on medium to medium high with olive oil. Coat the pork roast in the salt, pepper, garlic and Grill Mates seasoning and sear it for a minute on each side for a good crust. Place the pork roast in the slow cooker.

Heat the chopped onions and red peppers in the pan for a minute to bring out the flavors. Take the peppers and onions out after a minute or two and set it aside. You won't need these again until the pork roast is nearly finished.

Pour the can of Coca-Cola in the pan to pick up the seasonings and flavors of the meat and pour it over the pork roast. The cooking time will depend on the size of the roast and the temperature setting.

Add the onions and peppers to the pork roast fifteen minutes before taking the roast out of the slow cooker.  They will finish cooking and soften in the slow cooker, and the pork roast will be very tender and fall apart. It tastes great served just as it is or can be used to create other dishes.

Heart healthy alternatives

Opt for a sirloin tip pork roast over a shoulder or butt if you prefer a leaner cut of meat. Exclude the coke to reduce the sugar content. The roast will still taste good without it.