APPETIZER

Sweet and Sour Meatballs

2 1/2 cups light brown sugar
3/4 vinegar
1 1/2 cups water
1 1/2 cup pineapple juice (the juice from a 28 1/2 oz. can of crushed pineapple is almost enough, just add a little water to make the complete 1 1/2 cup)
4 Tablespoons cornstarch

1 5LB. bag frozen meatballs      Cook them in the oven for 20 minutes at 350.   (You could make your own meatballs but frozen is easy)

In your crock pot or large skillet combine the liquids with sugar and simmer until the mixture thickens.  Once thickened add the meatballs and keep warm.  You could actually add the  crushed pineapple that was left from the liquid you extracted.  Also these meatballs are so yummy that you could put them on rice or chinese noodles and have them for dinner. Enjoy!


SMOTHERED PORK CHOPS

1 Tablespoon veggy oil, canola oil or olive oil
4 pork chops
Salt and Pepper
1/2 cup water or chicken broth
2 cups onion
2 cups mushrooms

Remember, if feeding a large crowd or family double the recipe!

In a large skillet heat oil over med/med high heat.  Sear the chops in the hot oil about 2 min. on each side.  Salt and pepper them while searing.  Pour water or chicken broth over the chops, cover and simmer over low heat for 30 min.  Add the mushrooms and onions and continue cooking 20 min.  This is delicious!  Even if you family does not like onions or mushrooms, use them and leave them off their plates when serving.  The flavor is so yummy and will benefit the pork......... and the family guests will not know.   :0)

OLD FASHION SUGAR COOKIES

2 sticks butter
1 cup sugar
1 egg
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon soda
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/4 teaspoon salt

Cream butter and add sugar, egg and vanilla.  Mix until light and creamy.  Add the mixed dry ingtedients.  Chill dough.  Roll out lightly.  Use your cookies cutters.  My suggestion, since it is February, is to use your "heart cutter" we received at the women's retreat..  Share some love, your heart, with those all around you.
Bake at 350 for 8/10 minutes.  Watch carefully. 

Just a quick suggestion for those of you who have children.  Please take the time to make the cookies and let your kids frost them.  Be festive!  Buy a can of vanilla frosting and separate into 4 bowls.  Use your food coloring for each bowl, buy some cinnamon hearts and other small candies to decorate.  Enjoy the experience.

Lastly, use the bake art dough recipe and make a "Heart Centerpiece" using the heart cookie cutter.  Slide a skewer (which was soaked in water) into the bake art dough and bake.  See recipe on my blogspot below "Bake Art Dough".  Let the kids paint the hearts and put together in a vase.  Give the hearts out..........let people everywhere know you love them!

Love and Hugs from Pat's kitchen.