(Culinary.net) If your family is looking for a simple way to serve up a south-of-the-border classic, this Enchilada Casserole can be your ticket to a warm, filling meal.

Find more meal ideas at Culinary.net.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

Enchilada Casserole

• Nonstick cooking spray
• 1          medium yellow onion, chopped
• 12        ounces ground beef
• 1 1/2    teaspoons chili powder
• 3/4       teaspoon ground cumin
• 15        ounces pinto beans, drained
• 20        ounces diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
• 1 1/2    cups sour cream
• 3          tablespoons flour
• 1/2       teaspoon garlic powder
• 12        corn tortillas, 6 inches
• 20        ounces enchilada sauce
• 8          ounces shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2       cup green onions, chopped

1. Heat oven to 350° F. Spray baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In large skillet, cook onion and ground beef until cooked through. Drain, if necessary.
3. Stir in chili powder and cumin. Stir in pinto beans and diced tomatoes; set aside.
4. In small bowl, combine sour cream, flour and garlic powder.
5. Place six tortillas in bottom of baking dish, overlapping as needed. Top tortillas with beef mixture and sour cream mixture. Top with 10 ounces enchilada sauce. Repeat layers.
6. Bake 35-40 minutes.
7. Sprinkle shredded cheese and green onion over casserole. Bake 5 minutes, or until cheese melts.

(Family Features) Mix up your snacking habits with a more nutritious option to serve ahead of a meal or on its own. These Roasted Portobello Mushrooms with Beets and Goat Cheese are ready in just half an hour with only eight ingredients, allowing you to dish up a flavorful bite without going overboard in the kitchen.

Find more recipes at senecafoods.com.

Watch video to see how to make recipe!

Roasted Portobello Mushrooms with Beets and Goat Cheese

• 1          jar (16 ounces) Aunt Nellie's Whole Pickled Beets
• 4          large portobello mushrooms (about 1 pound)
• 1/4       teaspoon salt
• 1/4       teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2       cup fresh bread crumbs, such as sourdough or whole wheat. (See note below)
• 1/4       cup sliced green onions or chopped chives
• 1/4       cup      coarsely chopped walnuts, toasted
• 1/2       cup (2 ounces) crumbled goat cheese

1. Heat oven to 400°F.
2. Drain beets. Coarsely chop 1/2 cup beets.
3. Trim stems flat and remove gills from mushroom caps using a spoon. Place caps, rounded side down, on foil-lined baking sheet; season with salt and pepper.
4. In medium bowl, combine chopped beets, bread crumbs, green onions and walnuts. Spoon mixture into caps and top with goat cheese.
5. Bake 12 to 15 minutes or until heated through and mushrooms are tender.

Note: Using a food processor, pulse a few pieces of sour dough or wheat bread several times until finely crumbled.

Source: Seneca Foods

Use on-hand ingredients for a quick-fix meal

(Family Features) Between juggling the ever-shifting to-do list and busy weeknights, there’s not always time left in the day to comb through cookbooks to find the perfect recipe. Even with a potential meal plan in mind, life can get in the way, and running to the grocery store might not be a top priority.

For a quick meal without a lot of hassle, an option such as Eckrich Smoked Sausage can be paired with whatever you have in the refrigerator or pantry for a fast, foolproof meal the whole family can enjoy. Since it is pre-cooked, all you have to do is heat and eat, taking the guesswork out of cook time while offering a rich and savory protein option for a balanced and delicious meal.

With flavors and forms ranging from the Original Skinless Smoked Sausage Rope to spicy Jalapeno & Cheddar Smoked Sausage Links, a home-cooked breakfast, lunch or dinner is just moments away – no instructions or plans needed. You can be a rebel without a cookbook and deliver diverse and delightful meals for your loved ones, such as this Veggie Smoked Sausage Stir-Fry.

For more mealtime inspiration, visit Eckrich.com.

Veggie Smoked Sausage Stir-Fry

Cook time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4

• 1          package Eckrich smoked sausage, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
• 4          servings premade white or brown rice
• 1          tablespoon peanut oil
• 1          bag (16 ounces) frozen stir-fry vegetable mix
• 1          package stir-fry dry seasoning mix
• 2          tablespoons honey
• 1          teaspoon vinegar
• 2          tablespoons sesame oil
• toasted sesame seeds (optional)
• sliced green onions (optional)

1. In pan over medium-high heat, brown sausage; set aside.
2. Heat white or brown rice according to package instructions.
3. In same pan over medium-high heat, heat peanut oil and stir-fry vegetable mix. Add stir-fry dry seasoning mix, honey, vinegar and sesame oil.
4. Divide rice, sausage and stir-fry mixture among four bowls.
5. Sprinkle each with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions, if desired.

Source: Eckrich

(Family Features) Looking for a way to kick up the flavor for your game-day party? Tailgating by the stadium or watching on a big screen, you can add great taste to the menu with a versatile cheese such as Jarlsberg.

Great for snacking, sandwiches and cooking, this popular cheese has a mellow, nutty flavor, a creamy, buttery texture and melts beautifully. You can find it in wedges, random-weight pieces and convenient slices.

Jarlsberg can be a tasty part of any tailgate experience - try some of these ideas to score big with your guests:

* Super Sliders: Mini beef, turkey or bison burgers topped with sliced Jarlsberg (or Jarlsberg Lite).
* Deep Fried Cheese Sticks: Creamy goodness battered and fried; take their flavor up a notch with marinara or spicy barbecue sauce for dipping.
* Ham & Cheese Calzones: Salty, smoky ham and gooey melted Jarlsberg all wrapped up in a munch-and-carry pastry.
* Kickin' Kebabs: Skewer great taste by alternating cheese cubes with pickled vegetables and chunks of cured ham or smoked sausage.

This recipe for Cheese Stuffed Jalapeño Peppers is an easy way to bring some heat to the game - they can be made ahead of time, then just popped onto the grill or under the broiler to be ready before the next time out.

For more recipes with big flavor, visit www.jarlsberg.com/us.

Cheese Stuffed Jalapeño Peppers

Makes 16 appetizers

• 16 pickled jalapeño peppers, rinsed and drained
• 2 4-ounce logs fresh goat cheese
• 1 cup grated Jarlsberg cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Manchego cheese*
• 1/4 cup diced green onion (scallions)
• Dash of hot sauce
• Cilantro leaves
• Optional garnish: pickled mini hot red pepper

1. Using small sharp knife, cut slit down one side of each pepper. Leave stem intact and remove seeds and veins. In bowl, mash goat cheese with Jarlsberg, Manchego, onion and hot sauce. Divide among peppers, stuffing each generously. Refrigerate. (Recipe can be made ahead to this point.)
2. Arrange peppers in heavy aluminum foil packet. Grill 8 - 10 minutes until cheese begins to melt. Garnish with cilantro and, if desired, hot red peppers.

*If you can't find Manchego, use 1-1/2 cups Jarlsberg cheese.

Source: Norseland

Jazzing Up Brunch New Orleans-Style

(Family Features) Much like Mardi Gras, beignets and jazz music, brunch is a true New Orleans tradition. But you don't have to live in the Big Easy to enjoy the big taste of New Orleans-Style food, especially as home-hosted brunches have been surging in popularity. When the crisp fall weather blows in this year, warm things up with a fun and flavorful mid-day feast for friends and family.

With home chefs looking for more intimate and casual settings to enjoy a good meal, Zatarain's, the brand that's been serving up New Orleans-Style food for over 120 years, makes it easy to bring brunch back to its roots: the home kitchen.

Tired of the same standard brunch fare? Add a little jazz to your daylight soiree with authentic and original dishes sure to spice up the occasion. Creole Cheddar Cheese Corn Muffins and Fried Green Tomatoes with Crab and Remoulade Sauce are sure crowd pleasers. Finish off the meal with a sweet and satisfying Bananas Foster Bread Pudding with Rum Butter Sauce, a true New Orleans favorite. This Southern spin on brunch is a fresh and fun way to entertain guests at home.

For more information on how to enjoy brunch like a true New Orleanian, visit www.facebook.com/zatarains. Check out more recipes, as well as a fun app sure to jazz up any Facebook page.

Zatarain's Jambalaya Breakfast Casserole

Makes 16 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour

• 1 package Zatarain's Jambalaya Mix
• 1 pound cooked ham, coarsely chopped
• 8 eggs, lightly beaten
• 2 cups half-and-half
• 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions

1. Prepare Jambalaya Mix as directed on package, using ham in place of the smoked sausage.
2. Preheat oven to 350° F. Mix eggs and half-and-half in large bowl until well mixed. Add cheese, bell pepper and onions; mix until well blended. Set aside. Spread rice mixture evenly in bottom of greased 13x9-inch baking dish. Pour egg mixture over top.
3. Bake 30 minutes or until eggs are set. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Source: Zatarain's

(Family Features) Even though salads can be enjoyed year-round, the warmer months signal salad season for some fans of al fresco dining. Barbecues, family reunions, picnics, potlucks, block parties, pool parties or simple family dinners are a few reasons to savor the season, and all are ideal occasions to serve a salad.

This versatile Middle Eastern-Inspired Bean Salad can be assembled ahead of time and served chilled or at room temperature.

Beginning with a can of READ 3 or 4 Bean Salad can help streamline prep and provide a pleasing flavor to complement the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, parsley and mint in the salad. The hummus-based dressing combined with a traditional Middle Eastern spice blend gets a bright accent from a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

Colorful Pickled Beet and Red Quinoa Salad is also an option that can be served chilled or at room temperature, and can make for a vegetarian main dish or side salad.

At just the right size for a salad, Aunt Nellie’s Whole Baby Pickled Beets are teamed with red quinoa and punctuated with chickpeas, almonds and feta. The fresh orange vinaigrette helps tie the flavors together.

For additional salad inspiration, visit READSalads.com and AuntNellies.com.

Middle Eastern-Inspired Bean Salad

Prep time: 20 minutes
Servings: 6

• 1          can (15 ounces) READ 3 or 4 Bean Salad
• 1/2       cup halved cherry or grape tomatoes
• 1          small cucumber (4-5 inches long), cut in half lengthwise then thinly sliced crosswise
• 2          green onions, thinly sliced
• 1/2       cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2          tablespoons chopped fresh mint
• 1          small clove garlic, minced
• 1/4       teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Dressing:

• 2          tablespoons prepared hummus
• 1          tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/4-1/2   teaspoon za'atar seasoning blend

1. Drain bean salad. Discard liquid. Place bean salad in large bowl.
2. Add tomatoes, cucumber, onions, parsley, mint, garlic and red pepper flakes to bean salad. Toss to combine.
3. To make dressing: Combine hummus, lemon juice and seasoning; set aside.
4. Add dressing to salad just before serving; toss to combine well. Serve at room temperature or chilled.

Pickled Beet and Red Quinoa Salad with Orange Vinaigrette

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 15-20 minutes
Servings: 8

Vinaigrette:

• 1/4       cup fresh orange juice
• 1          tablespoon orange zest
• 1/2       teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
• 1/4       teaspoon salt (optional)
• 2          tablespoons olive oil

Salad:

• 1          jar (16 ounces) Aunt Nellie's Baby Whole Pickled Beets
• 1          can (15 ounces) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 1/2       cup thinly sliced green onion
• 1/2       cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2       cup red quinoa, cooked according to package directions (about 1 1/2 cups cooked)
• 1/2       cup coarsely chopped almonds, toasted
• 1/3       cup crumbled reduced-fat or traditional feta cheese
• 1          tablespoon orange zest

1. To make vinaigrette: In small bowl, whisk together orange juice, orange zest, black pepper, salt, if desired, and olive oil; set aside.
2. To make salad: Drain beets. Place in large bowl; set aside.
3. Add chickpeas, green onion, parsley and quinoa to beets. Add vinaigrette; toss to combine well.
4. Just before serving, add almonds to salad; toss to combine well. Sprinkle with feta cheese and orange zest. Serve at room temperature or chilled.

Source: Seneca Foods

(Family Features) Putting healthy meals on the table continues to be a year-round goal for many families, one that can become more difficult with the satisfying and savory flavors of comfort-food season. From breakfast to dinner and every meal in-between, it can feel daunting to prepare simple and nutritious recipes without sacrificing taste.

While seeking healthier options for day-to-day meal planning and preparation, it’s important to start your decision-making at the grocery store. Look for items like all-natural Pure Farmland Bacon, made from pork raised without antibiotics. In addition, it contains no artificial ingredients, preservatives, MSG or added hormones, so you can feel good about incorporating a family favorite like bacon into any meal of the day.

Start the day with Baked Eggs in Avocado with Bacon, combining superfoods with a protein boost for an ideal, health-conscious breakfast. When it’s time to gather for a family dinner, try something new such as Bacon and Spaghetti Squash Fritter with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce for a filling and flavorful meal that can please nearly any palate.

Find more recipes that keep nutrition top of mind without forgoing flavor at farmlandfoods.com.

Baked Eggs in Avocado with Bacon

Prep time: 30 minutes
Servings: 2

•             Nonstick cooking spray
• 1          avocado, halved and pitted
• 2          eggs
• kosher salt, to taste
• freshly cracked pepper, to taste
• 2          slices Pure Farmland All-Natural Uncured Bacon, cooked, crumbled
• 2          tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 1          tablespoon chopped chives
• smoked paprika, for garnish
• hot sauce, for garnish (optional)

1. Heat oven to 425° F. Spray baking sheet or glass baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Scoop additional 1-2 tablespoons out of avocado halves to create wells for eggs.
3. Place avocados flesh-side up on prepared baking sheet or glass pan. Gently crack one egg in each avocado well, keeping yolks intact. Bake 15-18 minutes, or until eggs reach desired temperature.
4. Add salt and pepper, to taste. Top with crumbled bacon, Parmesan cheese and chopped chives. Garnish with paprika and hot sauce, if desired.

Bacon and Spaghetti Squash Fritter with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

Prep time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4

Bacon-Spaghetti Squash Fritter:

• 4          cups cooked spaghetti squash
• 6          slices Pure Farmland All-Natural Uncured Bacon, cooked, chopped, fat reserved
• 4          green onions, white parts only, sliced thin
• 2          eggs, lightly beaten
• 1/2       cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/3       cup all-purpose flour

Romesco Sauce:

• 2          roasted red peppers, fresh or jarred
• 4          plum tomatoes, roasted, skins removed
• 3/4       cup almonds, toasted
• 4          cloves garlic, roasted
• 2          tablespoons sherry vinegar
• 2          teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1/2       teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2       cup olive oil
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste

1. To make Bacon–Spaghetti Squash Fritter: Place spaghetti squash in large bowl. Add bacon, green onions, eggs and cheese. Stir to combine. Add flour and mix until combined. Form into patties.
2. Heat large saute pan over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons reserved bacon fat. Add fritters in batches and cook until well browned on both sides, approximately 2-3 minutes per side.
3. To make Romesco Sauce: In food processor, pulse roasted red peppers, plum tomatoes, almonds, garlic, sherry vinegar, smoked paprika and cayenne pepper to combine. Slowly add in olive oil and season with salt and pepper, to taste.
4. Pour Romesco Sauce over Bacon-Spaghetti Squash Fritter before serving.

Source: Farmland

Score major points with delicious dishes

(Family Features) If the crew is coming over to root for your favorite team, it may be time to spice up the menu. Whether you’re hosting the weekend get-together or watching the game after work, switch up your typical spread and serve something new to leave your guests cheering for more.

When it comes to choosing an ingredient that can lend a winning assist to nearly any dish and score you some major points, look no further than California Ripe Olives.

Variety is key when mapping out food for a crowd, regardless of the event. Plan on serving one main course and two sides, and consider no-fuss options like chips and dips. If there are kids in attendance, make sure there is something neutral for even the pickiest eaters to snack on. However, try your best to avoid anything that needs a knife and fork to eat – finger foods typically work best when the game is on and conversation is flowing.

The mild and unique taste of California Ripe Olives lends itself well to many different flavor pairings, such as these recipes for Pulled Pork Sandwiches with Peach-Olive Jam, Easy Olive Bread and Sun-Dried Tomato and Olive Tapenade. Whether your guests are fans of spicy, mild, sweet or savory, the only limit is your imagination when you pull a can of olives from the pantry.

Family farms across California grow 95 percent of the ripe olives consumed in the United States. Each can is a labor of love. Multi-generational family farms work with family-owned canneries in California to produce each can and ensure only the highest quality olives make it from the farm to your game-day table. For more creative ways to use olives, including family recipes from growers across California, visit CalOlive.org .

Simple Entertaining Tips to Take Your Table to the Next Level

1. A colorful platter is an easy way to spice up a spread.
2. Pair something salty with something sweet for a juxtaposition of flavors.
3. If you’re serving food on neutral plates, add some colorful linens.
4. Plan the menu around a central theme or ingredient.
5. Guests love choices – making more options available can make for better spreads.
6. Use versatile ingredients, like California Ripe Olives, to keep picky eaters happy.

Pulled Pork Sandwiches with Peach-Olive Jam

• 1          teaspoon olive oil
• 3          pounds pork shoulder roast
• kosher salt, to taste
• ground black pepper, to taste
• 4          cloves garlic, quartered
• 4          cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 8          ounces dried peaches
• 1          tablespoon chili powder
• 1          cup California Black Ripe Olives, wedged
• 2          teaspoons country mustard
• 1          ounce arugula
• 8          onion rolls, split and toasted

1. Heat oven to 375° F.
2. In large, high-sided saute pan, heat oil over medium-high heat.
3. Season pork with salt and pepper, to taste, and cook in pan 3-4 minutes on each side until browned.
4. Stir in garlic and continue cooking 3-5 minutes.
5. Pour in chicken broth, peaches and chili powder; bring to boil.
6. Cover loosely with foil and bake in oven 2 hours.
7. With slotted spoon, carefully remove peaches and transfer to small mixing bowl. Mix olives and mustard with peaches; set aside.
8. Continue to cook pork in oven 30-60 minutes until fork tender.
9. Allow to cool slightly then shred by pulling apart with fork.
10. Assemble sandwiches by spooning pork onto toasted rolls.
11. Top with arugula and peach-olive mixture.

Easy Olive Bread

Recipe courtesy of The Wicked Noodle

• 8          ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4       cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2       cup mayonnaise
• 1          clove garlic, minced
• 2          cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 10        ounces California Green Ripe Olives, chopped
• 2          green onions, chopped
• 1          loaf French bread, sliced in half lengthwise

1. Heat oven to 350° F.
2. In bowl, mix cream cheese, butter and mayonnaise until thoroughly combined. Add garlic; stir well to distribute. Add cheddar cheese, green olives and green onions; stir to combine.
3. Spread mixture on cut sides of bread. Bake 20-30 minutes, until cheese is hot, bubbly and starting to brown.

Sun-Dried Tomato and Olive Tapenade

• 1/2       cup shallots, chopped
• 1/4       cup chopped smoked sun-dried tomatoes
• 2          tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2          tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
• 2          cloves garlic, minced
• 1          can (6 ounces) California Green Ripe Olives, drained
• 1          can (6 ounces) California Black Ripe Olives, drained
• 1/4       cup lightly packed fresh basil
• sea salt, to taste
• freshly ground pepper, to taste
• crackers or toasted baguette slices

1. In food processor, pulse shallots, sun-dried tomatoes, olive oil, vinegar and garlic until finely chopped. Add olives, basil, salt and pepper; pulse again until chopped.
2. Cover and chill 1 hour.
3. Serve with crackers or toasted baguette slices.

Note: Recipe can be prepared one day in advance.

Photo courtesy of The Wicked Noodle (Easy Olive Bread)

Source:  California Olive Committee

Wholesome ingredients can help up your intake during the dark days of winter

(Family Features) Staying indoors and wrapping up in a blanket is one way to avoid winter’s frigid weather, but less exposure to the sun can also put you at risk of a vitamin D deficiency. Milk is the primary source of vitamin D in the American diet, according to research published in the FASEB Journal, making it a great choice on dark winter days.

An 8-ounce glass of milk provides 30 percent of the daily value of vitamin D, so just three cups of milk each day will provide 90 percent of your body’s recommended daily requirements. Milk is also an easy way to get other essential nutrients like B vitamins for energy, high-quality protein for lean muscle and vitamin A for a healthy immune system.

When you need a quick way to warm up on a cold day, try this creamy chicken corn chowder recipe that can be made with a pressure cooker. Cooked with wholesome ingredients like milk, chicken and potatoes and topped with bacon and green onions, it’s an easy and delicious addition to your weekly meal rotation. For more recipes to warm up your winter, visit milklife.com.

Pressure Cooker Corn Chowder

Servings: 12

• 6          slices (6 ounces each) thick-cut bacon, chopped
• 1          small yellow onion, diced
• 3          cloves garlic, minced
• 1          pound boneless skinless chicken breast, diced
• 1          bag (16 ounces, about 3 1/3 cups) frozen corn kernels
• 4          cups chicken broth
• 1          pound unpeeled or peeled Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into 1/4-1/2-inch chunks
• 1/2       teaspoon kosher salt, plus additional, to taste
• 1/2       teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper, plus additional, to taste
• 2          tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 1/2    cups fat-free milk
• 2-3       green onions, sliced (optional)
• 1          tablespoon heavy cream or half-and-half (optional)

1. Heat large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped bacon and cook until crispy. Using a slotted spoon, transfer cooked bacon to paper towel-lined plate and pour off all but 1 tablespoon bacon fat.
2. Return skillet to stove. Add onion and garlic; saute 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Add diced chicken and frozen corn; saute for an additional 3 minutes, stirring often.
3. Remove skillet from heat and transfer contents to pressure cooker. Add chicken broth, potatoes, salt and pepper. Close and seal pressure cooker, making sure the vent is in the sealed position. Cook on high 8 minutes.
4. While the chowder cooks, make a slurry by whisking cornstarch (or flour) into milk. Set aside.
5. When done, remove pressure cooker from heat. Allow pressure to release on its own or carefully quick-release pressure after a few minutes. Stir in the cornstarch-milk slurry. Cover and allow chowder to thicken for 10-15 minutes before serving.
6. Portion soup into bowls and generously top with bacon. Garnish with green onion and cream or half-and-half, if desired. Season with additional salt and pepper, to taste.

Nutritional information per serving: 190 calories; 5 g fat; 1.5 g saturated fat; 35 mg cholesterol; 14 g protein; 20 g carbohydrates; 2 g fiber; 530 mg sodium; 52 mg calcium (6% of daily value). Nutrition figures based on using fat-free milk.

Source: MilkPEP

(Family Features) Throughout 2018, you can create easy, healthy and delicious family meals by using time-saving recipes.

For example, these “Cook Once, Eat Twice” recipes from CanolaInfo start with pork chops that double as the base for lunch or dinner the following day.

“The more you cook your own meals, the more you can control portion sizes and ingredients,” said Manuel Villacorta, registered dietitian. “Knowing the right oil to use is essential. I like using canola oil to keep the flavors of your dishes intact due to its neutral taste and light texture. Plus, it contains high levels of monounsaturated fat and plant-based omega 3 fat, and is low in saturated fat. I use it regularly in my home kitchen and recommend it to my clients.”

For more time-saving recipes, visit canolainfo.org.

Pork Loin Chops with Sweet Balsamic Mushrooms

Servings: 8

• 8          boneless center-cut pork loin chops (4 ounces each), trimmed of fat
• 1/2       teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2          tablespoons canola oil, divided
• 12        ounces sliced portobello mushrooms
• 2          garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2       teaspoon salt, divided
• 2          tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 2          tablespoons water
• 2          teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1          teaspoon sugar
• 2          tablespoons chopped green onions

1. Sprinkle both sides of pork with pepper.
2. In large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon canola oil. Cook pork chops 4 minutes on each side, or until internal temperature reaches 160 F.
3. Reserve four pork chops in refrigerator to make Pressed Pepperoncini-Pork Sandwiches.
4. In skillet over medium-high heat, heat remaining canola oil; tilt skillet to coat bottom lightly. Cook mushrooms 4-5 minutes, or until tender and juices begin to release, stirring occasionally. Stir in garlic and 1/4 teaspoon salt; cook 15 seconds, stirring constantly. Place over pork chops; cover to keep warm.
5. To pan residue, add vinegar, water, Worcestershire sauce, sugar and remaining salt. Bring to boil over medium-high heat and boil 1 1/2-2 minutes, or until reduced to 2 tablespoons, scraping bottom and sides of skillet. Drizzle sauce over pork and mushrooms. Sprinkle with onions.

Pressed Pepperoncini-Pork Sandwiches

Servings: 4

• 12        ounces crusty French bread, unsliced
• 4          leftover pork chops from Pork Loin Chops with Sweet Balsamic Mushrooms recipe
• 2/3       cup pepperoncini slices
• 1          plum tomato, chopped
• 1/4       cup finely chopped red onion
• 2          garlic cloves, minced
• 1 1/2    tablespoons canola oil
• 1 1/2    tablespoons cider vinegar
• 1 1/2    teaspoons dried oregano
• 1/4       teaspoon dried pepper flakes
• 3          slices ultra-thin sliced Swiss cheese, cut in half

1. Hollow out top and bottom halves of bread, leaving 1/2-inch thick shell.
2. Place pork on bottom half of bread. In bowl, combine pepperoncini, tomato, onion, garlic, canola oil, vinegar, oregano and pepper flakes. Spoon pepperoncini mixture and any accumulated juices on top of pork and top with cheese.
3. Cover with top half of loaf. Press down firmly to flatten sandwich and allow flavors and juices to absorb. Cut filled loaf crosswise into four equal pieces.

Source: CanolaInfo