Money Saving Tip #2

Ok, so I wanted to try to post things I made more often, but the last couple of days have been pretty busy for me, and I have a sore throat... I don't think I'm ever picking up another kid besides mine in the church nursery again, lol. So, I decided I'd post another "tip." This is one of the ways that I save myself some money.

It's pretty simple. Some people know they can do this, but you would be surprised how many people don't.

Instead of purchasing individual packages of pork chops, buy a big unseasoned pork loin. Doing this will save you normally, anywhere from 50-75 cents per pound. Every penny counts! I LOVE doing it this way, because not only do I save my family money, but I can choose how thick and thin I want the chops. And I don't have to worry about bones, either. Pork loins at the grocery store I purchase from are generally 11-12 lb loins. I cut them into 32 chops, and then put them into four labeled freezer storage bags. 

Evan loves pork chops. It's one of the few things I don't really have to coax him to eat. I did make a great meal tonight, and he gobbled it up. I didn't take any pictures, because honestly, I was being lazy. And I have a sore throat. For some reason, that pretty much renders me from doing anything. Me, and more poor poor throat. Who wants to throw me a pity party? If you do, make the cupcakes from my last post. ;)

I'm gonna post the "recipe" for the chops I made. They were good and really easy. It was basically a cheaped up version of apple onion pork chops. I didn't have apples, because I never buy them since I can't eat them, but I always have apple juice on hand. So I used that! Recipe below: (This is for MY family portion. If you are not cooking for leftovers, you could half it if you want to.)

Onion Apple Juice Chops:

8 pork chops, 1/2" thick

2 medium onions, chopped

1 cup apple juice

1 tablespoon brown sugar

garlic and onion powder

Salt and pepper

Oil for frying

Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees. Heat oil in frying pan on medium heat. Salt and pepper both sides of chops. Brown chops on both sides and transfer to a baking dish. Using same oil, sautee onions until tender. Add apple juice, brown sugar, and garlic and onion powder (to your liking.) Bring to boiling, turn heat down and simmer for 5 minutes or so, to cook down the liquid a little. Pour mixture over chop. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until chops are no longer pink in the middle and juices run clear. (Or use a thermometer. They should reach 160 degree.)

If you try it, let me know. I would love to know if you liked it.