Herb Roasted Pork

Another winner from allrecipes.com! Delicious!

1 teaspoon rubbed sage
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 clove garlic, crushed
1 (5 pound) boneless pork loin
1/2 cup sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/4 cup vinegar
1/4 cup water
2 tablespoons soy sauce

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).

In a bowl, combine sage, salt, pepper, and garlic. Rub thoroughly all over pork. Place pork in an uncovered roasting pan on the middle oven rack.

Bake in the preheated oven approximately 3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches at least 145 degrees F (63 degrees C), depending upon your desired doneness.

Meanwhile, place sugar, cornstarch, vinegar, water, and soy sauce in a small saucepan. Heat, stirring occasionally, until mixture begins to bubble and thicken slightly. Brush roast with glaze 3 or 4 times during the last 1/2 hour of cooking. Pour remaining glaze over roast, and serve.

Notes:
I didn't have sage, so I used an equal amount of savory.

As per the reviews on allrecipes, I used brown sugar and balsamic vinegar.

I used the full amount of the herb rub and the glaze with half the amount of meat.

Layered Taco Dip

Another treasure from the white recipe book (page 31). This is a contribution by Amy Kroeker. She notes: Originally a low-fat recipe, so feel free to substitute lower-fat versions of ingredients.

Bottom layer:
1 cup canned refried beans
1/3 cup sour cream
2 tbsp salsa
1 Tbsp lime juice

Second layer:
1/2 cup peeled and chopped avocado
1/2 cup frozen green peas, cooked
1/4 cup sour cream
2 Tbsp chopped red onions
2 tsp lime juice
1 Tbsp chopped fresh coriander (optional -- it's a love it/hate it taste I think)
1 clove garlic, minced

Third layer:
1 cup sour cream
1 tsp taco seasoning (at least -- add to taste)

Fourth layer:
1 cup salsa

Top layer:
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup chopped green onions

Bottom layer: combine all ingredients for bottom layer in a medium bowl. Spread evenly over the bottom of a 9" pie plate.

Second layer: combine all guacamole ingredients in a blender or food processor. Pulse on and off until mixture is well blended, but still slightly lumpy. Spread over bean mixture.

Third layer: combine sour cream and taco seasoning. Spoon over guacamole and spread evenly.

Fourth layer: pour salsa over sour cream. Spread to sides of pie plate.

Top layer: Sprinkle cheese over salsa and top with green onions.

Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour before serving. Serve with taco chips.

Pizza Sauce

I was thinking regular pizza sauce probably has sugar in it, I thought I'd give this a go and people said it was good.

1 can (14oz) tomato sauce
1 can (14oz) tomato paste
a bunch of dried basil (must have been a few Tbsp)
salt and pepper

The paste gives a thicker texture than just using tomato sauce.

It would also be good with garlic mixed in, and/or real Parmesan cheese. Mmm. Makes me want to make a snack pizza....

Sweet and Sour Farmer Sausage

I believe this recipe is from the Valley Mennonite Academy recipe book, which is another really great collection! Many of the recipes in the book I have are submitted by my aunts.

This sauce is so yummy and simple that I use it every time a recipe calls for sweet and sour sauce.

1 farmer sausage, cut into bite sized pieces
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 Tbsp Worchestershire sauce
1/4 cup vinegar
1/4 cup ketchup
2 Tbsp flour

Brown farmer sausage. Mix remaining ingredients, except flour, and pour over farmer sausage in an oven-safe dish or slow cooker. Simmer about 1 hour (or longer if in slow cooker). Add flour to sauce (to thicken) just before serving.

Notes:
Delicious on pork chops or meatballs.

I used a double batch of the sweet and sour for one full farmer sausage.