The weather in Iowa can be unpredictable and can fool us as we all know. Recently the warm weather has melted most of the snow around Iowa and it makes us all feel like we need to be outside even if it is a bit chilly. A local radio station recently reported that the low amounts of snow that we have received this winter will be causing a possible drought problem if we do not receive more moisture. Hopefully we get more moisture to avoid this happening.

However, the first day of spring is March 20 and that is just around the corner. I have to say I am excited for that to happen.

Barbecued Pork Chops

We occasionally like to prepare pork chops for supper. They have been called the other white meat because they are a very lean and healthy meat. Many forms of pork can fit into a heart-healthy diet. This recipe offers a different taste to try the next time you prepare pork chops.

Ingredients

6 to 8 pork chops

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

2 tablespoons vinegar

2 teaspoons brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1/2 teaspoon chili powder

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1/4 teaspoon ground mustard

3/4 cup ketchup

1/3 cup hot water

Instructions

Brown pork chops. Place chops in a roaster pan. Combine all other ingredients and pour over the chops. Bake, uncovered, at 325 degrees for 1 1/2 hours.

Busy Farmer’s Casserole

Believe it or not, this recipe is considered to be a low-calorie recipe. A few years ago, I was a follower of Weight Watchers. One thing I learned from the organization was that you need to be accountable for everything you eat each day. Recording what you eat each day can surprise you, and it does teach you to be mindful of what you eat. I hope you enjoy this recipe as it has 6 points value per serving.

Ingredients

3 cups shredded potatoes (about 12 ounces)

*4 servings egg substitute

1 can evaporated skim milk

*1/2 pound turkey sausage

1 pouch frozen broccoli with cheese, prepared

3 green onions, diced

1/8 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Cook sausage until done. Drain grease off. Spray a 9-by-9-inch casserole dish with cooking spray. Spread potatoes over the bottom of the pan. Mix all the other ingredients together and pour over potatoes. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 to 45 minutes. Yields: 4 servings.

* If you do not have egg substitute, you may use applesauce or mashed bananas.

* Pork sausage is fine to use rather than turkey sausage.

Overnight Apple French Toast

Sometimes it is nice to take the extra time to prepare something for breakfast that is a little special. We have a family member that does not like breakfast served as a supper meal, but most will agree that it is good to occasionally change things up once in a while.

Ingredients

1 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup butter or margarine

2 tablespoons light corn syrup

2 large tart apples, peeled and sliced

3 eggs

1 cup milk

1 teaspoon vanilla

9 slices day-old French bread

Instructions

In a small saucepan, cook brown sugar, butter, and syrup until thick, about 5 to 7 minutes. Pour into an ungreased 9-by-13-inch cake pan; arrange apples on top. Beat eggs, milk and vanilla. Dip bread slices into egg mixture; place over apples. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Remove from the refrigerator about 30 minutes and let sit before baking. Bake, uncovered, for 35 to 40 minutes at 350 degrees. Mix syrup mixture shown below before serving. Enjoy.

French Toast Syrup

1 cup applesauce

1 10-ounce jar apple jelly

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/8 teaspoon ground cloves

Instructions

Combine syrup ingredients in a saucepan. Cook until hot. Serve over french toast. Enjoy.

Baked Rice Pudding

Bread pudding was a dish that my mother-in-law used to prepare and my husband likes to call it “comfort food.” He has fond memories of the dishes she used to prepare.

Ingredients

2 cups milk

1/2 cup raisins

1/4 cup butter

3 beaten eggs

2 cups milk

1/2 cup sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup rice

Cinnamon

Cream or milk

Instructions

In a pan, bring 2 cups milk, uncooked rice and raisins to boiling. Reduce heat, cover and cook over very low heat for about 15 minutes or until rice is tender. Remove from heat; stir in butter until melted. In a mixing bowl, stir together 3 eggs, 2 cups milk, sugar, vanilla and salt. Gradually stir rice mixture into egg mixture. Pour into a 6 -inch-by-10-inch-by-2-inch baking dish. Bake at 325 degrees for 30 minutes. Stir well. Sprinkle with cinnamon and bake 15 to 20 minutes more, or until a knife comes out clean. Serve warm or cold with cream or milk.

Loretta Krahling is a columnist with over 39 years of newspaper experience. If you have a favorite recipe you would like to share or if you have any questions, email them to Loretta at krahling93@gmail.com.