Moo Shu Sloppy Joes

Have I got your attention? I combined two recipes to come up with this really tasty - albiet rather unusal - sandwich. Don't knock it until you try it - the ingredients are easy to throw together, and it's got a nice, spicy kick. (I will try to post nutrition info once I figure it out.)

Moo Shu Sloppy Joes

1 lb. lean ground beef
2 tsp. cornstarch
1/2 c. cold water
1/4 c. barbecue sauce
1/4 c. hoisin sauce
1/2 c. soy sauce
3/4 tsp. ground ginger
3 c. broccoli slaw mix
8 8-in whole wheat tortillas

In a large skillet, brown beef until no longer pink. Meanwhile, mix all remaining ingredients except broccoli slaw in a medium bowl. Whisk until well blended. Drain any fat off beef. Add sauce mixture. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Cook 1-2 minutes, or until thickened. Stir in broccoli slaw and mix until coated well. Spoon 1/8 of mixture onto one tortilla.

Serves 4.

Snow Cream

I live in southern Tennessee. We do not expect snow. Not ever. A light dusting, a mere half inch is cause for major excitement 'round here.

So when we got blasted with 6-8 inches (depends on where you live), it was occasion for a little culinary craziness - a. k. a., snow cream. I had no idea how to make it last night, but I set out a bowl anyway. With the help of a friend, I dug up the perfect recipe. It tastes a lot like the ice cream my family made when I was a kid. So should we get a lovely snow like this ever again in my lifetime, guess what I'll be doing? :)

Snow Cream

8 cups snow
14-oz can sweetened condensed milk
1 tsp vanilla

Mix it all in a big bowl. That's it. You may want to use more snow, depending on the consistency you want. Really, it's not about the perfect ice cream, it's about eating ice cream made from snow!

I burrowed a hole down into the snow to pour the milk. It sorta

globs up and this much snow only made about 3 bowls' worth.

Jerk Chops with Pineapple

I modified a recipe from the Biggest Loser cookbook... and oh my word. It was incredible. I am trying to use my crockpot more often, and had learned some time back that pork chops are infinitely better when slow-cooked. With just three ingredients, prep is a snap. I dumped it in the crockpot last night and it's so good I'm eating it for breakfast this morning! Next time I'm doubling it. I can't recommend this enough - it's easy and delicious and healthy. What could be better?

Jerk Chops with Pineapple

1 lb. boneless pork chops, trimmed
1/2 c. jerk marinade (I used KC Masterpiece)
1 24-oz jar pineapple chunks in juice

Spray the bottom of a slow cooker with cooking spray. Layer chops evenly in bottom. In a small bowl, mix marinade and pineapple (with the juice) until well blended. Pour over chops. Cook on low 8-10 hours or until chops are tender. Serves 4.