Two Crockpot Meals: Fruit-Stuffed Pork Chops and Roasted New Potatoes and Carrots

Well, it's another two crockpot day here at my house.  All afternoon, my husband has been happily basking in the scents coming out of my kitchen.  I'm pleased to say that he thoroughly enjoyed the taste of the meal as well!  (The kids even liked it, too.)

Fruit-Stuffed Pork Chops

Ingredients:
~1 boneless pork loin roast
~1 cup dried fruits (I used cranberries and cherries)
~1 tablespoon minced onion
~1 teaspoon salt
~1 teaspoon thyme
~1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
~1/2 teaspoon black pepper
~2 tablespoons olive oil
~1 cup apple cider

Directions:

Cut pork horizontally (think hot dog bun).

Layer dried fruit and minced onion in opening.

Bring halves of pork together and tie at 1-inch intervals with kitchen twine.  In a small bowl, combine remaining dry ingredients and rub into roast.

Place roast in skillet with oil and brown roast on all sides.  Spray slow cooker with cooking spray and add the roast.  Pour in the apple cider.  Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours.

Roasted New Potatoes and Carrots

Ingredients:
~1 1/2 pounds new potatoes, unpeeled
~1/2 pound carrots (I took the very-easy route and used bagged carrot chips)
~1/2 cup butter, melted
~1 tablespoon dried parsley
~1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
~1/2 teaspoon salt
~1/2 teaspoon black pepper
~1/2 teaspoon paprika

Directions:

Spray inside of crockpot with cooking spray.  Add potatoes and carrots.  Mix melted butter and spices.  Pour mixture over potatoes and carrots and stir.  Cover and cook on high for about 3-4 hours.

~nikki