Gluten Free: Cole slaw, pork chops, potato slices…. and a good conversation.

Ok, so I didn’t take a picture. I was much too wrapped up in the conversation I was having with my love. What were we talking about? LOL – the best part is, I couldn’t even tell you. I was just soaking up every minute of it though. Sometimes the absolute best way to begin an evening is to sit at the kitchen table (which we made/painted together) and eat good food.

Last night he had convinced me to order out Mexican. Needless to say, I can easily find and trust the gluten-free menu items, but the flavoring? Nope. Didn’t suit me. I think I prefer the food we cook at home now. Honestly, the meat is fresher (heck – I bought it! I know when it’s dated, etc) etc. It’s just much better.

Point and case? Tonight’s dinner: Cole Slaw, pork chops, and potatoes.

For the Cole Slaw:

  1. Shred 1/2 head of green cabbage, chop up cilantro (1/3 c. chopped) and 1-2 apples (small/medium).
  2. Mix together Slaw ingredients: 1/2 c. mayo, 3-4 T. rice wine vinegar, sugar & salt to taste, red pepper (sweet red pepper) flakes.
  3. Pour slaw over chopped cabbage, cilantro and apples. Stir together. Taste test! (Of course!) Add raisins, nuts, etc as desired.
  4. Put slaw into fridge and chill for a couple hours.

For the Potato Slices:

  1. Slice 2-3 baking potatoes thinly (I used a mandolin).
  2. Soak in hot water for 5-10 minutes; changing the water at least once.
  3. Preheat oven to 450F.
  4. Drain thoroughly.
  5. Salt/pepper and sprinkle with EVOO. (Extra Virgin Olive Oil = EVOO)
  6. Layer potatoes (one layer is ideal) onto jelly roll pan.
  7. Bake for 25 minutes or until desired doneness. (We like ours with crunchy edges.)

For the Pork Chops:

  1. Salt and pepper 1/2″ thick pork chops (our chops were bone-in).
  2. Put into a preheated/oiled (EVOO) cast iron skillet (medium-high).
  3. Pan fry for 4 minutes and the flip
  4. Cook the other side for an additional 4-5 minutes depending on chop thickness.

After doing the dishes, wiping the table, etc. I made the mistake of looking at the calendar. Does it really say 2 more weeks before I have to get back to work? Oh no! Say it isn’t so!

Oh well. In the mean time, I plan to keep enjoying every conversation, nod, glance, smile and laugh that passes our lips this lifetime. I wish the same for you.