Trying New Things

Pauline recently gave me some Taste of Home magazines, and they had tons of very delicious looking recipes in them.  So I thought I would try some this week.  So far, we've had a little luck and one not so good one. 

Bow Ties with Asparagus and Prosciutto

• 1 pkg. bow tie pasta
• 1 1/2 c. whipping cream
• 1 lb. fresh asparagus trimmed and cut into 1 inch pieces. 
• 3 Tbs. water
• 1/2 c. shredded Parmesan cheese
• 6 oz. thinly sliced prosciutto or deli ham, cut into strips

1. Cook the pastas according to package directions.  Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, bring cream to boil.  Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 6-7 min.  or until slightly thickened.  (I added a little cornstarch, some garlic salt, and Italian spices too.)
2. Place asparagus and water in a microwave safe dish.  Cover; microwave on high for  3-4 minutes or until crisp-tender.  Drain.
3. Drain pasta and place in a large serving bowl. Add the cream, asparagus, Parmesan cheese and prosciutto.  Toss to coat. 

Pork Chops with Pears

• 1 can (15 oz.) pear halves
• 6 pork chops (3/4 inches thick)....it says bone in chops, but ya know.
• 3 Tbs. butter
• 1/3 c. packed brown sugar
• 1 tsp. prepared mustard

1. Drain pears, reserving the juice; cut pears into slices ans set aside.  In a large skillet, brown the pork chops in butter.  Transfer to a greased 13 x 9 baking dish.
2. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, mustard and reserved pear juice.  Pour over chops; top with pear slices.
3. Bake, uncovered at 350 for 40-45 min or until meat thermometer reads 160.

Included in the picture above, are the maple-orange vegetable ribbons.  They looked really good, but we didn't appreciate them as much after eating them.  :)