Bare Bones Meals: Pork Chops and Pork Steak

Chilly days and snowy nights mean a hot, savoury dish to warm your bones. Why not try it with pork chops or pork steaks, one of the most reasonably-priced meats nowadays? Pork sausages or bratwurst can also be substituted, with tasty results. An added bonus: these dishes can be quickly made, too.

These recipes serve 4 -- but can be easily expanded. Figure one chop, pork steak or a large sausage for each person.

PORK CHOPS Au GRATIN

4 potatoes, thin-sliced
1 1/2 cups milk
4 tablespoons flour
4 pork chops, steaks or large sausages/bratwurst
1 cup grated cheddar cheese

Pile the potatoes in a greased baking dish in layers; sprinkle each layer with a little each of the flour and cheese before you put on the next. Pour the milk over, then position the meat on top. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 min.*

PORK COUNTRY STYLE

4 potatoes, chunked
1/4 cup chopped onion
1 cup chopped mushrooms (or one small can pieces)
1 can mushroom soup, thinned out with a little milk
       (or omit the chopped onion, and substitute 3 tablespoons of onion soup mix)
1 apple, peeled and chunked
4 pork chops, steaks or large sausages

Mix all but the meat together, then position the meat on top. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 min.*

*Or cook for 5-8 hours on low in a crockpot