Bland Isn't Boring

My husband is currently experiencing a Crohn's Disease flare-up.  When this happens, the doctor requests that we switch from our favorite spicy foods to a blander diet for a while.  This is something we are able to do, but do so with hesitation - we really do like the heat and taste of flavorful foods!  I thought this might be the perfect time to share with you a recipe that meets doctor's orders. 

Baked Pork Chops with Apple Rice

What you will need:
* your favorite cut of pork chops
* instant rice (1 1/2 cups dry)
* apple juice (10 ounces)
* apples (I like Fugi; 1-2 needed)
* onion
* salt and pepper to taste

Preheat the oven to 300 degrees. Slice the apples and onion.  Mix the juice into the rice.  Place the rice mix into a sprayed baking dish. Put half the apple and onion slices on the rice.  Layer the salted/peppered chops on top and cover them with the remaining apple and onion slices.  Bake covered until done (1.5 hours, or until chops internal temp is 170 degrees).  Uncover and brown for the last 15 minutes or so. 

If you are on a strict restriction diet, slice the onion thick so that it can be removed before serving.  Consider using fruits and nuts to add the flavor your cooking and tastebuds crave.  Citrus or pecans, sprinkled on chicken, can make the meal. With our meal, we enjoyed steamed, fresh, green beans with candied ginger.

You know, a bland diet can reflect our lives at times.  We all get settled into a routine which feels like a rut we will never surmount.  Life lacks flavor, heat and nothing sounds good anymore.  When this describes your life, remember that the key to spicing up your life is found in friends who are sweet and tart.  They may not be what you think you need at the time, but they do challenge you and add flavor to life.  The nuts (and yes, we all have a few nuts in our lives) we love enhance and bring smiles despite ourselves.

May God bless you with a life filled with sweet fruit and nutty goodness.