Arlene Makes Easy Pork Chop Casserole, Raisin Rice Pilaf, and More!

While At Home with Arlene Williams was a popular TV show, it didn’t have a huge budget. As such, Arlene and the crew couldn’t afford all the latest fancy kitchen appliances and gadgets. In this episode from 1995, Arlene starts things off by thanking the folks at Decor Distinctive Appliances for donating a beautiful brand new stovetop and dual oven to the show, replacing the old unreliable units. It’s a sweet moment, as she’s genuinely thankful for their generosity and to God for providing for the show’s needs.

Spreaking of cooking on a budget, pork is often smart choice for recipes because it usually costs less than beef and sometimes even chicken, depending on the cut. It can be very lean, too. In this episode from 1995, Arlene shows off two different pork recipes, her pork chop skillet casserole and a sweet and sour pork stir fry. To round out the meal, she also prepares a raisin rice pilaf and an unusual cole slaw with grapes and marshmallows.

NOTE: We were unable to find the exact recipe for the cole slaw, so we’ve included another one of her variations that doesn’t include the grapes and marshmallows.

Arlene’s Pork Chop Casserole

Course Main Course

Ingredients
  

  • 6 lean center cut pork chops
  • 1 cup uncooked brown rice
  • 6 slices onion
  • 6 tomato slices
  • 6 green pepper rings
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/8 tsp pepper
  • 2 cups tomato juice

Instructions
 

  • Spray a deep 12 inch skillet with cooking spray. Brown chops evenly on both sides. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  • Place rice over bottom of skillet. Arrange chops over rice. Top each chop with one onion, tomato and pepper slice. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Pour tomato juice over chops and cover.
  • Simmer for 45 minutes or until chops are tender. Makes 6 servings. Enjoy!

Sweet and Sour Pork

Course Main Course

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb pork tenderloin
  • 2 cans pineapple tidbits or chunks 8 oz cans
  • 1/3 cup ketchup
  • 1/3 cup water
  • 2 Tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 Tbsp vinegar
  • 2 Tbsp brown sugar
  • 2 Tbsp cornstarch
  • 3/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp pepper
  • 1/4 tsp ground ginger
  • 2 Tbsp cooking oil
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 1 green pepper cut into thin strips
  • hot cooked rice

Instructions
 

  • Cut tenderloin into 1 1/2 inch x 1 1/4 inch strips; set aside. Drain pineapple, reserving juice. Set pineapple aside.
  • To juice, add ketchup, water, soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, cornstarch, salt and pepper and ginger. Stir well until smooth.
  • Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat.
  • Stir fry pork and onion for 5-7 minutes or until pork is no longer pink. Stir pineapple juice mixture and add onion, pepper strips and pineapple tidbits to skillet and cook, stirring until thickened and bubbly. Reduce heat, cover and cook for another 5 minutes. Serve immediately over hot cooked rice. Makes 4 servings. Enjoy!

Raisin Rice Pilaf

Course Side Dish

Ingredients
  

  • 2 chicken bouillon cubes
  • 1 1/3 cups boiling water
  • 1/2 cup raisins
  • 1 1/3 cups minute rice
  • 1/4 cup butter

Instructions
 

  • Dissolve bouillon cubes in boiling water. Add raisins. In a nonstick skillet, melt butter. Add rice and sauté about three minutes, stirring constantly.
  • Add bouillon and let stand until all water has been absorbed- about 8 minutes. Makes 4 servings. Enjoy!

Arlene’s Cole Slaw

Course Salad, Side Dish

Ingredients
  

  • 1 head cabbage
  • 1-2 cups mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup grated carrot
  • 3 Tbsp sugar
  • salt and pepper

Instructions
 

  • Shred cabbage in food processor or on a hand grater. Place in a large bowl. Add 1 cup mayonnaise, salt and pepper, grated carrot and 2 tablespoons sugar. Mix thoroughly and taste for seasonings. Add more of whatever it needs (mayonnaise, sugar) until taste is where you like it. Chill until ready to serve. Makes 8 servings. Enjoy!

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