Ellie's Coating Mix for Pork Chops

1 box Wheaties Cereal

1 tbslp sugar

1 tblsp Kosher Salt or 1/2 tblsp table salt

1 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp onion powder

1 tsp dried minced onion

1 tsp paprika

1/4 tsp ground pepper

In a food processor, place 1/2 box of Wheaties and pulse until the Wheaties start to break down ONLY SLIGHTLY.  Add the remainder of the Wheaties along with all the other ingredients.  Pulse the processor until it becomes crumb-like, do not overprocess or it will become to fine and powdery.

For coating pork chops, place 1/4 to 1/2 cup of the mix in a bag and shake (the amount you use depends on the number of chops you are cooking.)  Bake on 425 degrees for 15-20 minutes depending on thickness of chops.

Store unused coating mix in a zip lock bag in the freezer for future use (will not clump).

This is just a starting point, vary the ingredients to your liking.

Sante Fe Soup

by Ellie Weightman (this recipe was passed on to me from my Alabama cousins Bonnie and Martha)  Thank you ladies, it has fast become a favorite in our family.

1 - 1 1/2 lb ground meat

1 large onion, chopped

2 pkg taco seasoning (we use 1 as 2 is too spicy for us)

2 pkgs ranch dressing

1 can Ro-Tel Tomatoes with Chilies

1 can diced tomatoes

2 can shoe peg corn - DO NOT DRAIN

1 can black beans - DO NOT DRAIN

1 can light red kidney beans - DO NOT DRAIN

1 can dark red kidney beans - DO NOT DRAIN

1 can pinto beans - DO NOT DRAIN

2 cups water (may need more)

Tortilla chips (optional)

grated cheese (optional)

sour cream (optional)

Brown beef and onions.  Mix in taco seasoning and ranch dressing.  Add beans, corn, tomatoes and water.  Simmer 2 hours.  Serve with grated cheese, sour cream or crumble tortilla chips or fritos into the soup.