Tag Archives: ranch

Grandma Harper’ s Ranch Osyter Crackers

  
Growing up we’d always go to my Grandma and Grandpa Harper’s on Christmas Day for lunch after we had our 4:30 am family Christmas extravaganza which alway lasted several hours. The funny thing is now we may get to sleep in until 6:30 am but with my nephew Christmas morning still can last several hours. 

We always looked forward to my grandparents having their homemade wedding soup on the stovetop with meat, fruit, and veggie trays on their peninsula island. My aunts and uncles would pop in and out all throughout the day. We have a fairly large family which made it difficult for us to all get together at the same time. But at the Harpers’s’ the door is always open. The tradition still lives on even though all the cousins have grown and started families of their own. 

One of my favorite snacks grandma always had waiting for the kids and adults was her famous ranch oyster crackers. It was not a family Christmas function without these savory ranch crackers. I always looked forward to eating these during the holiday season.

Luckily during my second review of her recipes I stumbled across this gem! 

Ingredients:

Two packages of oyster crackers (try to find the smaller sized crackers they absorb the oil better)

3/4 cup canola oil (grandma used 1 cup)

1 tsp dried dill 

1 tsp garlic powder

3 TB ranch powdered salad dressing mix (which is one packet of hidden valley) but I used penzey’s

Directions:

Place all ingredients in a large microwaveable safe bowl. Mix with spatula. Microwave for three minutes. Mix again with spatula thoroughly microwave for another three minutes. Allowed to cool and then store in either Ziploc bag or plastic Tupperware container. 

Be aware these are addicting. 

Ranch Pork Tenderloin in the Slow Cooker

This recipe is real quick and easy! Perfect for a weekday dinner for the family. You would be crazy not to try! I put this in the slow cooker this morning and all I had to do when I got home from work was make some mashed potatoes to go with it! My husband said it is some of the best pork he has ever had! Please note this recipe is high in sodium using the buttermilk ranch dressing seasoning; however, lower in saturated fat. So if you are watching your sodium intake please consider either reducing the amount of the initial buttermilk ranch ingredient or consider trying Mrs. Dash Ranch Dressing Dip Packet. If you use the ladder it will be all around a heart healthier meal!

Serving 6 to 8 servings

Ingredients:

1 (1 to 1.5 pound) pork tenderloin

1 (8 oz) package of fresh sliced button mushrooms

1 (10.5 oz) can of cream of chicken soup (healthy request)

1 soup can of water

2 TB dehydrated onions

3 TB of dry buttermilk ranch dressing base seasoning (I love Penzey’s) However a lower sodium option would be Mrs. Dash Ranch Dip Seasoning Package

1 TB Canola oil for sautéing

Directions :

1. Sear the pork tenderloin in oil on all sides for about one to two minutes each side on medium heat (just enough to brown up slightly).

2. Place the pork in the slow cooker. Top the meat off with mushrooms, ranch seasoning, onion flakes, soup and water. Place on low and cook for 8 to 10 hours in the slow cooker.

3. Serve with brown rice or redskin mashed potatoes.