Pork and Sauerkraut

My all time favorite meal from Pennsylvania is pork and sauerkraut. It is a Pennsylvania Dutch New Years tradition. You are supposed to eat it on New Years Day for good luck. We have had it every New Years since I have left PA and it is a tradition I hope to continue for a long time!


1 1/2 lbs pork butt or shoulder
1/2 C onion, chopped
2 tsp paprika (maybe a little more....)
1 tsp salt
2 tsp brown sugar
1 tsp caraway sead
1 large can sauerkraut
1/2 C water

Brown pork in 1 Tbsp butter or oil. Brown onions. Add to slow cooker. Add water, salt, and paprika. Mix sauerkraut with brown sugar and caraway seed. Add to pot. Cook on low 3-4 hours, or until pork is done.

Optional: add diced apples for sweetness

You can also cook pork and onions in large pan. Then add water, paprika, and salt and simmer for 1 hour. Then add sauerkraut mix and simmer 15-20 minutes more.

Yum! I'm getting excited just thinking about it!

Mandarin Orange Salad

This is a Thanksgiving Tradition that my mom makes every year. I don't care for the coconut, but I LOVE tradition! Something I learned from my mom growing up, is how good sour cream is with different kinds of sugar! It makes a great dip, or, in this case, a "dressing".

2 small cans mandarin oranges (drained)
2 cans (20oz) pineapple chunks (drained)
1/2 C coconut
1/2 - 3/4 pkg mini marshmallows
16 oz sour cream
1/2 C powdered sugar

Mix together all ingredients and chill until served.

Grandma Miller's Chili

This recipe is a family tradition. My grandma made it every year for Halloween while I was growing up. Now that I have a family of my own, I make sure to make this every year! Even while I was serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in York, PA, I made this chili. My mom sent me a box filled with all the ingredients! She's the best! It's a very simple chili, which is what makes it a great comfort food!

1 can pinto beans (drained)
1 can chili beans (drained)
1 can kidney beans (drained)
1- 16 oz whole tomatoes (cut up)
1 packet chili seasoning
1 lb ground beef
1 can tomato juice
1 can tomato sauce

Brown ground beef with onion. Add chili seasoning and tomato juice. Combine beef mixture with rest of ingredients in large pot. Cook on medium heat for 1 hour.

Note: I don't care for huge chunks of tomato, so sometimes I leave them out. I also often leave out the tomato juice, as I can't find out how to buy just one small can. If I have it, I'll use it, if not, I'll use water or extra sauce (or both!).