Low Sodium Brown Sugar Crusted Pork Loin

I searched online for a new pork recipe, and happened upon this.   Ed loves sweet things, so I figured it would be right up his alley, and boy was I right.  He took one bite and said "this tops the list!"  I served it with the maple pecan green beans, and they were the perfect compliment.

INGREDIANTS

1 boneless pork loin roast, 4 to 6 pounds

1/2 teas minced garlic
ground black pepper
salt-free savory all-purpose seasoning
1 1/3 cups brown sugar, divided
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1/2 cup water
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
4 apples, sliced

DIRECTIONS
1) Sprinkle roast with savory seasoning and pepper, then prick the roast all over with a fork or skewer.

2) In a cup or bowl, combine 1 cup of the brown sugar, the mustard, and vinegar. Rub all over the roast.
3) Cover and cook on LOW for 7 to 9 hours.
4) Combine the remaining 1/3 cup brown sugar with cinnamon; Spread the mixture over the top of the roast. Top with sliced apples
5) Cover and continue cooking on LOW for 1 hour longer
6) If desired, pour off the remaining liquid and make into gravy


Adapted from: Diana Rattray

Low Sodium Beef Daube

I got bored of our usual rotation of dinners, and after diving through several of my cookbooks, I came across this recipe.  I had never made anything with cajun spices so I was a little concerned...but it was AMAZING!

INGREDIANTS
2 Tbl olive oil
1 vidalia onion, cut into wedges
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
2 lb lean braising steak, cubed (I used stew meat)
1/2 cup all-purpose flour, seasoned with 1 tsp all purpose salt free seasoning, and 1/4 teas ground black pepper
2 1/2 cups water
2 tbl minced garlic
2/3 cup red wine
2 Tbl red wine vinegar
2 Tbl low-sodium tomato paste
1/2 tsp McIlhenny's Tabasco sauce
1/2 tsp dried thyme
2 bay leaves
1/2 tsp salt free cajun spice mixture

DIRECTIONS

Stove Top:
Heat oven to 350 degrees
1) Heat oil in a large oven proof pan add celery, onion, bell pepper, cook until softened, remove and set aside

2) coat the meat in the seasoned flour, then brown meat in the pan
3) Add stock, water, wine, vinegar, tomato paste, tabasco, and thyme, heat till simmering
4) Return onions, celery, and peppers to the pan, tuck in the bay leaves and sprinkle with the cajun seasoning
5) bring to a boil, transfer to the oven and cook for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, or until the meat and vegetables are tender
Crockpot
1) Heat oil in a large oven proof pan add celery, onion, bell pepper, cook until softened, remove and add to crockpot
2) coat the meat in the seasoned flour, then brown meat in the pan, add meat to the crockpot
3) Add stock, water, wine, vinegar, tomato paste, tabasco, thyme, and bay leaves to the crockpot
4) Sprinkle with the cajun seasoning
5) Cook on high for 3 to 4 hours, or on low for 8 to 10 hours until the meat and vegetables are tender