Netflix Rom-Coms

Nick Momrik1 Comment

It’s a little-known fact that I enjoy romantic comedies, so when I saw the NY Times article Nine Underseen Rom-Coms on Netflix, it caught my attention. I’ve only seen Begin Again and Seeking a Friend for the End of the World from the list. I enjoyed both movies. Not surprising, they’re the two starring Keira Knightley. Most of the other 7 I’d never even heard of, but they’ve been added to My List on Netflix for those lonely winter nights.

Recipe: Crock Pot Pork Chop Rice Casserole

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I always loved a baked pork chop rice casserole meal my Mom would make at home. I don’t think I requested anything more often when I lived at home or would visit more often. If the family wasn’t around when it was time to eat, they’d be lucky if I left any rice for them. She’d have to cook the pork chops first and they often ended up dry after baking, but nobody really cared, because this dish was all about the rice.

A few weeks ago Mom came across a crock pot version and said I had to try it. It’s even easier to make than the baked version because there is no prep work and the pork chops come out a lot more moist. I tried it last night. Success!

Crock Pot Pork Chop Rice Casserole

  • Servings: 4-6
  • Difficulty: easy
  • Print

It may not look like much, but this is the best rice dish I’ve ever had.

The actual recipe calls for 2-3 pounds of pork chops, but I think that’s way too much, so I’ve adjusted below. I used about 1.2 pounds and cooked for almost 3 hours on high. I prefer to crock pot on low, but didn’t have the time for my first attempt.

Credit: recipesthatcrock.com

Ingredients

  • 1.2 – 1.5 lbs boneless pork chops
  • Salt and Pepper to Taste
  • 1 Cup Long-Grain Long Cooking Rice (not minute rice!)
  • 10.5 oz Can Cream of Chicken Soup
  • 10.5 oz Can Cream of Mushroom Soup
  • 1 1/4 Cups Water
  • 1.1 oz Package Onion Soup/Dip Mix
  • 1/2 Tablespoon Seasoning Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Directions

  1. Place chops evenly on the bottom of the crock.
  2. Stir together remaining ingredients until blended well.
  3. Spread over top of chops.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 or high for 2-3 hours. (Note: Time may vary, dish is done when your chops are tender and the rice has absorbed the liquid.)

23andMe

Nick Momrik1 Comment

23andMe-logo.png

On Amazon Prime day, I bought a 23andMe DNA Test for 50% off. The test tube was exactly the same as the one for FitnessGenes. Once they received my kit, it took 26 days to get my results.

I’m not impressed with the reports; seemed like there was a lot more interesting data with FitnessGenes. Here are some things that stood out.

My ancestors came from Europe. Gee, big surprise.

23andme-european.png

I’m 59% more likely to prefer salty over sweet. BZZZZ, WRONG!

My genes predispose me to weigh about 6% less than average.

I’m likely lactose tolerant. Definitely.

One piece of info I feel good about is I don’t have the most common variant (ε4 in the APOE gene) associated with late-onset Alzheimer’s. Papa Momrik had it, so it’s always in the back of my mind. At least I’m less likely to be affected by the disease.

Clearly Canadian

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My friend Casey was pretty jazzed when it was announced Clearly Canadian was coming back in the US. I don’t remember ever drinking the stuff, but when he was getting some from World Market in East Lansing yesterday, I picked up 12 for myself. I’ve tried the Mountain Blackberry and the Black Cherry and both are quite tasty. They don’t have that odd taste you get with a lot of sparkling waters.