Maple Mustard Pork Chops

2 bone-in pork chops
1 ½ T. maple syrup
1 ½ T. Dijon mustard
1 tsp. olive oil
1 small garlic clove, crushed
salt and pepper to taste

Preheat a cast iron skillet to med-high.

In a small bowl, stir together syrup, mustard, oil, garlic, salt and pepper.

Place chops and mustard mixture inside a large ziplock bag, then shake thoroughly to coat.

Place chops on the skillet, cooking 3-4 min. per side. In the last minute of cooking, pour remaining mustard mixture onto the chops.

Servings: 2

Slow Cooker Ribs

4 pounds pork baby back ribs*
1/4 cup barbecue sauce (try this recipe)
1/3 cup dark brown sugar
1 Tablespoon paprika
1-1/2 teaspoons chili powder
1-1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon ground cumin
3/4 teaspoon black pepper
3/4 teaspoon white pepper **
3/4 teaspoon ground oregano
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon sugar

*This works well with any kind of pork or beef ribs, even the (cheap) boneless country style.
**If you don't have white pepper, just use all black pepper.

1. Trim excess fat from ribs.
   
2. Combine dry ingredients and rub over all surfaces of ribs.
   
3. Place ribs in slow cooker, standing on their edge with the meaty side out.
   Cook on low for about 8 hours.
   
4. Remove ribs from slow cooker and brush with barbecue sauce.