Recipe of the Month: Smothered Pork Chops with Broccoli and Mushrooms
INGREDIENTS
1 lb. cremini mushrooms, halved or quartered if large
3 tbsp. olive oil, divided
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 large head broccoli, cut into florets
4 small bone-in pork chops (about 2 pounds total)
2 large shallots, finely chopped
1 tbsp. all-purpose flour
3/4 c. dry white wine
1/2 c. chicken stock
2 tbsp. crème fraîche or sour cream
1 tsp. Dijon mustard
1 tbsp. fresh thyme leaves
DIRECTIONS
- Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss together mushrooms and 1 tablespoon oil on a large rimmed baking sheet. Season with salt and pepper. Bake for 10 minutes. Push mushrooms to one side and add broccoli to pan. Toss with 1 tablespoon oil. Season with salt and pepper. Roast until vegetables are golden brown and tender, 12 to 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, heat remaining tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season pork with salt and pepper. Cook until internal temperature on an instant-read thermometer reads 140°F, 4 to 5 minutes per side. Transfer to a platter and tent with foil; reserve skillet.
- Add shallots to skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Add flour and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Add wine and simmer until thickened, 2 to 4 minutes. Add stock and simmer until thickened and reduced to about 1/2 cup, 2 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in crème fraîche, Dijon, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper. Serve pork topped with pan sauce and roasted vegetables alongside.
SOURCE: CountryLiving.com

The Summer Go Bag: A Tiny Kit That Saves the Day Summer has a way of making “quick little outings” turn into full-blown adventures. A trip to the pool becomes dinner on the way home. A Saturday errand turns into a stop at the park. A lake day somehow requires 47 items, three snacks, and at least one person asking, “Did anyone bring sunscreen?” Enter: The Summer Go Bag . It doesn’t have to be fancy. It doesn’t have to be perfectly organized. It’s just a small tote, backpack, bin, or canvas bag you keep stocked with the little things that make summer life easier. Think of it as your warm-weather backup plan. What to put in your Summer Go Bag: Sunscreen + bug spray Because nothing ruins a good day faster than realizing you needed both about two hours ago. Reusable water bottles Keep one or two empty bottles in the bag, or toss in a couple of bottles of water before you leave. A small first-aid kit Bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain reliever, allergy medicine, and any must-have family basics. Phone charger or power bank Especially helpful for road trips, long days out, or those “I swear my phone was at 42% five minutes ago” moments. Wet wipes + tissues For sticky hands, spilled drinks, mystery car messes, and every parent/grandparent/aunt/uncle who has learned the hard way. A lightweight towel or blanket Great for parks, wet seats, surprise splash pads, outdoor concerts, or impromptu picnics. A few snacks Granola bars, crackers, trail mix, fruit snacks — anything that can survive a little heat and prevent a hunger-related family incident. Plastic bags or a small trash bag For wet swimsuits, muddy shoes, snack wrappers, or anything you don’t want touching the rest of your car. Spare sunglasses or a hat Simple, useful, and always appreciated when someone forgets theirs. Pet basics, if applicable A leash, collapsible water bowl, waste bags, and a small towel can make pet-friendly outings much easier. Where to keep it: Your car is usually the easiest spot, especially if you’re often on the go. If your vehicle gets too hot, keep heat-sensitive items like sunscreen, medicine, and snacks inside the house and toss them in before you leave. You can also make a smaller version for: Pool bags Lake bags Sports practices Road trips Grandkid days Dog park visits The real trick: Restock when you get home The Go Bag only works if it’s ready when you need it. After a busy weekend, take two minutes to replace what you used: snacks, wipes, sunscreen, bandages, water bottles, or plastic bags. That tiny reset makes the next outing so much easier. Summer should feel a little more spontaneous — and a little less like you’re packing for an expedition every time you leave the house. A simple Go Bag won’t solve everything, but it might just save the day.











