Big Bowl of Love fills the kitchen with a lot more HIT than MISS this episode!  Former NFL baller, Devan Long, showed off his skills as a team player with this game inspired menu…..just in time for the Superbowl!

What’s on today’s menu?

• Beer Scalloped Potatoes
• Pork Chops with Brandy and Prunes
• Chocolate Fudge Brownies

Talk about fun…this was a blast!  Devan Long shined on this show.  A real hands-on guest who brought a load of fun to the kitchen.  I could see him with his own cooking show… although he admits he isn’t the greatest in the kitchen.  The scalloped potatoes seemed so easy to make.  I think I will try this one without the beer though.  I’m not a huge beer fan.  AND it was so refreshing…I have always been the kinda gal to buy boxed brownies because I figured making them from scratch was SO complex.  I was wrong.  I can’t wait to pop out a batch of my OWN and show off a bit.  Thanks CF!

Now for a few BBOL tips:

• Mix your cornstarch into a tablespoon of milk before adding it to the mixture.  This allows it to dissolve easily and not be lumpy.
• Add some Gruyere and Swiss cheese for a little extra flavor…or if you are looking for something a little milder, head for some Monterey Jack.
• When you have a lean meat, brush a little olive oil on it since it doesn’t have a lot of fat.  This helps to coat it when it is cooking.
• Add a little white sugar to outside of pork chops!  It will caramelizes the pork since there isn’t enough fat on the pork chops to do so.
• Place the meat into a cold pan…this keeps the juices inside when browning it!
• Pork chops cook about 4.5 minutes on each side.
• Be careful and stand back when pouring the brandy and prunes into pan…it will most likely flame up!
• Butter your brownie pan so they lift right out!
• Cut your chocolate into tiny pieces so that it melts quickly.
• Cool your mixture to room temperature…adding the eggs to a warm batter may cook them!
• Don’t over mix your batter!  If you over mix it, it may become too cake-like and flat.

Now for a few of my OWN suggestions:

• Experiment with your brownies and throw in a little extra touch….tiny bits of peppermint are perfect for the holiday season!
• When baking your brownies, try a small muffin tin.  The portion size is perfect and no one fights over the edges.  
• Invest in a meat thermometer…so many of us overcook our meat because we are so worried about under-cooking it.

Score big with these great recipes and be sure to have fun!

Links to recipes:
http://www.oprah.com/own-cristinas-big-bowl-of-love/Beer-Scalloped-Potatoes-Recipe
http://www.oprah.com/own-cristinas-big-bowl-of-love/Pork-Chops-with-Brandy-and-Prunes-Recipe
http://www.oprah.com/own-cristinas-big-bowl-of-love/Chocolate-Fudge-Brownies-Recipe