Many people do not think of summer as the time to use their crock pot. In fact, many people put away the crock pot, once the chili season is over. Try to envision this summer as the perfect time to utilize such a great tool to create delicious sandwich meals while you are out and about enjoying the sun and fun.

MOCK BBQ - just as tasty!'

2 lbs. boneless pork loin
1 medium white or yellow onion, chopped
3/4 cup carbonated cola (dark syrup) beverage
3/4 cup barbecue sauce
8 whole wheat buns or pitas

Instructions:
Combine first four ingredients in a 4-quart slow-cooker; cook, covered, on high for 5-6 hours, until very tender.

Drain and slice or shred pork; serve on buns with additional barbecue sauce, if desired.

Tip: Pork can be made 1-2 days ahead; (tastes better a day later!) refrigerate covered and reheat before serving.


ITALIAN PORK PITA
8 thin boneless pork chops, 2 ounces each
2 green bell peppers, each cut into lengthwise strips
2 portabello mushrooms, cut into slices
1 large red onion, cut into wedges and separate
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon fennel seed
8 whole wheat pita pocket bread halves or buns
4 slices (1 ounce each) low-fat, part skim mozzarella cheese, cut in half

Instructions:
Combine all ingredients (except bread and cheese) in a 4-quart slow-cooker; cook, covered, on high for 2-4 hours, until very tender.

Slice or shred pork; serve in pitas or on buns with sauce from the slow cooker, add one slice of cheese inside each pita or inside each bun.


JAMAICAN JERK
1 teaspoon Jerk Seasoning (recipe below)
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
? cup white wine
2 tablespoons reduced-fat mayonnaise
2 tablespoons plain nonfat yogurt
1 tablespoon mango chutney
4 onion rolls (2 ounces each), split and toasted
4 lettuce leaves
8 slices peeled mango or papaya

Jerk Seasoning
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 1/2 teaspoons ground allspice
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon ground dried thyme leaves
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Combine all ingredients in small bowl and grind a bit to open up the spices.

Instructions:
1. Prepare Jerk Seasoning. Sprinkle chicken with jerk seasoning and set aside. Spray grill with nonstick cooking spray. Prepare grill for direct cooking.
2. Grill chicken 5 to 7 minutes on each side to mark with grill marks.
3. Then place chicken in slow cooker with ? cup white wine and remaining jerk spices. Cook on high for 1 hour.
4. Combine mayonnaise, yogurt and chutney in small bowl; spread 1 tablespoonful onto each onion roll.
5. Place chicken on onion roll bottoms; lettuce leaf, 2 slices of fruit and then, top with other roll half.

Use this jerk seasoning on chicken, pork even salmon!


SOUTHWESTERN
1 pound lean ground beef round
1 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup chopped celery
1/4 cup water
1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
1 can (8 ounces) no-salt-added tomato sauce
4 teaspoons brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon salt
9 whole wheat hamburger buns

Instructions:
1. Combine ground beef with onion, celery, water, canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, brown sugar, cumin and salt. Cook on high for 1 to 2 hours.
2. Serve on whole wheat buns. Garnish as desired.
Green chilies do have a bit of heat, so if you prefer plain, just add an equal amount of tomatoes without chilies.

This is just a quick selection of the many recipes available for crock pot, hot sandwich meals. By choosing a whole wheat pita, tortilla, bread or roll you make this a healthy meal that will boost your energy and have you ready for more fun. Enjoy!