Pork tenderloin, pork chops, cooked ham, and bacon - these wonderful meats are perfect for family meals. I myself prefer pork tenderloin and boneless loin chops, but whatever cut you use, you'll enjoy every bite.

Pork chops, roasts, and tenderloin should be cooked to 145 degrees F. That's a lower temperature than previously recommended; the USDA just lowered it this year because today's pork is safe to eat.

Use a thermometer to check the temperature and you'll enjoy juicy and tender results. As for bacon - cook it crisp! You can now find thick cut, seasoned bacon, microwave bacon, and even precooked bacon that tastes just like you pulled it out of the saucepan yourself. Yum.

Thirty Minute Ham and Pork Recipes

• Pork and Onions with Orange Glaze
  Orange marmalade is the secret ingredient in this flavorful recipe, along with some chili sauce. It's a simple stir fry recipe.
• Grilled Ham Sandwiches
  First you grill onions, then make sandwiches with ham slices and Cheddar cheese, then grill those. This is a fabulous and easy lunch or dinner recipe.
• Bacon Cheese Soup
  This is a soup for bacon lovers. It's rich and delicious and tastes a little like mac and cheese, but creamier.
• Spaghetti Carbonara
  This is a go-to recipe for me when the weather's cold and I'm tired and want some comfort. Perfection.
• Sausage and Cabbage Packets
  Grill this presentation packet or cook it in the oven. The aroma that wafts up when the packets are opened is mouth-watering.

• Wilted Spinach Salad
  This old family recipe is delicious any time of year, but I especially like it in winter.
• Ham and Scalloped Potatoes
  Ham from the deli or leftover ham; scalloped potatoes from the deli or leftover - it doesn't matter. Use what you have on hand to make this wonderful and warming recipe.
• Peach Glazed Ham Steak
  This recipe is delicious winter, summer, or fall. You can use this glaze on steaks or chicken too.
• Ham Rotini and Vegetables
  Lots of fresh veggies combine with pasta and ham in this fresh summer recipe. If you don't have fresh basil, use fresh parsley or chives.
• Five Ingredient Pasta and Ham Meal Recipe
  Yes, you can make an entire meal with just five ingredients, in 30 minutes. This wonderful meal is proof.
• BBQ Pork and Coleslaw
  If you don't have leftover coleslaw on hand, buy some at the deli. These open-faced sandwiches are pure comfort food.
• Southwest Pork Tenderloin
  I love the flavors of this slightly spicy meal, with tender pork that's flavored just right. Serve it with a corn or vegetable salad and some warm bread.
• Cherry Pork Tenderloin Medallions
  And finally, fresh cherries combine with mustard, butter, and apple or cherry juice for a fabulous sauce on tender pork.