Slow-Cooker Pork with Butternut Squash and Apples

Reader Nancy F. of Paulding, Ohio, came up with this easy dinner on "one of those lazy winter days when I didn't want to leave the house." The result is a healthy and perfectly tender main course, simple enough for weekdays, but classy enough for company. As an extra bonus, the warm, fragrant cinnamon will permeate your home for hours afterward.

One note: Butternut squash can be difficult to chop. If you don’t want the hassle (or the potential bloodshed), buy a pound of pre-cut squash instead.

Slow Cooker Size: 3 1/2 quarts

Ingredients:
Cooking spray
1 pound pork tenderloin, cut into 1-inch pieces
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 butternut squash (approximately 1 1/2 pounds), peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch pieces
2 large Golden Delicious apples, peeled, cored, and cut into 3/4-inch pieces
3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon

Directions:
1. Coat inside of slow cooker with cooking spray. Add pork, 1/2 cup water, and salt and pepper to taste. Cook on low 4 hours.

2. Add squash, apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir to combine. Cook 2 hours, stirring once halfway through. Add salt and pepper,  to taste. Serve.

Serves 4

Want to try more great reader-submitted meals? Browse the Grandparents.com Heirloom Kitchen section for tons of great recipes, like Fulchiero Family Spaghetti.