Orange Soda Pot Roast and Parmesan Encrusted Potatoes

I decided to make an effort for Sunday dinner this week. I've been blowing it off far too often.

Orange Soda Pot Roast

1 2 lb frozen roast
2 large onions
2 cans orange soda (not diet)
2 Cinnamon sticks
1 teaspoon whole cloves
salt

Place roast in crock pot. Pour soda over the roast and add cinnamon, onions, and cloves. Sprinkle roast with salt. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. The cloves are easier to handle later if you use a tea infuser.

When the roast was finished I used the liquid that was left to make a simple gravy. Just boil liquid in a medium sauce pan. Dissolve 2 tbs cornstarch in 1/3 cup cold water and then mix them together. Reduce heat and simmer until it has thickened.

Parmesan Encrusted Potatoes

6 medium potatoes, washed and cubed
3/4 cup grated Parmesan
1 tbs salt
1 tbs granulated garlic
1 tbs granulated onion

Combine all ingredients except potatoes in a bowl that has a tight lid. Shake to mix it all together. Add potatoes a cup or two at a time and shake the bowl to completely cover them. Place on a couple of baking pans and bake at 350F for 40 or so min.

I loved these potatoes. The roast was only so so. I only cooked it 6 hours, and I think 7 or 8 would have made it more fall apart tender. I love that I don't have to remember to thaw the roast first. :)