Sunday, January 12, 2014

Blog post challenge - Weeks 1 & 2



I am going to participate in a 52 week blog challenge.
Not sure I am up for this, but going to give it my best shot.

I participate in many photo challenges…..which has led to my blog sighing in the wind, but never a blog challenge.

So…here goes.




"Meet my best friend"


I'll leave people out, so here is my trusty, always makes me happy "friends"--
Meet my laptop, cell phone & iPad.
Pretty sure I couldn't live without them.




"My favorite things"
camera 


iPhone & iPad


garlic press & garlic


backup for all my photo loves


wine



my recipe binder


my tervis tumbler & water


my cake stands (even though I don't bake cakes)

I almost forgot my coffee - and this mug, which I really ADORE!!!


There are so much more…..but this is what I chose for today.




OK - that was catch up….


Next up this week for Week 3…. "meet my family"

Friday, January 3, 2014

Balsamic Pork Tenderloin


I made this Pork Tenderloin for a family holiday party and again for Christmas Eve.  It has been a big hit.

Even raw, it looks good.  All that garlic in between.......YUM!!!!



This is the cooked version.  It is a picture I took last year when I made it, so the difference is that this year I added a rub on top of the meat.  I wouldn't make it again without the rub.  I think it makes a huge difference.
I used McCormick Grill Mates "Brown Sugar Bourbon."
It also is delish on steaks.






Here is my recipe card, but it does not mention the rub, so add that for sure.



http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/rachael-ray/balsamic-roast-pork-tenderloins-recipe/index.html

Thursday, January 2, 2014

Spaghetti with a twist.....


My friend recently made this recipe....it sounded yummy.
I knew I had to try it.
Today was the 2nd time I have left the house since two days before xmas.
I have been stuck on the couch with a pinched nerve.....but am feeling much better now.
Time to start this new year!
Time to move on!
Time to start cooking!

I did some Target shopping and picked up some fresh sour cream, cottage cheese and cream cheese for this lovely recipe.


Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef
1 can spaghetti sauce
8 oz cream cheese
1/4 cup sour cream
8 oz cottage cheese
1 stick of butter
Minced garlic
8 oz of thin spaghetti noodles, cooked
shredded cheese of choice, I like to use mozzarella, but the original recipe uses cheddar.





Boil your noodles.
Brown your ground beef.
I added several garlic cloves, salt & pepper and parsley to the beef.
Add the spaghetti class.
Mix all your cheeses, except the cheddar/mozzarella, together in a bowl.

Add slices of butter to the bottom of your dish.



Put 1/2 a layer of noodles on the bottom of your pan on top of the butter slices.
Spread the cheesy mixture on top.
Add the 2nd half of noodles on top of the creamy mixture.
Layer more butter slices.
Pour the meat mixture on top of that and spread around.


Preheat your oven to 350.
Place in the oven for 30 minutes.
After that, spread the shredded cheese around.  I used a mixture of Mozzarella & Cheddar in the pictures.
Bake for 15 more minutes.

I put it on Broil for 5.5 seconds....might have over done it.
Yummy--none the less!!!



Any my kids liked it.
That's always a plus!






Happy New Year



Happy New Year to my long lost blog!!

I haven't been very interactive with you lately.  I apologize.

This is my 1st resolution for the year....


I have asked my family to perform (at least) ONE random act of kindness towards One family member that we wouldn't normally do.

I have to say, as of Day Two.....it is working.