Pork Chops

First of all, I have to apologize for not having a picture with this post. I forgot to take one the other night when I mad these and then I assumed there would be one on the recipe page, no such luck. I hate posts without pictures so sorry ladies!

I had some really thick-cut pork chops in my freezer that I've been wanting to cook and the last time I made them they were just okay, so I was on the hunt for a new recipe. During Thanksgiving my sister-in-law told me that she had great luck brining pork chops (I brined the Turkey's, per my brother-in-law's advice) so I thought I would brine these chops! Well, this recipe is awesome, a really simple brine and they only have to stay in it for 2 hours (any more and he says they get mushy). It's a Tyler Florence recipe, which are usually pretty good. Here is the link if you want to try them. I didn't have raisins so I used cranberries, but they were juicy and moist, which is sometimes hard for pork chops to be especially when they're this thick! Enjoy!

Banana Muffins

This muffin recipe has become a family favorite- feel free to customize to your taste (you could leave out the coconut or walnuts, or even add raisins).

Here's the link: Ina Garten's Banana Crunch Muffins
Enjoy!

Ina's Grilled Asian Salmon

I tried a new recipe tonight. As usual with Ina's recipes- I cut it in half. It was really good- even the boys loved it!

1 side fresh salmon, boned but skin on (about 3 pounds)

For the marinade:
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
3 tablespoons good soy sauce
6 tablespoons good olive oil

1/2 teaspoon minced garlic

Light charcoal briquettes in a grill and brush the grilling rack with oil to keep the salmon from sticking.
While the grill is heating, lay the salmon skin side down on a cutting board and cut it crosswise into 4 equal pieces. Whisk together the mustard, soy sauce, olive oil, and garlic in a small bowl. Drizzle half of the marinade onto the salmon and allow it to sit for 10 minutes.
Place the salmon skin side down on the hot grill; discard the marinade the fish was sitting in. Grill for 4 to 5 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fish. Turn carefully with a wide spatula and grill for another 4 to 5 minutes. The salmon will be slightly raw in the center, but don't worry; it will keep cooking as it sits. Transfer the fish to a flat plate, skin side down, and spoon the reserved marinade on top. Allow the fish to rest for 10 minutes. Remove the skin and serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled.

Chicken and Dumplings

I really like Chicken and Dumplings...and tonight is the perfect weather to have them! It's cold out and raining, it will probably be snowing soon. There is nothing like good comfort food to make the winter seem worthwhile. It's also a great one-dish meal and reason to use my Dutch Oven! Here is the really easy recipe that I use from Martha. What's for dinner tonight in your house?

Menu Planning

I've just discovered a great blog:



She has a great article on menu planning that is definitely worth checking out. I menu plan using my Outlook calendar. She does it with Google calendar and gives step by step instructions.

Do you menu plan? What method works for you?

Tangerines

Today I took the boys to my parent's to pick tangerines. There is something so cool about picking produce or fruit. You feel so connected to it. You value it more than if someone gave it to you or even if you bought it at the store. You don't want to waste even a little of what you worked hard to grow and harvest. Maybe this is why my grandmothers canned.

They boys really didn't like tangerines last year- but today they were eating them up! I even taught them how to use the special citrus clippers. We also picked some lemons and oranges I'm going to juice and freeze some in ice cube trays to have on hand for recipes. Now for some tangerine recipes. Any ideas?

Going Green at the Grocery Store

These bags are cute enough to make me want to "go green". The prices aren't bad either (5.99 for one bag or $18 for 4) The bottom one even says...

"God created the Earth and commanded us "to tend and keep it" Gen 2:15"

Ouch. Lately I've been reading some great articles on how as a Christian it really is our job to take care of the earth God has left us with. If you are interested you can read more here .