Monday, October 24, 2011

Basil Pork Chops

This one day I bought some bright pink melamine plates - they made me happy! I have a feeling you're going to see a lot of them in the future. (I have some stoneware, but I think they're pretty boring.) I made a couple of delicious things today and I got pictures of both - but, I don't want to completely monopolize this blog - I'll save one for next week.
My friend Vicky gave me this recipe years ago, she swore to me that they are the best pork chops she's ever had. (I believe she got this recipe from a Taste of Home magazine... I'm not sure?) I finally made them recently and I may have to agree with her. They are packed with flavor - especially for a simple recipe. I hope you like them as much as we do!




BASIL PORK CHOPS

1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 Tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
1 and 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
4 boneless loin chops

In a small bowl combine: brown sugar, basil, salt and chili powder. Gradually stir in 1 Tablespoon of the oil until it's crumbly. Rub over both sides of the pork chops.
In a large skillet: cook the pork chops in the remaining oil over medium heat for about 7 to 8 minutes on each side or until the juices run clear.

Seriously, that's it. It's not rocket science - but it tastes like it. (If I had any clue what rocket science tasted like!)

Friday, October 21, 2011

Autumn Chopped Salad

Hello, I am Denise.  I met Stina, Carissa, Kelli and Celeste at my most bragged about Job…telemarketing!  It was a fun Job because of the people we worked with and I did love it at the time.   Stina had me over to her apartment for fun activities and I knew I wanted her as a roommate!  I moved in with Stina and a few other awesome girls.  I had a blast!  I married my hubby, Josh, in 2002 and moved right to Oregon to work in the family business.  I am a stay at home mom of 3 very active and crazy girls.  Life is crazy, entertaining, stressful, but always fun!   I am in love with new recipes, especially when they turn out to look like the pictureJ   Baking is my true passion, although I am always trying to lose weight!  Ughh, they don’t mix well ;)  Oh and I am a vegetarian…although my family LOVES meat!  I do post recipes of meat after having my hubby and a few honest friends taste test the recipes.  I cook meat (mostly chicken) each night.  I need recipes and hate using the same ones each week.  I also like to stalk cooking blogs and am obsessed with restaurant knock off recipes!  I cannot think of embarrassing stories…just the pictures below!!!  Good times…Good times!

Okay, to me recipe.  I never thought I would fall in love with a tossed green salad until Carissa posted Janean's salad.  I make that salad all the time, love it!  My hubby and family are pretty sick of it though :(  I found this salad on pinterest and it made my mouth water.  I tried it and love it!  I have made it 5 times and managed to forget to take a picture.  We eat it too fast!  Try this baby, you and your hubby will love it (it has bacon in it)!
Autumn Chopped Salad


(Photo Courtesy of Richard Swearinger)

6 to 8 cups chopped romaine lettuce

2 medium pears, chopped

1 cup dried cranberries

1 cup chopped pecans ( I had candied ones in my pantry that we used...yum!)

8 slices thick-cut bacon, crisp-cooked and crumbled (do I need to add that I had this on the side!)

4 to 6 oz. feta cheese, crumbled

Poppy seed Salad Dressing (I used Newman's Own)

Balsamic Vinaigrette (I used Newman's Own Light)

Instructions

On a large platter, combine the lettuce, pears, cranberries, pecans, bacon and feta cheese. Drizzle generously with poppy seed dressing, followed by some of the balsamic vinaigrette. (I would estimate that I used about a cup of dressing: 70 percent poppy seed dressing and 30 percent balsamic vinaigrette) If you prefer your salad to have more dressing, feel free to experiment with the combination.

**half the recipe if you are not making for a crowd

Monday, October 17, 2011

Introductions

Awhile ago, we mentioned having everyone introduce themselves. Well, it seems like it's even more appropriate now with more new members.

Everyone knows me. But, maybe I can explain how I know everybody. I'll start with the first ones I knew.

I was roommates with Carissa first--at BYU. The first time I met Carissa, she was picked up from teh airport and surprise! I moved in while you were home! The next morning she sat on the bathroom counter cross legged and round brushed her hair. I had never seen that before. And still give her credit for teaching me all I know.

Then Kelli moved in. It was during this time that I learned about buying cute clothes, spending money to fly home (something I never considered before), and Red Robin. (I am eternally grateful!)

I was never roomates with Celeste, but we  married brothers! And whenever the girls get together in Utah, I usually get to see them as well.

The four of us met Denise at Convergys where we all worked as telemarketers for American Express. Anyone still have the disclosure memorized? Denise, Carissa, and I were all roommates when we got engaged. Since Carissa and my weddings were a day apart, we couldn't go to each others. And Denise was one of my bridesmaids! She also threw my bridal shower. :)

Kristen is also a sister-in-law. She dated Kevin before his mission, so Celeste and I have known her for quite awhile. In fact, she and Kevin came to my ultrasound when I was pregnant with Jordyn. Kevin was leaving a few weeks before Jordyn's due date. And he brought his girlfriend. I sure am glad she came! Kristen may come across as shy, but there is a confident and hilarious woman inside!! Beware!!

Tia married Brent's bff, Ethan. Ethan's brother is Bryan's (Celeste's husband's) bff. Brent and I drove to California for their wedding when Jordyn was 3 months old. When they moved to Utah, we spent a lot of time together. They were really good sports always driving down to our house so we could put the kids to bed and watch  movies, go on midnight Burger King runs, and especially play games. Tia and I are unstoppable at Rook. And our husbands cheat...a lot. Tia lived with us for several months after Ethan moved to Texas for his job and she finished work out here. We became really close and we had great girls time with Kristi and Kristen as well.

Kristi and I met six years ago. She and I were the only ones in the ward the same age. She reached out to me and invited me to fun lunches she hosted. We were pregnant at the same time and even though I barely knew her, she brought me a present after Austin was born. We started running together when our babies were tiny and haven't ever stopped. You would think we'd run out of conversation running and exercising together as often as we do--but we never stop talking and laughing. In fact, Sheral saw us running up Canyon Road talking and laughing and almost pulled over to reprimand us.


Sheral is in my new ward. She is a nursery leader. Now, Tyce isn't technically in her nursery (and she reminds me of that when  he tantrums and threatens to send him to his "real" class), but the other leaders didn't compare to her. Plus, I have the best time in nursery. In fact, I told Brent he would have to start dropping Tyce off because I was the one having a hard time leaving. What I know about Sheral thus far is that 1) she is HILARIOUS!! We have the best conversations in nursery, although we've scared off several dads who haven't returned... and 2) She loves ghosts and even has equipment to record them, etc. She wants to tour my old home (the murder house).

I've actually known Wendy for awhile. Since I attened Kelli's family functions like I am family, I run into Wendy quite often. We tag-teamed watching Aubrey when the Hjelms went on their cruise. I know that Wendy is incredibly hard working, kind, and funny. And I'm really excited to get to know you better!

So, ladies post a little bit about yourselves and feel free to tell embarassing stories about each other. And then we can all retaliate in the comments! :)

Granola

This is too funny. The first recipe I make is Granola? Really? Anyone who knows me, knows that I am NOT a healthy eater. I'm quite opposite. I like (read: LOVE) to use real butter and heavy cream. Lots of flavor and lots of fat.
But, I made granola so that's what we're going to do!

I got this recipe from my mother in law. (She IS a healthy eater.) My husband LOVES this stuff and so do my kids. I took half of this batch to my oldest daughter who is going to school at Snow College, because it makes a HUGE batch.

Granola

13 cups oatmeal
2 cups brown sugar
2 cups shredded coconut (I use unsweetened from the bulk department at the local grocery store.)
1 cup wheat germ, toasted or not
1 Tablespoon salt
2 cups seeds or nuts (I use a mix of salted sunflower seeds and almonds)
1 cup craisins
1 cup raisins
Mix all of that in a large roasting pan.
In a bowl mix together:
1 cup water
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 cups canola oil
Then pour it over the dry mixture - mix well.
Bake for 1 hour @ 275 degrees, stirring every 15 minutes.

We like to eat this with yogurt, fresh fruit or just pour milk over the top. I hope you like it!

Friday, October 14, 2011

Let's get the party started!!

Okay ladies--we have hit a dry spell! So, we've invited a few new members and I am announcing one more--SHERAL WILSON!!! Sheral is in my new ward, but before I knew her she was our stalker! How sweet! She somehow found our recipe blog and has been following it for years. She's made me treats that I am in love with and talks about cooking with a passion. I've been thinking for awhile I want her recipes, and what better way than to invite her here?

Let's keep this blog going! We've been at it for 4 years now! Please post your best recipes and be sure to comment on everyone's posts.

Love,

Christina

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Bread Machine Cinnamon Rolls

I got this recipe from the blog www.moneysavingmom.com The variation is our spin on that recipe. My cinnamon roll recipe takes 24 hours to make, so this recipe is nice, not only because it delicios, but because it is so easy. The dough for this recipe is also super soft!! We made the variation because I love pizza! So, adding pizza junk seemed natural. I hope you all enjoy.

Dough:
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons warm milk
3 tablespoons canola oil
1 egg, lightly beaten plus 2 egg whites
1/2 cup sugar
4 cups flour (Add a bit more if dough seems too wet after first few minutes of kneading in the bread machine.)
1 teaspoon salt
3 teaspoons bread machine yeast

Filling (I doubled this since we like our filling, oh yes we do!):
2 tablespoons butter
2/3 cup brown sugar mixed with 1 tablespoon cinnamon

Icing:
1 teaspoon milk
1 1/2 cups confectioners sugar
4 tablespoons (or less) butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla

Put the dough ingredients in the bread machine in the order listed and run on the dough cycle. After the dough cycle is finished, roll the dough into a large rectangle and spread it with 2 Tablespoons melted butter and 2/3 cup brown sugar mixed with 1 Tablespoon cinnamon.

Roll up and cut into 10-15 rolls and place in two greased round cake pans. Bake at 325 degrees for 20 minutes or until browned. Spread the icing on as soon as they come out of the oven.

You can also cover the unbaked rolls with plastic wrap, stick them in the refrigerator overnight, and then bake in the morning.


Pizza Pin Wheels Variation

Make the dough as directed.

Filling:

1 cup Mozzarella cheese, shredded

1 TBSP Italian Seasoning

about 1/3 lb. Pepperoni, chopped