Island Pork Tenderloin

Hands down one of the best pork recipes I've ever made. 

I think I professed my love after each bite I took.  

The cinnamon and brown sugar paired with savory spices. 

Just amazing. 

Add this to your menu today.  

Notes: The only change made was finishing the pork up on the grill pan after the suggested time in the oven.  It wasn't completely done, so hubs threw it on the grill pan for a few minutes on each side.  

Island Pork Tenderloin

Courtesy of Cooking Classy

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Serving Size: 4 Servings

Ingredients

• 1 (2 1/2 lb) pork tenderloin
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 tsp paprika
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup + 2 Tbsp packed brown sugar (light or dark)
• 1 Tbsp finely minced garlic
• 1 1/2 tsp Sriracha or Tabasco sauce

Directions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a small bowl, whisk together salt, chili powder, cumin, cinnamon, black pepper and paprika. Press and rub mixture around all sides of pork tenderloin.
• Heat olive oil in a 12-inch heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Once oil just begins to smoke, transfer pork to skillet and cook for 2 minutes until bottom has browned, then rotate and cook opposite side until browned, about 2 minutes.
• In a small bowl, stir together brown sugar, minced garlic and hot sauce. Spread mixture over the top of browned pork. Transfer pork (in oven safe skillet) to center of oven and roast until center of pork reaches 140 degrees on an instant read thermometer (about 20 minutes, I actually cooked mine about 15 minutes longer because I had a thicker roast and I don't like rare overly juicy pork). Allow pork to rest in skillet, loosely covered with aluminum foil, 10 minutes at room temperature (temperature should rise to 155 degrees while standing). Carve and serve warm.

Cookies & Cream Cookies

I made these bad boys a week or so ago.  I had pinned the recipe a while back and finally remembered to get the candy bars while at Target. I also just so happened to have Oreos in the pantry.  Since these are titled cookies and cream cookies, I couldn't not add them! 

Results: White chocolate paired with the crunch of Oreos in a bite sized cookie....unbelievable. 

If you make these, I would plan on bringing them somewhere to share with others. 

Otherwise, you will end up eating them and won't be able to stop.

 I was thankful when hubs brought these to work and for them out of the house. 

Enjoy!

Cookies & Cream Cookies

Adapted from Lil Luna

Ingredients

• 1 cup brown sugar 
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup butter 
• 1/2 cup oil
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. baking powder 
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 1 tsp. almond extract 
• 3 cups flour
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• 1 cup smashed oreos
• 1 cup cookies and cream bars chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350.
2. Cream butter, oil and sugars. Add eggs and beat until fluffy.
3. Add remaining ingredients.
4. Place on greased cookie sheet and bake for 7-9 minutes.
5. ENJOY!

Shrimp Stir Fry with Sugar Snap Peas

Shrimp Stir Fry with Sugar Snap Peas 

Courtesy of Very Culinary 

Results: Such a quick meal and healthy too.  I used brown instead of white rice because it's what we had at home.  I bought medium shrimp and will definitely buy large shrimp next time.  I used a few different spices to work with what I had at home.  Next time, I will look for the chili garlic sauce as I think it would take this dish up a notch.  I would still make it again, as is.  Enjoy!

My picture doesn't do this meal any justice.  

Boy do I miss my DSLR camera! 

Shrimp Stir Fry with Sugar Snap Peas 

Courtesy of Very Culinary 

Shrimp Stir-Fry with Sugar Snap Peas
Serves 4
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes

Ingredients
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 pound medium shrimp, shelled and deveined
• 8 ounces sugar snap peas, strings removed
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium or gluten-free)
• 3 teaspoons rice wine vinegar
• 2 teaspoons chile garlic sauce
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh ginger
• 3 cloves garlic, chopped
• salt and pepper
• 3 scallions, chopped, white and green parts separated

Directions
In a bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, chile garlic sauce, and cornstarch. Set aside.

Rub the ginger, garlic, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper all over the shrimp.

Heat the oil in a large nonstick pan or wok over high heat. Add the white scallions and saute for 30 seconds. Add the snap peas, sprinkle with a touch of salt and stir-fry until they’re crisp-tender, 1-2 minutes. Add the shrimp to the pan and stir-fry for about 1 minute. Whisk the soy sauce mixture and add it to the pan. Cook until the shrimp are opaque and the sauce has thickened, about 1 more minute. Toss the scallion greens in and remove from the heat.

Serve over white rice with some of the pan sauce.

Baked Potatoes with Sausage and Arugula Sauce

Hubs was watching Food Network this past Sunday and this was the highlighted recipe on Giada's show.  He looked over at me and asked me to make it this week.  He doesn't often request meals, so I was happy to oblige.  I added the ingredients to my grocery list and I made it last night.  

Results: This meal was very filling and good.  Due to my no dairy diet, I left out the cheese.  I was worried that it would take away from the dinner, but thankfully it didn't.  It was quick to throw together and even though we didn't have left overs, it would probably be pretty good left over.  Hubs suggested that next time we make mashed potatoes with the meat on top instead of baked.  He thought that would be better.  Overall, a hearty weeknight meal.  

Baked Potatoes with Sausage and Arugula Sauce

Recipe courtesy Giada De Laurentiis

Prep Time:10 minInactive Prep Time: -- Cook Time:15 min
Level:
Easy
Serves:
4 servings

Ingredients
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 small onion, diced
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
2 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed or chopped
1/2 pound sweet or spicy Italian-style turkey sausage, casings removed
1 1/2 cups tomato-basil or marinara sauce
3 cups baby arugula or spinach leaves
1/2 cup mascarpone cheese (4 ounces), at room temperature
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
4 baked russet potatoes, 8 to 10 ounces each (see Cook's Note)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
Directions
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onions, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until aromatic, about 30 seconds. Add the sausage and break up the meat into 1/2-inch pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, 6 to 8 minutes. Add the marinara sauce and arugula. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook until the arugula has wilted, about 2 minutes. Add the mascarpone cheese and stir until the mixture forms a creamy sauce. Remove from the heat and stir in the Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper.

Cut a slit in the top of each baked potato and gently squeeze the ends to form an opening in the top. Spoon the sausage sauce into each potato. Garnish with parsley.

Cook's Note: To bake the potatoes: Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Using a fork, prick the skins of the potatoes all over. Wrap each potato in foil and bake until tender, about 1 hour. To cook the potatoes in a microwave: Using a fork, prick the skins of the potatoes all over. Place 2 potatoes at a time on a dinner plate. Microwave on high for 8 minutes. Turn the potatoes over and microwave until soft, 6 to 8 more minutes.

Easy Peanut butter Chocolate Chip Cake Bars

A few weeks back we went to a friends house for dinner. 

I knew about it all week. 

Knew I was going to bring dessert. 

But all three times I went to the store, I forgot to get something to make. 

I can't tell you how often this happens. 

So, I set off in search of a recipe I could make with ingredients I had at home. 

I always keep a variety of cake mix in the house.  

There are just so many options to do with it.  

Thankfully, I found the following recipe on Pinterest and made some changes using ingredients I had. 

The bars took me no time to make and were delicious. 

Peanut butter, chocolate, a thick chewy bar....my kind of dessert! 

                                                          

 Adapted from I'm a lazy mom

Ingredients:

1 box yellow cake mix

2 eggs beaten

5 T melted butter

1 cup peanut butter chips

1 cup chocolate chips 

Directions:

Mix all ingredients together. 

Pour into a brownie pan (this one is my favorite) 

Secret Fruit Salad

This past weekend my parents had us over for a BBQ.  My mom and I always talk about the menu a few days before we get together.  Since spring weather has arrived, I knew we had to have fruit salad on the menu.  And I remembered seeing a pin that said adding vanilla pudding to fruit salad was amazing.  So, I added fruit salad and vanilla pudding to the grocery list.  

Results: The pin was spot on.  This is the secret to the best fruit salad.  I didn't really measure the amount of pudding mix I used.  I just added it until I felt most of the fruit was coated.  

All of the guests asked what I added to make it so tasty.  I'll be making it this way from now on! 

Secret Fruit Salad

Courtesy of Rachel Schultz 

Salmon with Brown Sugar and Mustard Glaze

I'm so glad I got over my salmon fear.  It's becoming a weekly staple in our house and I'm enjoying trying different recipes.  This recipe is supposed to be grilled, but I just cooked it in the oven. I read a few reviews and broiled it. I basted, cooked for three minutes, basted again and cooked for another 5 minutes.   Hubs said the sauce was fantastic, and I would have to agree.  It's the perfect sweet and tangy combination, enjoy!

sorry for the crappy phone pic...i'm missing my nice camera!

Salmon with Brown Sugar and Mustard Glaze

Courtesy of Food Network

Ingredients
Salmon:

3 tablespoons light brown sugar
1 tablespoon honey
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon finely grated ginger
Vegetable oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
8 salmon fillets, 6 ounces each
Directions
On the side burner, melt the brown sugar, honey and butter in a small saute pan over medium-high heat. Remove from the heat and whisk in the mustard, soy sauce, olive oil and ginger. Let cool.

Preheat grill to medium heat. Brush salmon with vegetable oil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Place the salmon skin side down on the grill. Coat the flesh of the salmon fillets with the brown sugar mixture. Grill for 6 to 8 minutes to medium doneness, turning once after 5 to 6 minutes.

Sesame Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry

If you aren't receiving emails from Kraft foods your inbox, you are missing out.  This recipe was another one of the fresh spring recipes that was emailed to me last week. 

I'm always up for a fresh stir-fry recipe. If you don't have a stir-fry on your meal plans, you should.  They are easy to make, usually only involve one pot and are healthy.  

This recipe is indeed perfect for spring.  The pineapple along with the crunch of the snap peas made the dish for me.  Next time, I will use red and green peppers. Enjoy! 

Sesame Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry 

Courtesy of Kraft Foods 

time

prep:

25 min

total:

25 min

servings

total:

4 servings, 1-1/2 cups each

what you need

1

Tbsp.  oil

1

lb.  boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-size pieces

2

cups  sugar snap peas, trimmed

1

large  red pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces

3

cloves  garlic, minced

2

cups  fresh pineapple chunks (1 inch)

1/4

cup  KRAFT Asian Toasted Sesame Dressing

1

Tbsp.  lite soy sauce

2

 green onions, diagonally cut into thin slices

make it

HEAT oil in wok or large skillet on medium-high heat. Add chicken, peas, peppers and garlic; stir-fry 4 to 5 min. or until chicken is done.

ADD pineapple; stir-fry 2 min. or until heated through. Stir in combined dressing and soy sauce. Remove from heat; stir in onions.

Peep Brownies

How cute are these?

A friend of mine posted a picture a few days before Easter of this adorable dessert.  

I knew I had to make them.  

Ingredients: 

Brownie Mix

Green Icing

Peeps

Peanut M&M's 

Directions: 

Make the brownies according to the package directions.  

Bake them in a brownie pan (I love my Pampered Chef pan) 

When they're done, let them cool on a cooling rack.

After they are completely cooled, use the green icing to make it look like grass.
I cheated and bought the Betty Crocker Cupcake Icing with tips.
It was so easy, worth the extra few dollars.
After that, place a peep and some M&M's on top.

These treats are sure to be the talk of the party! 

Soy Glazed Salmon

I try and make one fish recipe a week.  Lately, I've been sticking with shrimp because it's quick and easy.  I've only made salmon a few times but this recipe jumped out on Pinterest, I knew I wanted to try it. The recipe was quick and easy to follow.  The salmon was full of flavor, I was surprised with how easy it was.  Will definitely be making it again.

Soy Glazed Salmon

Courtesy of Martha Stewart 

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup packed light-brown sugar
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons dry white wine, or water
• 2 pounds salmon fillet
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. with a rack in the center. Make the glaze: In a small bowl, stir brown sugar, olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, and white wine until the sugar has dissolved.
2. Cut salmon fillet into 4 equal-size pieces; arrange, skin side down, in a single layer in a baking dish. Pour glaze over the fish, and turn to coat evenly.
3. Bake until fish is opaque but still bright pink inside, basting every few minutes with glaze from baking dish, 15 to 20 minutes. Serve with lemon wedges.

Lemon Coconut Cake Mix Cookies

I can't pass up a cake mix cookie. They are just so easy to make and oh so delicious.  When I came across this recipe, I knew it would be the perfect cookie to kick of the start of spring.  

Results: Another successful cookie recipe.  I added an extra half of cup of coconut to the batter along with rolling the cookie in it.  Everyone in my family loved this recipe.  Hubs even kept an extra stash for himself. Enjoy! 

Lemon Coconut Cake Mix Cookies 

Courtesy of Eclectic Recipes

INGREDIENTS:

1 package yellow cake mix
1 (3.9 oz) package instant lemon pudding mix
1 egg
1/2 cup milk
1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
1 tablespoon Dixie Crystals powdered sugar

DIRECTIONS:

Heat oven to 350°. Combine cake mix, pudding mix, egg and milk in a large bowl. Mix well to combine. In a separate bowl, combine coconut and sugar. Mix well. Spoon cookie dough by the tablespoon into coconut and roll around. Place cookie on a parchment paper lined cookie sheet.

Continue rolling all cookies. Bake at 350° for 12 minutes, or until coconut has browned and cookie is set. Let cookies cool on cookie sheet 5 minutes before transferring to cooling rack to cool completely.

Spinach Strawberry Salad

Spinach Strawberry Salad

Adapted from Welcome to the Good Life 

Ingredients:
-1 bag of ready-to-eat spinach
-craisins
-thinly sliced strawberries
-honey roasted pecans (salad toppers) 
-poppy seed dressing (here is the dressing I used, it's also dairy free)


Directions:
1. Pour spinach onto a bowl.  Top it with the rest of the ingredients according to preference, mix, and enjoy!

Spaghetti with Garlic-Shrimp and Broccoli

One of the recent emails I received from Kraft Foods had a ton of healthy spring dishes.  I immediately checked out all the recipes and found a few that I intended to add to an upcoming menu.  This one was the first one I put on the list.  I try to make a fish recipe once a week, lately I've been using shrimp.  It's quick, easy and the perfect pair for pasta.  

Results: A very good recipe.  I used whole wheat pasta and lite dressing to make it healthier.  Next time I will add additional veggies (red pepper and mushrooms) and cut the broccoli a little smaller.  Enjoy! 

Spaghetti with Garlic-Shrimp and Broccoli 

Courtesy of Kraft Foods

time

prep:

20 min

total:

20 min

servings

total:

6 servings, about 1-1/4 cups each

what you need

1/2

lb.  spaghetti, uncooked

4

cups  small broccoli florets

1/2

cup  KRAFT Tuscan House Italian Dressing

1

lb.  uncooked deveined peeled large shrimp

2

cloves  garlic, minced

1/4

cup  KRAFT Grated Parmesan Cheese

make it

COOK spaghetti in large saucepan as directed on package, omitting salt and adding broccoli to the cooking water for the last 2 min.

MEANWHILE, heat dressing in large skillet on medium-high heat. Add shrimp and garlic; cook and stir 3 to 4 min. or until shrimp turn pink.

DRAIN spaghetti mixture; return to pan. Add shrimp mixture and cheese; mix lightly.

Red Velvet Fudge Brownies

Last weekend, we hosted a couples game night at our house.  We asked all of the guests to bring a dish and their drink of choice.  With a baby and with work being really busy, I didn't have time to plan a typical over the top party that I usually throw. I decided to "sign-up" for dessert.  Desserts are always my choice because they are simple and usually a favorite.  I had already made regular brownies and rice krispie treats but needed one more dessert for my 3-tier serving dish.  When I realized this, it was only 3 hours away from party time.  I knew I had tons of red velvet cake mixes in the pantry, so I searched for a recipe I could make with it.  I didn't want a cupcake or cake, so I decided on brownies! 

Results:  I liked these, didn't love them.  I thought they were a bit cake like.  But, hubs LOVED them.  And a lot of the guests at the party said they were good.  Hubs did tell me that the chocolate chips made it.  He said he had one without a lot of chocolate chips and it was so so, but the one he had with loads of chips was amazing.  Next time I make them, I'll add more chips.  Another variation which would put these over the top is adding cream cheese icing! The recipe does have icing with it, but I left it out because I wanted to stack the brownies on a plate.  Enjoy!

Red Velvet Fudge Brownies

Courtesy of Duncan Hines 

Hands-On Time:	10 minutes
Total Time:	55 minutes
Servings:	Varies
Rating:	4.5 stars

Description:

Brownies.

Ingredients

• 1 Duncan Hines box Red Velvet cake mix
• 3/4 cup butter, after melted
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 2 cups walnuts, chopped (optional)

Marble Frosting:

• 8 oz. butter cream frosting
• 4 oz. triple chocolate frosting

Baking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
2. Combine egg, butter, water in a bowl. Add box mix, stir until the ingredients are combined, and lumps are gone.
3. Add chips and 1 cup of nuts, and pour mixture into the greased 9x13-inch baking pan.
4. Bake for 40-45 minutes. Let cool for 15 minutes and place the cake on wire cooling rack.
5. Frost brownie with butter cream frosting. Heat or microwave chocolate frosting for easy pouring. Pour 2 oz. chocolate frosting over butter cream layer.
6. Use a fork to blend two frostings for a marbled appearance, to desired pattern. Sprinkle brownie with remaining nuts.
7. Drizzle remaining chocolate frosting over the butter cream.
8. Put the brownie in the freezer to cool. Allow 10 minutes, cut and serve.