Monday, January 25, 2010

Herb Roasted Pork Loin


I made this recipe last week and was impressed with it. I do have to say though, there are a few things I would change if I make it again. First of all, the cooking time in the recipe is off. I used a smaller piece of pork and still found it needed more time than what was reccomended in the oven. And second, for me personally, I found the dijon to be too over powering. I don't like spice, so the dijon was a but much for me. My friend Rachelle suggests mixing the dijon with sour cream for all of the flavour and none of the heat. I will try that next time, or possibly use honey mustard instead.


With all of that said, the pork did turn out nicely. And the smell of the herbs in the oven was to die for. I couldn't wait to dig in! The gravy that goes a long with the roast was perfect and added the extra oomph to the roast. This would make a good meal for a dinner party. It is very pretty too.


In case you are interested in trying it out for yourself here is the link to the recipe: http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Herb-Roasted-Pork-Loin-352314.



Along side the roasted pork loin, I tried a recipe for Maple Dijon Carrots. It was a quick and easy way to dress up carrots.


1lb carrots , trimmed, peeled and sliced diagonally
1 tbsp margarine or butter
1 tsp dijon mustard
2 tsp pure maple syrup
1 tsp fresh parsely, chopped (optional)

1. place carrots in a saucepan and add just enough water to cover. bring to a boil and cook over medium-high head for 6 mins until tender-crisp.
2. drain carrots, then return to saucepan and toss with margarine, dijon, and maple syrup to heat through.
3. garnish with fresh parsely if desired. serve immediately.

Sunday, January 17, 2010

2010

We are already 17 days into 2010, and my how they have flown by.

2009 was a horrible year for me, it seemed so promising in it's early days, then it all went down hill. Everything that could go wrong went wrong. I will spare you the details, but tell you that it all began when I was laid off from my first real job- my career.

So this year, 2010, I am going to make this MY year. I want to become a better person, I feel as if I have lost myself in the past couple of years and I would like to reunite with my inner self. On this journey I am hoping to change my lifestyle for the better. Become more active, get fit, and finally lose the weight that my mother reminds me about every time I see her. I am also hoping to land my dream job for the second time... hopefully this time I will get to keep it!

After posting yesterday about the Boeuf Bourguignon I realised that I don't have a Dutch Oven... so I think that recipe will have to wait until I get one. I really want to make Julia Child's version... and make it exactly as the recipe calls! I bought a pork loin, so I am going to have a look around and see what kind of recipe I can find for that. I'm going to check Jamie Oliver and Martha Stewart's websites and see what they have to offer.

Saturday, January 16, 2010

Julie & Julia

Last night I watched the new movie Julie & Julia. I am feeling motivated to start my own food blog... I however am not as ambitious as Julie Powell. I cannot commit to 524 recipes in one year. But, I have been wanting to try out at least one new recipe a week. Maybe I will start with that, see how it goes.

Where shall I start??? I am really craving Julia Child's Boef Bourguignon after watching the movie. Maybe that will be my first.