Monday, December 5, 2011

Christmas Mantel

It's finally beginning to look like
Christmas around here!


Usually the decorations start to go up the day after
Thanksgiving.


This year I started a bit late because the weather was so warm.
I wasn't feeling very Christmas-y!
Even though the stores have been selling Christmas since 
Halloween!


So far the tree is up and the mantel is done.
Well, I may add an ornament to the tree 
or
a few more candles to the mantel, 
but for the most part they're done.



Now for the front door, banister, dining room, etc., etc!

Happy decorating!
-Lynn


Sunday, December 4, 2011

Roasted Potatoes and Ginger Sesame Pork Tenderloin

Cooking is something I've enjoyed since I was a little girl, 
but that doesn't mean I like to be in the kitchen all day preparing a meal.
Here's a quick and very easy meal that everyone enjoys in our house.

Roasted Potatoes with garlic and spring onion seasoning

Pork Tenderloin with ginger sesame seasoning


 Roasted Potatoes
Preheat oven to 500 degrees
6 Russet Potatoes, washed and cut into chunks (see photo below)
Toss with olive oil and favorite seasonings. I use
Garlic and Spring Onion seasoning & Kosher Salt.
Place in roasting pan, I spray a little Pam on the bottom
of the pan to keep the potatoes from sticking.
Roast for about 30-40 minutes, uncovered. 
Check periodically, I turn the potatoes once or twice while
roasting to make sure they're cooked evenly.

Toss potatoes with olive oil, kosher salt and garlic & spring onion seasoning



Pork Tenderloin
Preheat oven to 500 degrees (I cooked the potatoes and tenderloins together)
I use 2 packaged Pork Tenderloins-Hatfield, unseasoned.
They come marinated too, but I like to add my own flavors.
I coated these with Blood Orange Olive Oil-I had been at a store
at Chelsea Markets and they had wonderful flavored olive oils,
balsamic vinegars and salts, so I had to try them out.
Season with Kosher Salt, Ginger and Sesame Seasoning.
Place on raised rack in a roasting pan, uncovered.
They cook in about 45 minutes, depending on their size. 
I use an instant read thermometer-when the tenderloin reaches 150 degrees
take them out and wrap them in foil for about 10 minutes
while prepping the vegetables or setting the table.
Slice, serve and enjoy.

Coat tenderloin with blood orange olive oil, kosher salt & ginger sesame seasoning.


See, a good meal doesn't have to be a big deal!
Enjoy!
-Lynn