Thursday, June 10, 2010

{ Cooking Thursday }


Won't you join me and share with us one of your new recipes, or an old family favorite, you can even throw in a recipe for homemade soaps or detergents (just remember to specify).

For the guidelines, you can go here.

********************************************
2010_06080019

Smothered Pork Chops
recipe adapted from Cook's Illustrated

3 ounces bacon (about 3 slices), cut into
1/4-inch pieces
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 3/4 cups canned low-sodium chicken broth
Vegetable oil
4 bone-in, rib-end pork chops,
1/2 to 3/4 inch thick
Ground black pepper
2 medium yellow onions, halved pole to pole and sliced thin (about 3 1/2 cups)
8 oz sliced white button mushrooms
Salt
2 tablespoons water
2 medium garlic cloves, pressed through garlic press or minced (about 2 teaspoons)
1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme leaves
2 bay leaves
1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley leaves plus some for garnish


Fry bacon in small saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned, 8 to 10 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer bacon to paper towel-lined plate, leaving fat in saucepan (you should have 2 tablespoons bacon fat; if not, supplement with vegetable oil).

Reduce heat to medium-low and gradually whisk flour into fat until smooth. Cook, whisking frequently, until mixture is light brown, about the color of peanut butter, about 5 minutes. Whisk in chicken broth in slow, steady stream; increase heat to medium-high and bring to boil, stirring occasionally; cover and set aside off heat. (I didn't cook the mixture until light brown, I was in a hurry and didn't have time to waste)

Heat 1-tablespoon oil in 12-inch skillet over high heat until smoking, about 3 minutes. Meanwhile, dry pork chops with paper towels and sprinkle with 1/2-teaspoon pepper.

Brown chops in single layer until deep golden on first side, about 3 minutes. Flip chops and cook until browned on second side, about 3 minutes longer. Transfer chops to large plate and set aside.

Reduce heat to medium and add 1 tablespoon oil, onions, mushrooms, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and water to now-empty skillet. Using wooden spoon, scrape browned bits on pan bottom and cook, stirring frequently, until onions are softened and browned around the edges, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and thyme and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds longer.

Return chops to skillet in single layer, covering chops with onions and mushrooms.

Pour in warm sauce and any juices collected from pork; add bay leaves. (the recipe doesn't say to add the bacon back in, but come on....you can't just get rid of bacon, I couldn't do it, so in it went and I'm so glad I did it)

Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer until pork is tender and paring knife inserted into chops meets very little resistance, about 30 minutes.


Wednesday, June 09, 2010

{ Contest Winners }

I have so much to do tomorrow, in anticipation for my family arriving from South Africa early Friday morning, so I'm drawing all the winners today for the giveaways I have going on.



The winner of the book "Unafraid - Living God's Plan on a Ladder and a Promise" by Karon Phillips Goodman....is:

#1 - Renee at A Path of Joy

Congratulations Renee!


http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51gCaa2m2WL._SL500_AA300_.jpg

Three winners of a Gillette Pro Fusion Proglide Power Razor are:

#4 - Nancy at In My Neck of the Woods
#5 - Kat at Heart 2 Heart
#12 - Stacey Matlock

Congratulations Ladies.....Please email me your address as soon as possible so I can get your info to the company.

{ In the Kitchen }

2010_06080005

2010_06080004

2010_06080019

2010_06080012

Tuesday, June 08, 2010

{ Where have I been? }

I know you probably think I disappeared off the planet, I've been horrible at updating my blog, other than reviews and giveaways and that is certainly NOT what I want my blog to become.

I apologize.

I've noticed not many of you come and visit much anymore and I'm just going to chalk that up to it being summer, and everyone being busy. Or, I'll just pretend it's because you're gearing up for the World Cup 2010. *tee hee* Oh? That's just me? I'm sorry.

Well I plan on posting more later but for now I just wanted to tell my Cooking Thursday and Happy Homemaking Monday participants that I haven't forgotten about you, I'm coming around to say hi tonight. Hope you have coffee and cake, you know how I love a good cuppa and a good yummy treat while I visit with friends.

In the meantime, I have dinner cooking and can't stay long, I'm making Smothered Pork Chops....YUM! I will have the recipe up for you shortly, but for now, you can go on and check out my newly posted recipes at my food blog.


2010_05310003



2010_05310010

Monday, June 07, 2010

{ Happy Homemaker Monday }

hhm



The weather in my neck of the woods:
Hot but cloudy skies, I am actually hoping it would rain.


Things that make me happy:
A good donut


Book I'm reading:
Montana Creeds: Dylan by Linda Lael Miller


What I'm enjoying on TV:
Weird or What
Ancient Aliens


On the menu for dinner:
Smothered Pork Chops w/ Rice


On my To Do List:
Laundry
Mopping
Bathrooms


New Recipe I tried or want to try soon:
BLT Pasta Salad


In the craft basket:
Folk Dolls
Bath Mitts for gifts


Looking forward to this week:
My brother, sister in law and niece and nephew arriving on Friday morning. YAY!


Tips and Tricks:
I can't think of a single one this morning....I'm really not ready for Monday.


My favorite blog post this week:
No blog reading last week


Blog Hopping (a new discovered blog you would like to share with the readers):
I'm actually going to send you to one of my blog readers new blog, her name is Jenna and she's a fellow military wife and she's embarked on a new adventure that could really use our support.
On June 1st I started running 1,004 miles to be completed by June 1 of next year. I have a blog that keeps track of my progress and also has a place where people can donate money to Peak 4 Poverty. It's a wonderful non-profit that helps AIDS orphans in Tanzania.
Go on over and check out her new blog.


No words needed (favorite photo or picture, yours or others you want to share):

2010_05280028


Lesson learned the past few days:

Align CenterThat if you keep yourself busy, time flies and before you know it, something you've been really looking forward to is upon you.


On my mind:
My family visiting and how much we're going to have.


Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses:
"I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him."
Luke 12:4-5