Saturday's Recipes...
Warning: Do not read if you're hungry... this is a picture heavy post... full of shots of yummy food... So Saturday, the mister had some friends from work over which was the perfect excuse for me to try a few new recipes I've been stalking on Pinterest and stay in the kitchen almost ALL day. Yes... I am addicted to both my kitchen and pinterest. A great combo...
Anyways, I thought I'd share the recipes on here because all of them (with the exception of 1) were really delicious!
So... after a fun 31 Party, where I bought a few Christmas presents for a few family members, I started working in the kitchen. A few random things you need to know: (1) I love spending time in my new kitchen. The open floor plan & space just makes my heart oh so happy. I put on my "chill" playlist and my favorites kept me company as the Mister worked. (2) Before spending time in the kitchen, I made 4 trips to the grocery store a mile down the road. 2 before the 31 Party (one for me, and one for the hostess of the party) and then I realized I forgot something after the party so I stopped by on my way home. AND then when I got home I realized that I couldn't find my cheesecake pan ANYWHERE... so I had to go back to the store again. Yes I did check out of the same line all 4 times. Yes, they now know my name at the local Lowe's Foods. They also think I'm crazy.
Ok so onto the really fun things... The Menu.
For Appetizers: Baked Zucchini Sticks and Baked Parmesan Tomatoes with a Spicy Ranch dip.
Photo Credit and Recipe found HERE
Photo Credit and Recipe found HERE
Yes, I didn't use the onion dip recipe that goes with the zucchini... I used a spicy ranch. Why you ask? Because ranch just makes everything better. And if you add some kick to it and I'm an even happier woman. So here is a shot of the final product:
Confession: I really didn't enjoy the tomatoes... So I may or may not have tossed them out before dinner which is why they aren't on the pretty platter. :) But the zucchini... it was delicious!
Sides: Salad, Twice Baked Potatoes, Dinner Rolls
Our guests brought a yummy salad... so sorry I don't have the recipe for that. :)
And as for the Twice Baked Potatoes, I didn't really use a recipe but I'll share what I typically do. First off, I didn't have fresh bacon on hand... I forgot it at the grocery store and I sure as heck wasn't going to go for trip #5. So this is the baconless version of my usual recipe.
Take your taters, wash 'em, butter up their skins real good like, stick 'em in the oven @425 for an hr. flipping em every 30 min or so depending on their size. The bigger the tater, the longer the time.
Cut out a hole, like so... and then scoop out the insides and put into a bowl.
At this point, I take all of the tater's innerds and then I mash 'em together with a fork, add milk and sour cream, sharp cheddar cheese, Salt and Pepper, and any other odds and ends I'm feelin (chives, bacon, garlic, ranch seasoning... whatever's on hand). I was pretty simple on Saturday... cheese, S & P, and sour cream only.
Then fill the tater up and sprinkle on toppings and stick in the oven for another 10-20 min. until the cheese is all melty and Voila!
Warm Carbs & Cheese... My fav.
As for the rolls... are you kidding me... I can't beat Sister Schubert's?! So why even try at this point. I'm no Pioneer Woman. I can only do so much.
Ok moving on to the goooood stuff...
Main Meal: Grilled Balsamic-Garlic Crusted Pork
Photo Credit and Recipe found HERE
Really Pinterest, I adore you for this reason. I can find other folk's recipes and completely mess them up and make them for a delicious dinner. For real though, you folks need to try this one. It was SOOOO good. So good that we made it again last night... I kid you not.
Sweet Yummy Goodness: Frozen Mocha Cheesecake
I'm so sorry, but I cannot share that recipe with you on here. A college friend's mom used to make it for us every time we'd visit & I would drool and gain 5 lbs in one weekend from eating it for every meal. She was so sweet to give it to me as a wedding present (along with the pan that I cannot find... shooooooooot) and I promised to keep it a secret. So all you get is pictures... but I promise to make it if you ever dine at the Salmon's.
Ok so that was our Saturday night meal and my fun Saturday spent in the kitchen. :) Also an essential lesson learned, even if you have to pee REALLY bad while cooking, go ahead and take your apron off when you run into your bathroom. Because it turns out if you try to go real fast with your apron on, you might get your apron strings wet and then drip them all over your legs and bathroom floor. Just sayin'.
Much love...