Sometimes Simple, Sometimes Grand, Always Declicious
I love pork. Bacon, chops, tenderloin, sausage, you name it. If it comes from a pig, chances are I’ll snatch it up and have my way with it. We don’t eat a lot of bbq where I’m from in the upper midwest, but let me tell ya, move yourself down to Texas for six years and your entire perspective on slow cooked meat will change. I guarantee it. There is a whole world out there beyond the slow cooker pot roast my mom used to make us and I’ve got the bbq stained fingers to prove it.
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As I sit here sipping on a hot cup of coffee, cat purring lightly by my side, toddler still swimming in the pleasantry of dreams upstairs, I’m struck by the quiet stillness of the crisp morning slowly welcoming the sun on it’s horizon. This is my favorite time of the day. Just me and the sunrise. No diapers to change, no groceries to garner, no runny noses to wipe. With my feet up on the table and my computer strategically positioned across my lap, I click away at the keys and gaze out the windows of my warm, cozy family room to the wide open world beyond. Small thoughts flit through my mind. What do I need to get accomplished today? Will chicken or fish be on tonight’s dinner menu? Will the boys have a good day at school today? I slowly feel my body waking up as a first and then a second gulp of caffeine goodness permeates my being.
It’s the simple pleasures that have the most meaning after all. This tart is a compilation of simple pleasures for me. Caramelized onions meet cheese meet egg meet crust. One warming bite can put a smile across my face and ready me for whatever the day might bring.
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Dudes, like you have to check out this bodacious pork chop! It’s been “Shake and Baked!”
What do you think? Did I do the 80’s justice? Ok fine, I’ll give it to you that we probably didn’t use the word “bodacious” on a regular basis, but I definitely knew a few girlfriends that had close ties with the word “like” and I also knew a lot of moms that pulled out the Shake and Bake for a fast and fab weeknight dinner. I know you remember the good ol’ meat in a bag meal. You simply shook it up and cooked it up. Voila, dinner is served.
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I know what you’re probably saying. It’s two days before Thanksgiving and this post has nothing to do with the upcoming food inspired holiday. Well I say, “Au contraire my friend”. It has more to do with the holidays than you think. Allow me to indulge….
It’s the moment of truth. My first time ever cooking up a rack of pork. Was it a success? My answer is a resounding YES. Followed promptly by a “why the heck haven’t I tried brining pork before?” I honestly believe that this was the best piece of swine I have ever put my mouth too. It was tender enough to cut with a butter knife and the flavor. Well, let me just say that all three kids were practically begging for seconds and even thirds. Drew, my youngest, kept saying “more chicken!” despite my efforts to educate him on the cut of meat before him. He even cleared his plate of broccoli after I told him it was the only way to get a third helping. Alex gave it not one, not two, but one hundred thumbs up (who knew kids had so many thumbs?). And all three kids let out a whoop and a holler when I told them we would be having a repeat of the same dinner the next night (5 pounds of pork is enough to feed an army let alone a family of five.)
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Less than a week until Halloween. My kids are practically busting at the seams with excitement. Nick, my oldest, plans to be Luke Skywalker, Drew is going to be a pumpkin, and my five year old? Well, he’s made the decision to be a marble. But not just any marble mind you – a rainbow marble. I’m sure you’re wondering how I’m going to achieve this feat. That’s good because I’m wondering a bit myself. I’ve come up with an idea to paper mache a rather large balloon, cut out a few holes for appendages and hope for the best.
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