Horseradish and Whole Grain Mustard Encrusted Pork Loin

I've had this recipe in my small recipe box for years so when a local friend of mine was looking for a way to make pork loin for her family, this was the recipe I went to. This "paste" as I like to call it, is so easy and quick to prepare. She has since made it this way twice that I'm aware of and her family really loves it. 

So when Marina from Circle B Ranch contacted me to see if I'd be interested in trying some of their products, I didn't hesitate and knew exactly what I wanted to make with them. 

Circle B Ranch, located in Missouri, provides a safe, all-natural home to breed, farrow and raise 100% Heritage Pork. The farm is run naturally, sustainably and humanely and is owned and operated by John and Marina Backes.  Their naturally grown pork is rich in Omega 3 fat, vitamin D and is free from growth hormones, steroids and antibiotics. They have also received their Certified Humane Raised and Handled logo and pride themselves on the treatment of their animals.  By receiving this logo, it is official: Circle B Ranch humanely handles their animals from birth to harvest. 

My family and I found these pork chops to be exceptionally juicy, tender and delicious and overall, really enjoyed them. If you're ordering them online, they were packed securely, were fully insulated and frozen and arrived quickly.  

Horseradish and Whole Grain Mustard Encrusted Pork Loin Chops
4 1-2" Thick Center Cut Pork Loin Chops
2 tbsp. Whole Grain Dijon Mustard
2 tbsp. Horseradish
2 tbsp. Pecorino Romano Cheese, grated
2 tbsp. Fresh Rosemary, chopped
1 tbsp. Canola Oil
Kosher Salt
Fresh Ground Black Pepper

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350.  
2. Allow the meat to come to room temperature for 15-20 minutes prior to placing it in the oven. 
3. In a small bowl, combine the mustard, horseradish, cheese, rosemary, oil, salt and pepper together to form a paste; then portion it evenly on top of each chop. 
4. Bake for 40-50 minutes; depending on your desired doneness. Serves 4. 


*Nutritional Information per Serving: Calories 203, Carbs .8 Fat 9.3g, Protein 26.8g, Fiber .2g
*Calculations based on ingredients entered into CalorieCount and may not be 100% accurate. 

I generally use this paste on a Pork Loin Roast, which is also wonderful. Add your roast to a roasting pan, spread the paste on top, add a liquid to the bottom (I like to use white wine or chicken broth); then bake your roast for 20-30 minutes per pound until it has reached the proper internal temperature (160 degrees=Medium; 170 degrees= Well Done). 






Disclaimer: I received these products free from Circle B Ranch. All opinions are my own based on my own personal experiences. For more information on Circle B Ranch or how you can purchase this product , please visit their website.

Apricot Pistachio Oatmeal

Did you know that February is Hot Breakfast Month?  Studies show that eating breakfast gives your body the energy it needs to get through the day, as well as help improve focus and performance at work or school. 

I was never a big fan of breakfast. I used to grab the quickest thing on my way to work, which was usually the bagel store, but have you seen a NJ/NY bagel lately? My goodness it's like eating an entire loaf of bread in one sitting!  I don't particularly like cereal as most of the ones I like (taste-wise) make my tongue swell. I'm not joking, it's the WEIRDEST thing! I've tried eating plain oatmeal, which I do like on occasion, but mainly I prefer egg whites with sauteed mushrooms or a whole grain, extra fiber English Muffin with peanut butter. 

That is until I found a new product by Quaker Oats called Real Medleys. Have you tried them yet? They're a little expensive, but taste great and are packed with whole grain, fruit and nuts. I especially like them if you're short on time and need a quick, healthy breakfast. Just boil water, let it sit a minute or two and breakfast is ready. However, since the sodium counts are higher, as with many pre-packaged foods, I wanted to see if I could make my own version.  This Apricot Pistachio Oatmeal was great and very filling. It did take a little longer than instant, but the homemade version had 44 less calories, 3 grams less fat, and 95 grams less sodium. 

Apricot Pistachio Oatmeal
1 c. Water
1/2 c.Quaker Oats 
4 Dried Apricots, chopped
1 tbsp. Pistachios, shelled and chopped
1 tbsp. Honey

Directions:
1. Add water to a medium saucepan and bring to a boil; then add in the oatmeal. 
2. Reduce heat and allow to simmer until the water has been absorbed into the oats; approximately 6-8 minutes. 
3. Stir in the apricots, pistachios and honey. Serves 1. 

*Nutritional Information Serving: Calories 246, Carbs 47.4g, Fat 5g, Protein 6.2g, Fiber 4.8g

Enjoy! 

Superbowl Appetizer Ideas and Happy Birthday to Me

Yup. Today is my birthday. The big 4-5! 

It's the day where I go up another rung on the life cycle grouping. You know the one where they segment you into a specific age category when taking surveys. 30-34, 35-39, 40-44 and then comes 45-49 or the "PUSHING 50" category as I so lovingly refer to it. I can honestly say that being 45 doesn't bother me one bit. I love everything about my age and I wouldn't want to relive any part of my life...the good, the bad and the ugly. It's made me into the person I am today.

Do I wish I was thinner? Yes! 

Do I wish that I didn't have to color my hair every 4 weeks to "wash that gray right outta my hair"? Absolutely yes! 

But I'm happy, healthy (for the most part), and have wonderful family and friends that I love and love me back. Who could ask for anything more?

I don't like to cook on my birthday and being it's also Friday night (another night I don't like to generally cook), it's up to hubby and the girls to cook for me...or take me out, whatever they decide is fine, I'm not picky (about that anyway!). We generally spend our birthday's with just the four of us so I'm looking forward to some fun family time whatever it is we decide to do. 

And now on to today's post...

This past week, I gave you some new ideas for party food like the Low Fat Mac and Cheese Poppers, Copycat Hooter's Buffalo Wings, Reduced Fat Homemade Ranch Dressing and yesterday's Meatball Stromboli to serve at this weekend's Superbowl featuring the San Francisco 49's vs. the Baltimore Ravens. 

The game will air this Sunday, February 3, 2013 on CBS and kick off time starts at 6:30pm est/3:30pm pst. The national anthem will be sung by Alicia Keys and the halftime show will be performed by Beyonce....and don't forget all of those commercials! I really like to watch football, but I don't get much time to do so during the season so I don't know much about either team, other than the fact that Joe Montana played for the 49's....many years ago. :) 

So in today's post, I will give you some links to some other fun party foods you may enjoy to add your offerings. I apologize ahead of time for some of the pictures as some of these were taken before I figured out how to use a camera properly...heehee. Have a great weekend everyone! 

Black Bean and Kalamata Olive Hummus

Sun Dried Tomato and Asiago Cheese Jalepeno Poppers 

Spicy Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs

(You can substitute any BBQ Sauce you like) 

Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

Spinach Artichoke French Bread Pizza

(Slice these in strips to make as an appetizer!)

Caprese Cherry Tomato Bites

Blueberry & Pistachio Brie en Croute

Hot Creamed Spinach Dip

Pretzel Coated Chicken Nuggets 
with Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce

Grilled Chicken and Pesto Panini

If these still aren't what you had in mind, check out the post I did last year called 
The Top 10 Must Have Foods for the Superbowl. 

What is YOUR favorite part about the Superbowl?
Comment Below!

A. The Game

B. The Food

C. The Commercials

D. All of the Above