Nikki's Pre-school Graduation

I thought only college graduates wear caps and gowns, that was in China. Finishing preschool is a big accomplishment Nikki or any kid her age has done. I finally see the purpose of all the flowers and cup cakes....

University Carillon Preschool Graduation 2011

Homemade Salad Dressing

This one is super easy. I remember reading similar recipes in several diet books. Here is my version I made tonight, since we run out of salad dressing.

1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp orange juice
1 tsp white pepper
2 tsp of extra virgin olive oil.

Serve 2 Bob and I, and taste just right. :-)

Nikki's Dance Recital

University Performing Arts Centre 20th Anniversary Recital held in University High School.

Sausage and Cheese Mashed Potatoes

Quick and easy fix.
Publix brand potato flaks to make the mash potato approximately 2 cups.
1 tsp garlic powder
1 pack Johnsonville smoked turkey sausage (13.5oz) diced, comes in with 6 sausages
8oz shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup of regular whipping cream

Steps:
1. Combine potatoes and garlic powder
2. Spread in 2 quart baking dish and sprinkle with diced sausage
3. Add cheese and whipping cream
4. Bake uncovered at 400 degrees for 15 minutes or until golden brown.

Idea from "The best 1001 short, easy recipes" instead of ham, smoked turkey sausage is used.

Smoky Pork with Quinoa

Total Time: 30 min
Pork:
2 lbs pork tenderloin
2tbsp McCormick smokehouse maple seasoning
1 tbsp olive oil

Quinoa:
1 tsp olive oil
1 cup uncooked quinoa
1 medium sized yellow onion, chopped
1 and 3/4 cups organic chicken broth
2 tbsp maple syrup
3/4 cup of dried cranberries
1/2 tsp (same)smokehouse seasoning
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup of peas

Steps for pork:

1. Season pork with smokehouse maple seasoning.
2. Heat olive oil over medium high to brown pork all sides.
3. Heat oven 450 degrees, roast pork for 20 minutes or until internal temperature reach 170 degrees. Remove from oven.

Steps for quinoa ("kin-wa") :
1. Meanwhile, in medium size saucepan, heat 1 teaspoon oil over medium high heat, add quinoa, onion to saucepan, stir in chicken broth, syrup and cranberries.
2. Add smokehouse maple seasoning and salt. Bring mixture to a boil, cover and reduce heat to medium low. Simmer for 20 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.
3. Stir in peas, turn heat off. Cover and let stand for 5 minutes.

Slice pork and serve with quinoa. Got the idea from September issue of Family Circle.