Ultimate Tailgate Car

Photos are from an email that was forwarded to me. So creative! 

Canadian Billboards

Pork and Pine Nut Meatballs

"What are we having for dinner?"

My guess is that if you are the one who is in charge of menu planning and preparing the meals this question is asked EVERY. DAY.

Not knowing what to make for dinner I turned to my cookbooks and began flipping through them while Itty Bitty was napping. Surprisingly, I didn't have to flip for too long and my fingers didn't dry out too much. Flat Belly Diet! Cookbook to the rescue. I came across a recipe for Pork and Pine Nut Meatballs and had all of the ingredients on hand.

The last time I made meatballs they were the turkey meatballs for the subs. They set the bar incredibly high. Those meatballs were anything but healthy. These Pork and Pine Nut Meatballs weren't as rave worthy but they were delicious for a healthier meatball.

Extra lean ground pork is hard to find in most grocery stores so it's nice being able to put your food processor to work and make your own. It literally look me less than five minutes to put these meatballs together thanks to the aid of the food processor. Pine nuts, pork tenderloin, and spices are ground together, rolled into balls, and then baked for 25 minutes in a 375 degree oven.

Taste wise they are a little bit dry but this is entirely my fault. I accidentally deleted my timer on the microwave and had to guess how much time was left. I decided to just keep them in the oven until the macaroni and cheese was finished. Dry but still flavorful.

When I want a guilty pleasure I'll go for the turkey meatballs but when I'm trying to eat healthier I'll come back to this recipe.

Pork and Pine Nut Meatballs

Flat Belly Diet! Cookbook

Makes 4 Servings

Stars of the Show:

• 1/2 cup pine nuts
• 1 lb pork tenderloin, trimmed, and cut into small chunks
• 1 1/2 tsp crumbled dried sage
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tsp red wine vinegar
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp fresh ground black pepper
• olive oil in a spritzer

And Action:

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Coat a large baking pan with cooking spray. Set aside.

Pulse the pine nuts in the bowl of a food processor fitted with a metal blade until coarsely chopped. Add the pork, sage, garlic, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Pulse until evenly ground.

Divide the mixture into 12 equal portions and roll into meatballs. Arrange on the prepared pan. Spritz lightly with the oil.

Bake for about 25 minutes or until cooked through.

Nutritional Information Per Serving:

Calories: 254 Protein: 26 g Carbohydrates:3g Fat: 16 g Saturated Fat: 2 g Cholesterol:74mg Sodium: 203 mg Fiber: 1 g

Rachael Ray's Originial BBQ Sauce

Our plans for July 4th were simple. Fire up the grill. Houston has a burn ban in full force and all fireworks displays had been cancelled. That wasn't going to ruin the evening and we still decided to host dinner and enjoy our neighbors' company. Normally, we'll head to the store and just grab whatever looks or sounds good at the time for that night's dinner and everyone will contribute something as well. Not this time.

Early that morning I was flipping through a magazine when I came across a recipe for Rachael Ray's Original BBQ Sauce and had all of the ingredients on hand. Keeping it simple I decided just to grill some chicken and baste it with this sauce. We also grilled hot dogs and brushed the BBQ Sauce on some burgers. For a side dish I grilled corn on the cob brushed with olive oil and pickled jalapenos thrown into the foil pouches. Yummy!

The barbecue sauce is simple and has a tangy bite. Our neighbor stuck his finger in the sauce to sample and thought it was delicious. It received rave reviews from all.

Rachael Ray's Original BBQ Sauce

Star Magazine, June 27, 2011

Makes approximately 1 cup

Stars of the Show:

• 1 cup ketchup
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp dark brown sugar
• 2 tbsp dark amber maple syrup
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp cider vinegar
• 1 tsp smoked sweet paprika
• 1/3 palmful coarse black pepper - This is one reason I can't stand Rachael Ray's recipes. Every one's palms are different sizes. I just shook the shaker and sampled until it was to my liking.

And Action:

Place a small sauce pot over medium heat and add all the ingredients. Once the mixture starts to steam reduce the heat to medium low and let it cook for 15 to 20 minutes until slightly thickened and flavors are combined. 



My Kinda Diet

Pinteresting #2

Happy 4th of July!!!

Here are some 4th of July Pinterest photo picks. Enjoy!

4th of July Breakfast from Be Different, Act Normal

White Wedding Cake Cupcakes from Recipe Girl

Cherries from Tartelette

Milk Glass from High Street Market


Love Made Me Do It

Copy Cat Crafter

Chef n Strawberry Slicer from Williams-Sonoma

Berry-Filled Dessert from Better Homes and Gardens

 

White Bean Hummus

For a healthy and tasty dip or spread this White Bean Hummus is perfect for any occasion. This is not a traditional hummus since garbanzo beans or tahini are not a part of the ingredients list. However, the white beans create a smooth and creamy texture with a tart bite from the lemon juice. The flavors all work well together and the taste is quite addicting. The best part is that you don't have to pull out the food processor unless you want to and the use of canned beans make this convenient to whip together in a pinch. A spoon is all you need to mash the ingredients together. Great appetizer or snack.

Enjoy this with whole wheat pita chips, veggies, or spread onto a sandwich. Yummy!

White Bean Hummus

The Salt Solution Cookbook

Makes 1 Serving

Stars of the Show:

• 1/2 cup cooked, no salt added white beans - I used navy beans.
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin

And Action:

Mash all ingredients together in a bowl until combined and smooth.

Nutritional Information Per Servings:

Calories: 298

Fat: 14 g

Saturated Fat: 2 g

Protein: 10 g

Carbohydrates: 34 g

Fiber: 8 g

Sodium: 317 mg