Menu Plan Monday: Week of October 27th, 2012

Well Hubby lost two more pounds.  I HONESTLY don't know how he does it.  I swear he cheats more than I do.  He is less than 220 now which is a BIG deal for his height of 6'2".  According to this chart he is less than the maximum for all frame sizes.  His happens to be large.  Did you ever hear how to check your "frame size" yourself?  As a kid we were taught to wrap your pointer finger and thumb around your wrist bone.  Can your fingers touch?  That is a small frame size.  Can touch if you try really hard, thats medium.  Can't touch no matter what, thats large.  I am suck!  STUCK< STUCK< STUCK!!! Darnit.  Makes me mad, have 10 pounds to loose that just wont go.  I guess I could look at it like this.....at least I know I am healthy and not loosing mystery pounds that I did not try to.  I had a lady tell me recently that since I did not have a thyroid, I am lucky to loose anything at all!  :-/

Hubby is in Italy this week so I am having a pity pizza party week! :-).  Feeding the kids pizza on Udi's bred with jared pizza sauce every open spot I have.  I know your kids would be jealous!!!  LOL.

Old Fashioned Chili
(Made From Scratch)

White Chicken Chili

This is Chili week over at the Gluten Free Menu Swap.  I do have a few Chili recipes that I will show you here, but we are not having it this week!  See above again for why.  No onto the menu.

Monday (Cub Scout Halloween Party)

Cub Scouts are serving Hot Dogs for Dinner

Tuesday

Pizza on Udi's Bread with Classico Gluten Free Pizza Sauce

Wednesday (Halloween):

Pizza on Udi's Bread with Classico Gluten Free Pizza Sauce

Thursday (Son's Birthday)

Dinner at the Mexican Restaurant

Friday:

Grilled Strip Steak, Baked Sweet Potatoes and Broccoli

Saturday:

Almond and Romano Cheese Encrusted Pork Roast Chops, Sauerkraut, Mashed Cauliflower

Sunday:

TBD

Looking for inspiration? I can help in three different ways.

1. Head on over to Orgjunkie.com and visit Laura's Menu Plan Monday.
2. Visit Heather at Celiac Family, the Gluten Free Menu Swap headquarters!
3. You can also view my past menu plans here 

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Almond and Romano Cheese Encrusted Roast Pork Loin Chops #PorkParty

So my husband and I snuck off to the city one day last week while the kids were in school.....and we had a blast! Costco Cash in hand, we set out to explore the store.  I was enchanted by their selections. It is definitely an upscale wholesale club with great prices. BUT, I was there on a mission and I refused to allow myself to be distracted too much.  TO THE MEAT CASES!    I did buy other cuts of meat besides pork as well as other items like Olive Oil and spices. For today, I am going to show you the pork loins.

See, here they are!
If you zoom in you will notice I paid $1.99 a pound at this store.

Good price right?  Plus this week Costco was offering $2.50 off!  So are you wondering what I made with my roast pork from Costco?  I sliced that massive loin up, it was way too big for our family.  First, though, I sliced 4 1-inch medallions off as chops for the recipe I am going to share with you today.

This new recipe happens to suit our Paleo Diet.  When we first started out on this diet, I was at a loss when it came to crusting items.  I had no clue what the replacement would be so I just did without.  Sure, I could do without the coating, but I did not want to!! :-).   You hear sometimes a nut crust being included on fish so I figured to take it to the next level.  This dish is heavenly.  So savory and flavorful and packed with protein. I strongly urge you to give it a try.  In fact, this dish is elegant enough to serve at a holiday party.  Have some friends over and have a party!

4 1-inch thick pork loin chops
1 egg mixed with 1 Tablespoon Water
1 1/2 cups Almond Meal
1 teaspoon Salt
1 teaspoon Pepper
1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
1 teaspoon Onion Powder
Grated Romano Cheese (topping)
Frying Oil of choice ~ 1 inch

• Turn fry pan on medium heat to start to warm the oil.
• Prepare dishes by placing almond flour and seasonings in one dish and mixed egg/water in the other. Mix almond flour and spices to fully combine.
• Dredge pork chops in egg wash first and them fully coat with almond meal mixture.
• Place pork chops in oil and fry 4 to 5 minutes one one side.
• Flip chops over and grate some fresh Romano Cheese on top.  
• Fry an additional 4 to 5 minutes until nice and golden brown.
• Pork chops should be at least 145 degrees before taking out of pan and allowing to rest for a minute or two.
• Enjoy!

Here are some links to my families favorite pork recipes:

Alton Brown's Grilled Pork Tenderloin with a Lime Chipotle Marinade
Martha Stewart's Pork Tenderloin with Honeyed Butter
Paula Deen's Grilled Pork Tenderloin with an Orange Juice Marinade



PS ~ I am giving away a $50 Costco Cash gift card to one lucky reader.  Click HERE and enter through Rafflecopter. 

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Travel the Mediterranean with O&CO. Olive Oils and Gourmet Specialties - @foodieblogroll @Oliviers_and_Co

Hey guys! I am just hanging out here on the blog checking out some Christmas Shopping ideas.  I know, I know....like wow, am I insane? Its too early and you are not ready to let go of your cash yet!!!  LOL.  I hate to be caught off guard.  I have, in fact, already started shopping, planning and looking out for ideas. With the holidays quickly approaching (it is going to be NOVEMBER real soon), NOW is a great time to start thinking about hostess gifts for the parties you will attend this season, gifts to give to your extended family and looking out for great deals. If your friend or family member is a kitchen enthusiast, may I suggest O&CO? This is a great place to buy specialty olive oil's, vinegar's, gifts, and truffles at O&CO. O&CO.  Right now they are offering free shipping if you spend $50.  If you live out in the middle of nowhere, like me, shopping online is a life saver!  If you are like me, then free shipping is what you look for so I wanted to drop you a note and let you know.  Here is a tidbit about the company I am speaking about.

For over 15 years, O&CO. has been cultivating tradition, expertise, and high standards in order to offer our customers the best selections of olive oils and delicacies from across the Mediterranean.

With a respect for tradition, O&CO. cherishes originality where tastes and smells converge to delight the senses. Emerging from the high Alpes-de-Haute, in the village of Mane, France, O&CO. became the brainchild of two men united around a common passion, the olive tree.
More than ten years since its creation, O&CO. has forged a new image of the olive tree, rooted in tradition but firmly anchored in the modern world. While olive oils serve as the foundation, O&CO. also offers an exclusive collection of vinegars, tapenades, spreads, crackers, and sweets as well as an organic skincare range that showcase the flavors and the spirit of the Mediterranean.
O&CO. is a destination for your own cooking experience as well as for gifts. Founded in 1996, O&CO.s mission is to provide customer with the finest olive oils and Mediterranean food products in stores and online.
I have included some helpful and Extraordinary Gift Ideas for the wanna-be chef or kitchen enthusiast in your life!

“This sponsorship is brought to you by O&CO. who we have partnered with for this promotion.”

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National Pork Month + $50 Costco Gift Card Giveaway ~ having a #PorkParty

Can I just tell ya something? Since I talk way too much? We are no strangers to serving up pork around here.  That much is definitely true. It makes it into our meal plan almost every week.  IN FACT, Pork Chops are what my hubby made for me on our first date!!!!  I also fondly remember my mom serving a Roast Pork every year on New Years Day. It is a tradition she still keeps to this day.  She never missed a year or changed it up. Pork Roast is what my mom served as the elegant meal on any special occasion.  And you all know that traditions make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside right?  So as a good deal lover and Roast Pork enthusiast I had to bing you this bit of information:

******************************

What?
OK, so what is this all about?  Well I am fixin to tell ya! I am helping Costco and The National Pork Board spread the word about National Pork Month

Where?
To celebrate October as National Pork Month, Costco is offering discounts on top cuts!  Costco members can take advantage of the weekly savings ranging from $2.00 to $2.50.  WOW!

Why?
Because I know you love a good deal as much as I do.

******************************

The Details:
To celebrate October as National Pork Month, Costco is offering discounts on top pork cuts from chops and roasts to pork tenderloin and boneless loins. Costco members can take advantage of weekly savings ranging from $2.00-$2.50.

This week, until October 28th, Whole Boneless pork loins are $2.50 off at Costco. Boneless pork loins have an unmistakable ‘wow’ factor that can anchor any celebration. Low in fat yet bursting with flavor, this versatile cut can be roasted whole as a festive centerpiece, stuffed with flavorful ingredients or broken down into chops.  I shopped for our Pork Loin a week before the sale and the price per pound was $1.99 which is what I look for on sale at my regular supermarket.  This is the everyday price which is very low to begin with.

Pork Makes the Party:
Pork’s versatility and its ability to pair perfectly with a variety of foods and flavors makes it perfect for bringing people together this holiday season.  This holiday season celebrate pork as the catalyst that “makes” any party – join in!

Temperature News: 
The USDA reduced the temperature guideline for pork loins, chops and roasts from 160 to 145 degrees F, with a three minute rest. This will yield a juicy, flavorful product that may be pinker in color than most home cooks are used to. Ground pork, like all ground meat, should be cooked to 160 degrees.



The Giveaway:
Here’s the fun part – I’m giving away a $50 gift card to Costco! There are three ways to use this Costco Cash Card.  #1 you are already a member and can use it to purchase items or use it for a membership renewal, #2 you are not a member but would like to be and can use it for a membership, #3 you are not a member and would like to try Costco out.  Just use your Costco cash to purchase $50's worth of items one time only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway is open until 11:59 p.m. Thursday, October 30, 2012.


Disclosure: I received products and compensation from Costco and The Motherhood as part of my participation in this campaign. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this post are my own.

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Menu Plan Monday: Week of October 22nd, 2012

The theme for this week is nuts.  Its all nuts around here! :-).   Seriously tho, we use lots of nut flours with the paleo diet and I have discovered that Almond Flour makes THE BEST pastries.  It tastes moist and sweet without sweetener and is actually better for your health and diet wise.  LOVE that.  BUT, I DO NOT have a recipe of my own for you with the exception of a few cookie recipes.  Allow me to present to you the Paleo Banana Walnut Granola over at the Urban Poser.  I have made this granola in my oven twice already and my family (EVEN THE KIDS) just love it.  My hubby likes it on top of his full fat plain greek yogurt!  This is an excellent way to enjoy a quick egg free breakfast!

Well we survived the weekend out in the woods!  The graham crackers I decided to make  with coconut flour were not so popular.  There is something about coconut flour we just do not like.  It is so dry in the mouth, like it sucks the moisture right out of your mouth.  I think next time my own Graham cracker recipe will go with us as my kids can't keep their hands off of them.  I bought a s'more making cage so my home made marshmallows could be roasted properly.  Besides that, we like our chocolate melted!!! That cage worked out great.  The next day the kids used the cage to make toast and it worked super well for that too!

One more thing, the National Pork Board sent us a gift card to Costco to make and post some new pork recipes. Stick around this week while I share my plans and offer a gift card giveaway!  OK, onto the plan.

Monday:

Baked Chicken, Cauliflower Rice, Green Beans

Tuesday:

Pot Roast with roasted vegetables, Pureed Cauliflower

Wednesday:

Church Program

Thursday:

Sausage, Peppers and Onions

Friday:

Photo and Recipe courtesy of Urban Poser

Chicken Pot Pies (never got to them last week)

Saturday:

Pizza and Salad

Sunday:

Somebody needs to invite me over since hubby will be in Italy! :-).

Looking for inspiration? I can help in three different ways.

1. Head on over to Orgjunkie.com and visit Laura's Menu Plan Monday.
2. Visit Heather at Celiac Family, the Gluten Free Menu Swap headquarters!
3. You can also view my past menu plans here 

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Primal Chocolate Chip Cookies

Why primal?  Because I am using regular chocolate chips.  Well, Enjoy Life mini chips to be exact.  So with all that regular sugar in those chips.....they are not exactly Paleo, right?  LOL.  We like our 85% dark chocolate here and I am sure it would be good in cookies, its just not traditional is all.  So this is how I am making them, OK?  But go ahead and get those dark chocolate chips and call them paleo if you want! :-)

1/4 cup Butter (grass fead), room temperature

1 Egg

4 Tablespoons Honey

1 Tablespoon Vanilla

2 cups Almond Flour (note)

1/4 teaspoon Salt

1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda

1/2 cup Small Chocolate Chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

• In a Stand mixer with whip attachment (or with a hand held mixer) whip butter on medium/low until smooth and creamy.
• Add egg and whip until fully incorporated.
• Add Honey and vanilla and whip until just incorporated.
• Add dry ingredients and fully combine.  
• Scoop cookie dough out with your large sized cookie scoop and place a ball of batter onto cooking sheet.
• Flatten cookie with your slightly wet or oiled palm to shape you desire your final product.
• Bake for 9-10 minutes for larger cookie or 7-8 for smaller cookies.

Note:

Honeyville is the finest ground almond flour.  This really is true!  It is  not really the expensive either, however, its not always convenient for me to have.  I am using Bob's Red Mill almond flour and grinding it finer by placing it in my coffee bean grinder or sometimes my blender and processing it for about a minute.  Careful not to over do it or it will turn into butter!!!

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Another CBTL Breakfast

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
Ground Level, A. Venue Mall
7829 Makati Ave. corner Valdez St.,
Antel Lifestyle City - Makati City
+63 (02)729-7095

*continuation of my holiday food trip with K*

 Day 14... the last day for us to be together. Both of us woke up a little sad knowing we will go separate ways that afternoon, but we still have until lunch time to roam around, so it was still a day to celebrate.


Obviously, for breakfast it was CBTL for us again. We did love how we have the entire place just for ourselves that early in the morning - we could eat as slow as we could, laugh as heartily as we could, and read as much magazines as we could.


Eggs Ben. My choice for today is Eggs Ben, which has a slice of turkey ham, cheese, poached egg, and hollandaise sauce. It was rich, but very delicious! I normally don't like runny egg yolks, but because the sauce has a creamy consistency, I just blended the yolk with the sauce, and I didn't notice it anymore. :)


Roast Beef Sandwich. K went for a heavy breakfast this day, and although he said this tasted good, he didn't appreciate that they used store-bought processed roast beef. He said when he saw this on the menu, he thought the roast beef would be something CBTL would cook at their kitchen, but I did tell him it's primarily a coffee and tea shop, so he did get to understand it. I loved the lettuce on the side, by the way.

Both breakfast meals came with a cup of coffee, which I didn't photograph anymore; as usual K had the black coffee, I had the latte with extra milk on the side.

Last stretch of our holiday... we couldn't roam far from the hotel, so we decided too just visit the Ayala Museum.

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Desserts at the Saloon

Stagecoach Saloon Bar and Restaurant
2/F A. Venue Mall, Makati City
+63 (02)505-1724

*continuation of my holiday food trip with K*

Following the not-so-satisfying dinner, K told me we should just eat desserts somewhere, making sure we'd have a much better dessert so we could end the day on a sweet note. As we entered the mall, someone handed us a leaflet and when the person told us they do serve desserts, we went to check it out.


It looked great outside. Seeing that tarp with a few of the meals they offer, we were scolding ourselves why didn't we eat dinner there. Sighing, we just told ourselves "at least we could get to eat at two restaurants for that evening."


We might be the restaurant's first diners, but a group of Korean yuppies entered a few minutes after. I guess life at the A. Venue Mall happens late at night - there weren't much people in any of the restaurants at the mall during that time of the night.



The place really is like entering a "Wild West" style saloon. The billiards table are available for diners to use, by the way. I am not sure if they had the mechanical bull... that would have been nice.

When the wait staff handed us the menu, K told we were just there for the desserts. They didn't have much to offer, so from that very short list, we had:


Mango Cheesecake. At first, we ordered for the Strawberry Cheesecake, but a few minutes after we told our order, the chef went to our table and apologized that they didn't have strawberry cheesecake. Asking if we would like mango instead, we agreed. It's still cheesecake, after all.

The way it appeared, it was a slice of cheesecake topped with sliced fresh mangoes. While that thought was a little saddening, the taste actually made up for it big time. The cheesecake tasted great. It wasn't the typical smooth-like cheesecake I tasted in many food places, it had full of body (I really don't know how to explain it with words), and it really tasted good. K and I were really surprised by it... and the mangoes added a nice new twist to it.


Banana Flambe. My photo didn't do justice to it, but what's in it: saba bananas cooked in syrup and brandy (still hot), topped with mango ice cream and chocolate syrup. It was a little too sweet for our taste, but the contrast between the hot bananas and cold mango ice cream was just amazing!

We might only had desserts that time, but we did take our time eating, just so we could enjoy the place more.



    

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