Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Secret of Making A Tender Pork Loin

I learned this from watching a cooking show yesterday. What prompted me to try and make it immediately was the chef 's simple way of of making a tender pork loin.   I was really excited to see it because it is hard for me to figure out how to cook to get a perfect tender pork loin.  According to the chef, the pan has to be heated on high first, then turn down to medium heat after the pork loin is added.  Then let it cooks for 2 minutes and turn over to the other side for another 2 minutes.  I didn't have pork chops at home so I tested out by slicing the pork loin I have from the refrigerator.  I am happy to say the pork was really tender and delicious.


Ingredients:

4 pork loins
4 cloves garlic,minced
Salt and pepper
2 TSP honey

Directions:

  1. Wash pork loins and pat dry with paper towel.
  2. Heat pan on high, then add oil.
  3. Place pork loin in and turn to medium heat.
  4. Sprinkle a little salt and pepper on top, let them cook for 2 minutes.
  5. Turn pork loin and sprinkle a little sat and pepper, now add minced garlic around the pork.
  6. Cover and cook for another 2 minutes.
  7. Brush honey on top and turn over the pork loin and brush honey on the other side.
  8. When both sides of pork turn golden brown, take them out immediately because honey browns and burns easily.

This only take 5 minutes to make. You can stop here and serve this over rice, with some soup or sauteed veggies.  The following side dishes were part of the meal that the chef made during the show.

Side dish 1 (Serve and eat with pork loin):

Mix bread crumbs with pecorino cheese and minced garlic.

Place on a dried pan and stir on low heat for few minutes until lightly brown.

Side dish 2:

Sauté garlic and add baby spinach for 2 minutes.

Place spinach on plate first, then layer pork loins on top, bread crumbs and spinach on the side for visual effect.

Tips:

When pork is cooked, the flesh turns white, if you see pink, put them back in the pan,cover and cook in low heat for 1 or 2 minutes until done.

Substitute any fresh cheese you have on hand. I used fresh shredded mozzarella cheese.

Substitute any fresh vegetable you like, carrots, green beans,etc.

Thursday, October 6, 2011

San Ramon, California

It is excited to move to a new city.   San Ramon is predominantly urban and residential.   The houses are mainly built on rolling hills.  I was not used to driving on those roads in the first month but now I quite enjoy the scenery drive everyday when I have to drive down the hills for errands.  The weather here is really warm and dry.  It was still at Farenheit 90 degree at seven o'clock in the evening everyday until two days ago.  We suddenly experience a 20 degree drop due to storm and rain.   The area filled with fresh air after the rain and it is chilly today.

The city of San Ramon is well sorrounded with trails and parks. Every morning I would take different trails to explore our neighborhood.   This one here is my favorite trail to walk on now.

I enjoy the view while walking downhill on this trail

Minute across a major busy street.,  a trail leads to this unexpected beautiful scenery.  All I can hear was just the bird's chirping and the wind blowing.

This is what I came to see every morning.  Breath taking scene without hiking up the hill at all.

There are some beautiful  front porches that I must take pictures of in the adjacent townhouses.  Even though these are small front porches, but the details of the decoration just make you think what does the interior look like behind those doors.

 Love the shelf with the plant on


I like the way the Flower pots were hanging in 3- tieres.

Me-Time: Imagine sitting on this lounge chair with a book for a quiet alone time.

Cute idea: Mickey and his friends keep you company while you relax , that gives you a happy feeling.

There are more porches I like, but couldn't fit too many pictures here.  Overall, San Ramon is so beautiful and I am glad I finally get to  move here.  There will be more later to share with you with the new places I have explored.  Stay tune...