Pork Tenderloin

OK, so this isn't really a recipe that I am posting today. It is really a "have you tried this?" kind of post. I have had pork tenderloin many times when I go home and never realized how EASY it is to make. All it takes is a simple little packet and bag and dinner is DONE! Easy to make, easy clean-up, easy leftovers the next day...do you hear the key word here...EASY!! Besides being super easy, it is delicious and tastes like you put a lot of effort into it. Definitely give this one a try. You'll be glad you did!

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Pork Tenderloin

Pork Center Cut Loin Filet by Hormel

McCormick Bag and Season Herb Roasted Pork Tenderloin packet

All of these directions are on the packet, but I'll put them here just to prove how easy it is! Preheat oven to 350.

The plastic bag comes in the packet...just take it out, put it in a pan and place the pork tenderloin inside.
Sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly over the tenderloin and turn to coat. Close bag with the nylon tie that comes in the packet and cut 4 small holes in the top of the bag.

OK, the directions on the packet say to bake in the lower half of your oven for 25 -30 minutes. However, I followed the directions on the tenderloin and it told me to bake it for 45 minutes. Go with what your tenderloin directions say because it will depend on how big of tenderloin you buy.

Let it stand for 5 minutes before slicing.

Doesn't this look good??? I'm not a huge fan of pork, so for me to even like this is a big thing! It is so tender and juicy...YUM! Enjoy! :)

Pesto Pepper Tortellini

Yummy, yummy, yummy...that describes this new dish that I made last week! The best part about it, is that I see SO MANY variations to it. It was great the way I made it, but I can definitely see myself adding some ingredients next time.

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Pesto Pepper Tortellini

1 package (19 oz) frozen cheese tortellini

1/2 cup julienned sweet red pepper (I glanced too quickly at this recipe on the way to the grocery store and picked up a red bell pepper...it was great though!)

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup butter

2 cups heavy whipping cream

1/4 cup ground walnuts

2 tablespoons minced fresh basil or 2 teaspoons dried basil (I used fresh)

1 tablespoon chopped green onion or chives

Prepare tortellini according to package directions.

Meanwhile, saute red pepper and garlic in butter until pepper is crisp-tender.

Stir in cream, cook for 8-10 minutes or until slightly thickened. Add the walnuts, basil and onion; heat through.
Drain tortellini; add to sauce and toss to coat.

Again, SO YUMMY!!! I am a huge mushroom fan, so I think they would be a fantastic addition to this. Also, if you wanted to add some chicken, I think it would be great also! Enjoy! :)

Black Bean Chicken with Rice

I wanted a quick recipe tonight that called for few ingredients and I found this one. It was incredibly easy and was FULL of flavor. It definitely has a kick to it, so beware!

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Black Bean Chicken with Rice

3 teaspoons chili powder (I might use a little less next time!)

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon pepper

1/4 teaspoon salt

4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (I just used 3 chicken breasts)

2 teaspoons canola oil (I used olive oil)

1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained

1 cup frozen corn

1 cup salsa

2 cups cooked brown rice

Combine the chili powder, cumin, pepper and salt.

Rub spices over chicken. In a large nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray, brown chicken in oil on both sides.

Stir in the beans, corn and salsa. Cover and cook over medium heat for 10-15 minutes or until chicken is done. Serve chicken with rice and bean mixture.

I think my favorite part about this dish was the black bean mixture...YUM! I served it with some sliced avacado and I think next time I might even top it with some fresh cilantro. Enjoy! :)

Chicken and Black Bean Tostadas

I cut this recipe out of a magazine last month and was so excited to try it. It totally lived up to my expectations...it is super easy, really fresh and light, and delish! I changed a few things up a bit and will definitely be making these again soon!!

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Chicken and Black Bean Tostadas

1 small rotisserie chicken (I just baked two chicken breasts instead and it was PLENTY)

1 15-oz can black beans, rinsed

1 cup fresh corn kernels (I just used a cup of frozen corn and it worked perfectly)

4 radishes, cut into 1/4 in pieces (I skipped this)

2 scallions, thinly sliced (I forgot these...probably would have been good)

1 Tbsp fresh lime juice

1 Tbsp olive oil

Salt and Pepper

1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves

8 tostada shells

1 avacado, mashed (I used two because I LOVE avacados!)

Shred the chicken (whether it be rotisserie or baked chicken breasts) and bake the tostadas according to the directions on the package.

Place the shredded chicken in a bowl and add the black beans, corn, radishes, scallions, lime juice, oil, salt and pepper, and toss to combine. Fold in the cilantro.

Gently spread the tostadas with the avacado.

Top with the chicken and black bean mixture.

I then added some sour cream, fresh tomatoes, and some salsa.

Seriously, so fresh and light...yummy!!! Enjoy! :)

Pepperoni Roll Ups

A few years ago, my friend Aurora told me about this great little snack/appetizer/dinner/lunch...you get the idea. You can have it for whatever! I sometimes make this with a great big salad and we have it for dinner. It takes all of about 5 minutes to prepare and they are always a big hit!

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Pepperoni Roll Ups

Crescent Rolls

Pepperoni

String Cheese

Ranch/Marinara Sauce

(You can make as many or as few as you like.)

Separate the crescent rolls into triangles. Place 4-5 pepperonis on each triangle and top with half a string cheese. Roll up and bring up sides to seal. (Sorry about my gross looking cookie sheet...it is clearly time for a new one!)

Bake according to directions on crescent roll package.
Yummy!!

I always serve these with a side of ranch and marinara and they promptly get gobbled up. Enjoy! :)

Salad Wraps

This is a recipe that I adapted from a Paula Deen recipe because I didn't have all of the ingredients she called for. It is now my absolute favorite sandwich to eat at home...SO EASY and delish!

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Dena's Salad Wraps!

(Eyeball the ingredients based on how many people you are making these for. The pictures show ingredients for 2 wraps...one regular size and one MAN size!)

Lettuce, chopped

Tomatoes, chopped

1 Avacado, chopped

5-6 slices of turkey, chopped

2 slices of Colby-Jack cheese, cut into squares

4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

Ranch dressing to taste

Flour tortillas or my favorite...Mission Sun Dried Tomato Basil Wraps

In a medium bowl, place lettuce, tomato, cheese, turkey, avacado, and bacon.

Add ranch dressing; stirring gently to coat with dressing.
Place filling on each tortilla or wrap; roll up and cut in half crosswise.

SUCH a good, light lunch or dinner...YUMMY!! Enjoy! :)

Margherita Pita Pizzas

OH. MY. GOODNESS. I have a new favorite recipe right here!! I cut this out of a magazine a few weeks ago and forgot about it. I'm SO HAPPY that I rediscovered it and decided to make it. These are incredible easy and SO SO GOOD!

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Margherita Pita Pizzas

4 pita breads

2 tsp. olive oil

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 cups (8 oz) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

3 plum tomatoes, thinly sliced

1/4 tsp. garlic powder

1 tsp. Italian seasoning

Thinly sliced fresh basil

Place pita breads on an ungreased baking sheet; brush with oil.

Top with garlic, 1 cup cheese, tomatoes, garlic powder and remaining cheese; sprinkle with Italian seasoning. (I made one pepperoni for my son.)
Bake at 425 for 10-12 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Top with basil if desired.

Seriously, these are amazing! I loved them, my husband devoured them, and my son loved his personal pepperoni pizza. I see A LOT of these in our future! Enjoy!