Adobo-Marinated Pork Tenderloin with Grilled-Pineapple Salsa ....and a YuMmY dip!

When I first looked at a map to start Traveling Tuesdays again, I closed my eyes and ended up putting my finger on India (did y'all know that the process was so involved in choosing a country??). I did make the recipe that I chose for India, but I'm saving it because I'd like to modify it and try it again before posting about it. To be honest, it was a disappointment because I marinated the chicken overnight and once grilled, it ended up tasting just like plain grilled chicken and not Tandoori Chicken. So I have vowed to make it again! Soon :) 

I've made this particular recipe (below) before, but I never actually wrote a post about it. It's a Spanish-y (not a word...I know) dish; so not necessarily authentic authentic, but it has wonderful flavors and I just love making it, so I had to share! 

ADOBO-MARINATED PORK TENDERLOIN WITH GRILLED-PINEAPPLE SALSA

Serves 8

Ingredients:

1 cup fresh lime juice (about 8 limes)

2 teaspoons black pepper

2 teaspoons dried oregano

2 teaspoons ground cumin

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

6 garlic cloves, crushed

2 pounds pork tenderloin 

1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil 

Cooking spray 

1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro

2 tablespoons finely chopped green onions

GRILLED-PINEAPPLE SALSA

Ingredients:

5 (1-inch) slices fresh pineapple (about 4 1/2 pounds)

1 red bell pepper 

1 yellow bell pepper 

Cooking spray 

1/2 cup finely chopped red onion

1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro

3 tablespoons fresh lime juice

1 tablespoon brown sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons minced crystallized ginger

2 jalapeño peppers, seeded and minced

1 drained canned chipotle chile in adobo sauce, minced

*Note: Since it's just Matt and I (and Nicholas doesn't eat a whole tenderloin ...yet...ha!), I picked up a tenderloin that was about one and a half pounds. I also used bottled lime juice because I had it on hand and we are playing the "let's try to slowly get rid of things so we aren't throwing massive amounts of food away when we move" game. :) I also used jarred garlic. My auntie bought some for her famous Greek Chicken while she and my mom were visiting for my graduation and it's easy and quick to use! For the salsa, I actually used canned pineapple slices (I would have done fresh--and I recommend doing fresh, but I was in a hurry). I again used the bottled lime juice and lastly, I used just plain fresh ginger. I bought crystallized ginger back in Leavenworth I believe, and it haunted me for a while. :) Plus, I couldn't find it in the store! But mainly the memory of the crystallized ginger haunt was enough to steer me away from it...for a while at least!

 The first thing I did, was mix the first six ingredients together (lime juice, black pepper, oregano, cumin, salt, and garlic). I mixed it all in a Ziplock bag. I then put the pork tenderloin into the bag and schmooshed (technical term) all the ingredients around to coat the pork. Then I popped it into the refrigerator for a few hours/most of the day. The recipe says one hour, but I wanted it marinating for a longer amount of time. Every once in a while I would schmoosh it around, then place it back in the frig. :) 

Next I started the salsa by grilling the pineapple slices and my bell pepper (both red and yellow). I would have done this out on the grill, instead of inside on my grill pan, but it was raining at the time...and I love y'all, but I really didn't want to stand outside grilling. Once you are done grilling the pineapple and bell pepper, all that's left to do is chop up all the ingredients, mix it together, cover the bowl, and place it in the refrigerator.

This salsa is super colorful and easy!!

The end product!

When we were ready to eat, I had Matt light the grill (he's a great cooking assistant!). It wasn't raining anymore thank goodness! I made sure it was on medium to high and put the pork on the grill. It was grilled until the internal temperature reached 145 degrees. The recipe suggested 160; however, there are new cooking guidelines for pork, in case you didn't know! :) I know, I was a little iffy about this as well, but 145 degrees is perfect. Trust me!

Once the pork was done, I let it rest for about 10 minutes or so. I cut it into medallions and made it purdy with a sprinkle of cilantro and green onions! :)

Matt was impressed with the presentation :)

The end product was delicious! I served it with cous-cous and (all together now) a salad! :) Y'all know me too well.









I love this marinade because you can really taste the lime and garlic in the pork. The pork itself is not spicy at all--only the salsa (hello chipotle chiles and jalapenos!). In fact, Nicholas ate the pork. He has a very fancy palette already. So, if you wanted to make a non-spicy salsa, I would maybe suggest leaving out the chipotle chiles (even though it wouldn't technically be "adobo" anymore). I would also make sure to seed and remove all ribs from the jalapenos OR leave them out all together. I think the pineapple and other ingredients could shine on their own just fine!

Ready for the calorie count?? 194 per serving! And that's for 3 oz pork and 1/3 cup of salsa! Oh, and guess what??? Matt and I LOVE using the salsa for just a chips and salsa snack as well. I make extra salsa for this reason! :) Just a suggestion!!!

The dip I am showing you next has received rave reviews every time I make it. It's delicious and yes, it takes a little bit of time with the onions (you'll see)...but it's so incredibly worth it and honestly really fast--once you cook the onions!! Ha! ....plus it has bacon. So...yea, it's awesome.

CARAMELIZED ONIONS, GRUYERE, AND BACON SPREAD (OR DIP)
Serves 8
(I'm assuming this is if you are solely eating the dip with friends...[or by yourself...no judgment here]...which I have no doubt would be a great choice because it's that yummy!)

Ingredients:

Cooking spray 

3 1/2 cups chopped onion 

2 ounces Gruyère cheese, shredded and divided

2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives, divided

1/3 cup canola mayonnaise 

1/3 cup fat-free sour cream 

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

3 bacon slices, cooked and crumbled 

*Note: I used green onions instead of chives. I also used Swiss cheese since Gruyere was $8 at the store I was at. And it was a less amount of cheese than the Swiss. C'mon people. I also may or may not have used more than 3 slices of bacon. I won't tell if you don't....Oh....and I also used pre-cooked bacon because it's faster. All you have to do is heat it up!

First, I shredded the cheese. Easy enough....good start, yes?? Make sure to reserve a little on the side for the top of your spread/dip. The picture is not the reserved cheese by the way haha! Or is it???? No ...it's really not. But again...no judgment if you choose this path.

Next, I chopped up about 4 cups of onion. I know the recipe says 3 1/2, but I had this little sliver of onion left and didn't really feel like storing it...so I cut it up!

Coat a pan with cooking spray, heat it to medium-high, and add your onion. Here's where patience is important. Saute your onions for about 5 minutes, then reduce the heat to low and cook them for about 20 minutes or until a golden brown. Stir occasionally!

Next, cook (or heat up) the bacon and chop up your green onions (or chives). Then in a bowl, mix together the majority of the cheese, green onions (or chives), mayo, sour cream, salt, pepper, and bacon. Now, I will say I have made this about three times. I used regular mayo for the first two and decided to follow the recipe for this third time and use the canola mayo. For some reason, it didn't seem to be as firm as the other two times. I suppose it's a preference, but I liked the consistency of the regular mayo. Anyway!!!


Once the onions are cooked (look how pretty they are!), allow them to cool for a bit and then add them into the bowl with all the other ingredients.

Mix it all together and then pour it into a baking dish (I used a small Pyrex). Top with your reserved cheese. I also added some more green onion (and a few pieces of bacon) on top for color and to show what else was in it.

When you are ready to eat, bake it at 425 degrees for about 20-25 minutes allowing for it to get nice and bubbly.





I served it with Triscuits. It's 101 calories per serving, which in my opinion is great for such a cheesy dish ....with bacon. :) And may be slightly higher with the extra bacon...but c'mon...bacon. Like I said, I've gotten rave reviews and it's usually one of my go-to dishes for an appetizer. 

Well that's that for these two dishes. I put the links below for your viewing pleasure! :)

Please Enjoy!!!

Adobo-Marinated Pork Tenderloin with Grilled-Pineapple Salsa

Grilled-Pineapple Salsa

Caramelized Onion, Gruyere, and Bacon Spread 

 

After almost *TWO* years of not blogging....I'M BACK! :)

Oh goodness....where to begin honestly. 

I suppose an apology is in order. 

I'm sorry that I basically gave up on my blog (for two years)...I'm groveling at  your feet in fact...

BUT it was for good reason--I SWEAR! :)

My last post was our announcement that we were having a baby boy. 

Well since then...SURPRISE(!!!!) we had the baby boy--and his name is Nicholas :) He was born on December 28, 2013 at 2:21pm after 27 hours of labor (thank you very much). He's currently about to be 17 months and is a very sweet, very active (ugh), very intelligent little boy with a larger-than-life personality. He's a wonderful mix between Matthew and I. 

I think we did pretty awesome--not trying to brag or anything. Or maybe I am...

He was fascinated by the camera...maybe because I always have my phone for pictures

The reasoning behind my blog abandonment was due in part to that little boy being born and not having time to really post anything...let alone cook...or take a shower for that matter. The main reasoning, however, was because I was in Graduate School and when you are already having to write papers and read hundreds millions of books...well, there isn't much time for doing a blog. That first semester was brutal! I was reading 4 books a week and writing 2 papers a week (combined page range was about 8 to 10 pages per week....). It was crazy! Then there was the following semesters where we had to write an original research paper...times 3! Yes, 3....which ranged from 25 to 35 pages each (my first paper though was 45....oops)...

Needless to say, my fingers are spent :) and so is my mind...for now. It was all worth it though because on May 15, 2015 I walked that stage and officially became 

Jennifer Lawrence Broderick, M.A.

*cue trumpets and confetti blasting through the air*

It was an accomplishment that I thought would never happen, yet it happened too fast. Two years of constant stress, countless hours of reading and researching and editing and writing and writing and writing (....did I say writing??). Not to mention taking care of Nicholas and trying to write in between his naps and trying to give him 110% of my attention, yet feeling as though I was neglecting him because I had to read for class. And let's not forget being active in the spouse's club on post (I was 1st Vice President and then Secretary...I successful ran a Holiday Bazaar too!), being active within Matt's Brigade and then Battalion...too many hours driving back and forth from Fort Carson...there was a deployment, many hours out in the field, a training trip to Germany (all of this was Matt by the way...ha!)--and all the while I was still reading...and writing...and taking care of Nicholas. Not to pat myself on the back, but how the heck did I come out alive on the other end with all of that going on??? I feel that my degree was well earned and I was very proud to don the cap and gown and hood and walk the stage with family looking on: my mom, aunt, Matthew, and of course the little boy who was with me from day one...my Nicholas. I doubt very seriously he will remember the time his mommy was in Graduate School or being at her graduation--but I think when I tell him everything I did during those two years so that I could better myself and better his life through obtaining a higher degree, I think he will be very proud of me as well. 

Now that everything has died down and I find myself idle, I decided that I would jump back onto the blog and start right where I left off! I'm going back to my "Traveling Tuesdays" and sharing recipes from around the world...and I'll of course be blogging about life in general in the Broderick household! 

One of the bigger things that's going on is that we are moving! Yep...our time in Colorado Springs is up after almost 3 years of loving, learning, and exploring the city and surrounding areas. I must say, I'm digging my heels in. I don't want to leave. I love adventure...I love traveling...but I really don't want to leave. Too many things have happened here. There are too many amazing memories, too many amazing people, and too many amazing places. Alas, we must though and it'll be okay amazing...I know it will. But I still don't want to do it.

This summer should be a whirlwind and I think it's going to be fantastic. I am actually getting to focus on myself now that school is done and I get to take Nicholas swimming or to the park! Whenever I want! We are going home to visit family and friends soon as well. I always love going home; sometimes it feels like I never left! When we get back, we will have a few weeks before the packers come...and then the movers...and then we will be gone. In those few weeks, we are planning on spending time with friends and checking things off our "To-do before leaving Colorado" list. 

It's quite a list!! 

1. Do the incline (together) 

2. Hike up Pike's Peak 

3. Do the Cog Railway one last time

4. #2 and 3 will only happen if it stops snowing up there!!! 

5. Visit Cripple Creek one last time

6. Maybe visit Estes Park one last time

7. Play pool at Phantom Canyon 

8. Probably go to my favorite winery together one last time (D'Vine Wine!)

9. Drive up Pike's Peak

10. Rock Ledge Ranch Historical Site

11. The Mays Natural History Museum 

12. Attend The Renaissance Festival one last time

I hope you enjoy my posts from now on and I'm glad to be back to share all the happenings in my world and all the yummy recipes we're trying and hopefully loving! Ha!

Welcome back and enjoy!!!! 

Now that it's officially out there I can say.... WE ARE EXPECTING!!!!

Because you wanted to see my pee sticks

You read that correctly....we are expecting! We decided to wait until we knew what our baby was gender wise before we announced the pregnancy. So now that we know...

Matt and I would like to officially announce that:

We are both very excited and are looking forward to this journey! Ready or not, right???? I thought it would be fun to do a weekly questionnaire for you guys...and also for this week I found this cute questionnaire and decided to fill it out...because it fills you in on all the pregnancy details of the past months!!! :) So have at it!


About the Mommy!
Name: Jennifer (duh)
Age: 27
Hair Color: Brown
Eye Color: Brown
First Child: Yes

About the Daddy!
Name: Matthew
Age: 37
Hair Color: Brown
Eye Color: Hazel (although sometimes they look yellow! like a cat's! ooooo)
First Child: No, Matt has two boys :) and this one makes three!!!! Man...he's on a roll!

Finding Out!!
What day did you find out?: April 24, 2013
How did you feel when you found out?: Scared, nervous, excited...disbelief.."well that happened fast!" haha! We only started trying in March and then April...boom!
Who was with you?: No one--Matt was at work still and I took the test at around 6:00pm after feeling funny in Body Pump...
Who was the first person you told?: Matt of course! :)
How did they react?: He was excited ...maybe shocked...??

Telling the Grandparents!!!
How did your parents react?: I Skyped with my mom, dad, and aunt after we had had the 8 week ultrasound...I wanted to make sure there was a heartbeat, etc. I told them I wanted to introduce them to someone and they were all very excited when I showed them the ultrasound.
How did his parents react?: They were excited for us
Are they helping with baby names?: I've bounced names off of them for feedback...so sort of! :)
Have they bought anything for the baby yet?: Are you kidding me?? This child will be well clothed and read too! :)
How often do they call to check on you?: My mom calls me every night...Matt's deployed so she calls to check up on me to make sure I haven't gotten kidnapped ;-) don't worry! I'm still here! I've got a gun....

About the Pregnancy!!!
When was your first appointment?: May 28, 2013 @ 9:10am...Matt was able to come to it with me! It was so cool...the ultrasound was more detailed then I had expected...I'm almost positive I saw it's nose and hands...
When is your due date?: January 4, 2014 (I thought that was cool with the 01-04-2014 look) If it was 10 days later, it would have fallen on my maternal grandfather's 100th birthday! 
How far along are you?: 25 weeks, 5 days
Have you had any ultrasounds?: Three total (one at 8weeks, one at 12wks, and one at 20 weeks)
Have you heard the heartbeat?: Yes! I recorded it on my phone too so Matt could listen to it later over video chat :) The baby was moving quite a bit!
What was the heartbeat?: @12wks it was 170, @20wks it was??? I don't remember, but this last appt it was at 158
Sex of the baby: A BOY!!! YAY!!!!!

About the birth!!
Do you know what you are taking with you?: In true Jeni fashion, I have lists saved of what to take :) the internet is great for that! No need to take more than what you truly need...
Who is going to be with you?: My parents will be in town so they will be at the hospital, but in the delivery room, just my Matthew and the doctor/nurse.
Are you going to videotape it?: Absolutely not..no one is allowed down there unless they are supposed to be!! :) That's just me...I'm a private person.
Natural or Medicated?: Medicated please!
Do you think you will need a c-section?: I am hoping no, but knowing my entrance into the world--things happen! Sometimes baby needs to come out a little differently then what was planned... :) I was under a lot of stress so I was taken by c-section--hmmm kind of how I stress out now...should have known, mom!
Will you cry when you hold your baby for the first time?: Most likely...but who knows!
Do you think Daddy will cry?: That I can't answer...but maybe? The manly answer would be no... ;)
Do you know what you will say to the baby when you first hold him/her?: Not really...but maybe commenting on some physical feature that might be a reminder of Matt or I...which should be interesting! We both have very dominating genes! :) maybe "I'm glad you're here...let's celebrate!" :)

Names!!
Do you have a name picked out?: Yep!
Is your baby going to be named after someone?: First name, no...but middle name yes!

Other Random Questions!!
Have you felt the baby move?: Yes!!!! Crazy kid in there if the moving around is any indication...we may have a night owl on our hands
What was your first symptom?: I was in Body Pump and noticed my heart rate was CRAZY high on my HR monitor--that was the first thing I had noticed when I was pregnant in September 2012 before miscarrying--I found this odd and kind of thought to myself "hmmmm I wonder if I'm pregnant...." so I finished the class and went straight to Walmart to get a pregnancy test...then I went home and BOOM...sure enough. I remember thinking that the line that popped up was so much darker than what I had been seeing in September...I felt like that was a good sign...
Will your baby have God-Parents?: No
What is the baby’s room theme?: We are going for a monkey elephanty giraffey....type theme :) focusing on chocolate and sage green colors. I decided this before knowing what the sex was...because it can go either way really! It'll be perfect for him though.
What was the first thing you bought for the baby?: Hmmm...I actually haven't bought ANYTHING for the baby...I'm a bad parent already! :-/ But clothing has been bought by my mom and aunt :)
Will you cloth diaper?: Nope
Breastfeeding or Formula?: Both...with my crazy schedule I would like to pump enough to be able to bottle feed if I'm somewhere public (I'm ubber private about stuff and really don't want to breastfeed in public)...or if I don't have breast milk with me--formula...and depending on what's going on during the day, I may have to supplement with formula. I have a plan in my head...in any case, the child will be well fed! :) It just may not be what some people agree with...but I have to do what I have to do.
What is your favorite pregnancy book?: I have What to Expect When You're Expecting..."the pregnancy bible" so I enjoy looking at that...BUT my favorite is actually a book that my mom gave me that she had when she was pregnant with me...it has pictures of what the baby looks like inside of you. If you can get past the 1960s look of the lady and the wording in the book--it's quite informative!
What do you look forward to doing again once you are no longer pregnant?: Running!! And working out like I used to...I've been working out, but I can't do it like I did pre-pregnancy...it's just soooo tiring. And slightly depressing...I haven't been able to get used to that yet honestly...I've had to go down in weights in Body Pump and I still get so breathless...ugh. And half way through the hour I feel so sluggish and ready for it to be over with. Sometimes I feel like I am going to pass out and honestly, I don't look pregnant. I have enough of a pooch to look like maybe I ate too much Mexican food the night before :-/...I also am looking forward to (and please don't think I'm an alcoholic..) WINE! I miss having a glass of wine...when I want! 
What physical features do you hope baby will get from Daddy?: His smile :) and nice eyes
What physical features do you hope baby will get from you?: My hair maybe my eyes too...I don't know!
Is he ready to be a Daddy?: Maybe? We still have some time yet...I guess he should get ready if he's not!
Are you ready to be a Mommy?: I have to get there...I'm ready, but I am also very anxious about it (we go back to the whole schedule thing...I just want to make sure I can handle everything and then I'll be fine and not so worried) <---I'm a worrier and I stress...school + baby + commitments=STRESS! But I can do it! :)

Weekly Questionnaire<---this one I'm going to try to update each week!!! :)
This week, Baby is the size of a: Zucchini
How far along? 25 weeks, 5 days
Due date: January 4, 2014
Total weight gain/loss: gain of 6 lbs from my 8 week appt, gain of 10 lbs from after losing some weight the first trimester
Maternity clothes? I have a maternity skirt I'm wearing because it's comfy and then I've been using a rubber band on my shorts, that's about it! I have a whole GREAT bin of clothes that I was given and can't wait to dive into those once I need them!! :) *Thanks April!*
Sleep: I'm having bits of insomnia :-/ I can never fall asleep until around 3 in the morning...although it may be because Matthew is not there :(
Best moment this week: Feeling him move so much I guess! Sometimes it's kind of scary...haha!
Movement: I definitely feel him...I try to feel the exact place where he will kick, but it's always the opposite...sneaky kid. He likes to "swim away" as Matt and I say...he avoids stuff such as when the Doctor uses the Doppler to listen to his heart beat, he literally moved away...not joking.
Food cravings: No real cravings honestly. Nothing like I HAVE TO HAVE (fill in the blank)...the other day I thought a Twinkie sounded nice...but I didn't go after it. So it must not have been a true craving....
Symptoms: My back hurts. My lower back to be exact...it's really annoying.
Gender: It's a BOY!!!
Labor Signs: Nope
Belly Button in or out? in
Feeling toward Pregnancy: I'm kind of bored with it...I know that's a harsh thing to say, but I really am...maybe it's the waiting that's boring? I don't know...I'm not really enjoying it like people say you are supposed to...I don't think that's a bad thing and I don't think it makes me a bad mother to be, I just don't enjoy it and I think it has a lot to do with feeling awkward and not being able to just get up and go do things like I'm used to.
What I miss: I miss my Matthew...a lot. And I miss wine :) Matt and wine...hehe!
What I am looking forward to: getting the pregnancy over with/having that baby in my arms and figuring out a good schedule....I'm all about the schedule. Once I figure that out for the first bit...I'll be good to go and not as stressed.
Milestones: Ummmm I'm not really sure...we found out the gender but that was 5 weeks ago. It was still fun though! :)

And just because I know you want to see him, here's our baby! Matt and I kiiiiind of think that he looks like he's flipping us off...naughty child. But seriously...it looks like he is. Right? haha! 

Guess who's back....back again!! Jeni's back....tell a friend....(a little Eminem for ya) :-D

This picture has no purpose

*sigh* Seriously folks...I looked at the last time I posted and it was in March. I know my thousands of readers have missed me...riiiiiiiiight. I know I always have excuses, but honestly this time they are legit. I'll take this opportunity to catch up with you all because MAN have I been busy.

First of all (and it's big one)....Matt deployed. :( I know...I'm really sad too. A king sized bed is just too big without him in there at night. And of course, this also means that I have not been cooking...so unfortunately, I can't share any new recipes with you guys, but I can always chat--share what I've been up to during the week...at least until he gets back and maybe put up some recipes I've done, but never shared. My cooking has consisted of putting stuff in the microwave and making small salads for myself...whoo hoo! :) Fancy. Only the best. I have said it before and I will say it again though, I feel so blessed to have had the time that I did with Matt. It was so great to have him back here on rear detachment for a bit and to spend that time with him. I felt very lucky.

So what have I been doing? Let's break it down by month I guess....

APRIL

The Ditchley Portrait

April was crazy!!! With the weird snowy weather (that happened all the way up until May by the way!--this is not a complaint!! I love the snow) my class got cancelled quite a bit during the semester. So there was always a paper due at some point...but then it was moved to another date...and then it caused another paper to get moved. So basically the last two months of school I was typing my little behind off with postponed papers. I did a research paper on Elizabeth I and one of her portraits. The research for this was amazing! I always knew, from my own random research, that she always had messages within her portraits. Political usually. But I didn't realize HOW MUCH! I examined the Ditchley Portrait and really enjoyed writing it. Which may or may not be a nerdy thing to say! :) April was also my birthday month! Whoo hoo! I had a GREAT birthday with my bff Stephanie coming into town to surprise me! We had so much fun catching up. On my birthday we went to lunch, got pedicures, went wine tasting at a place in Manitou Springs called D'Vine Wine, saw an elk...yes, just sitting there...a random elk, and went to dinner with Matt. It was a great day and weekend with her. Made me miss Leavenworth and being able to see her everyday! :)

MAY

Maggilicious is not outdoorsy

More paper writing...and Matt's brother, Mark came into town. He's in the Navy and had been deployed. So he decided to come see us while on some leave. It snowed the day before he got here which was crazy. But it melted which was good for landing in a plane and driving to Denver to go get him! We played a lot of disc golf, which I've missed! We also took him to play pool at our local pool haunt. I'm not 100% sure who won most of the time, but I know I beat Matt at some point...maybe. :) May was also the end of the semester of course and I honestly was sad it was over. I loved my class!!!! It was so interesting and exactly the subject I love: Tudor history. I could literally sit and listen to our professor for HOURS. Our last day of class was so awesome. Being in a more concentrated subject, you obviously have smaller classes which I like...you get to know people better and the professor gets to know you better too. We had a class discussion over Leviathan (this was our last graded assignment) and as a class gave her cards and a gift while eating pizza. She is a really neat lady and I look forward to picking her brain sometime :) May also brought the end to an era...in this case I'm mean my poor Kia Optima. It had to be retired. My poor little car made it so far, yet wasn't performing to the best of it's abilities anymore--meaning it was stalling and doing weird things. We were sinking money into it and it was just time. Especially with Matt deploying. I know enough people to call if my car stalled on the side of the road, but it was just getting to be slightly dangerous and Matt felt uncomfortable leaving me like that. His Avalanche is also having some problems--so it was a decision that had to be made....to get a new car for Jeni. We put it off as long as we could since I didn't have any car payments, but with Matt's car about to be paid off (yippee!!), we decided it would be an easy transition. We went with a GMC Acadia and I love it! It's a great car...rides wonderful and it's up high! Which I have been so used to being low in a car...ahhhh to have an SUV and be up high...so nice! :) We also went to Matt's family cabin in New Mexico! We took Maggie and left the kitties. It was so peaceful. We went hiking and exploring. We went to White Sands and the space museum there. I also had fun laughing at the hummingbirds coming to the feeder at the cabin. One would always wait for another to come to feed and it was chase it off! Meany! It was cute to watch though. During May I was also officially elected into the Mountain Post Spouses Club as their 1st Vice President. I'm super excited about it as my "big jobs" are a holiday bazaar in November and a super fun casino night in March!!! This group of ladies are AMAZING and I'm so looking forward to getting to know them better and having a wonderful year!!

JUNE

June was spent going places and doing things. Matt deployed towards the end of the month and we wanted to spend as much time together as possible. We even got to stay in the Stanley Hotel!! Spooky!!! It was really neat to stay there...even if I was scared and didn't go to sleep until 4am. :)

We also went to Estes Park...fed some chippymunks...went hiking! 

We went to the Renaissance Festival and watched a really neat cat show (like big cats...not domestic cats!)...of course we people watched! :) That's the king and queen by the way! ;-)

And then of course Matt deployed...which was sad. I was lucky enough, though, to have my mom fly up here so we could drive down with the fur children to San Antonio. That was at the end of June...

JULY

Back in San Antonio! Yay!! I miss San Antonio so much sometimes. It's a lot of fun to go back...plus I was able to spend about 3 weeks there so I got to see a lot of friends and family. My oldest brother, Greg, was actually there for a bit when I first arrived and it was so great to see him after many years. I really enjoyed catching up with him and it was an extra treat for my trip that he was there. My family and I had a lovely 4th of July with fireworks courtesy of Six Flags from the side of the road. We ate my dad's spectacular macaroni salad and had hamburgers/hotdogs! I got some Taco Cabana--which Colorado doesn't have (grrrrrr) and went on my mom and aunt's weekly grocery shopping trips to HEB (I miss HEB). I was able to see some volleyball teammates (yay Begging for It!) and watched them play one night. I really wanted to jump in!!! I miss playing and I especially miss playing with them and the whole group that we knew through the Sports and Social club. I was able to see my cousin April and her little boy, who is too cute! :) I just really enjoyed my time there. It was relaxing and fun at the same time. Going on walks with my aunt and mom, spending time with my dad as we went to the radio station that he takes care of in Seguin. And of course Miss Maggie Moo had a wonderful time being loved on by her grandpa :) Funny story though about my Millie kittie...well funny now...not at the time people! So, I go off to bed around 12:45/1:00 in the morning and I make sure Tiggie and Maggie and Millie are all in the room...however...no Millie! Where is she I wonder??? I look in the closet, under the bed, behind the dresser...in the bathroom, in the other bedroom...in the living room...kitchen...dining room...you get the point. My mom ends up coming out...sees me in a panic and we spend about 45 minutes actually looking for her. Maybe it was more...maybe it was less...I don't know. We look outside...we look inside...we shine flashlights on the roof...we look in the garage (this whole time we are yelling her name and I'm banging on things to see if she'll come out). No Millie....you see that day was grocery shopping day and we thought maybe she got out when we were bringing the groceries in. So of course I'm in tears...how could I lose her...I'm a horrible pet parent. She's mostly black with little white paws...how am I going to find her at NIGHT!?! So we are standing outside in front of the garage calling for her...suddenly...I hear it. A meow...her meow. Is she on the roof? No...is she on the side of the house? No...where is she??? I run into the house and into the garage...I call her name again....*meow* I call her again and I see her come out of her little hiding place...what the heck Millie. Apparently since we brought the groceries in through the garage she had decided to explore when no one was looking. Poor cat was out there from about 2:00pm until way past 1:00 in the morning...in the heat. What she did out there all day, I have no idea. But at the time I really didn't care...I gave her the biggest hug and took her into get water and some food. I'm 100% sure she won't be going exploring anymore. And I'm also very happy we found her because it could have gotten dangerous with that San Antonio heat :( so like I said...scary/sad at the time...but now slightly funny because all I can picture is her exploring all day and then being like "Alright! I'm done!....how do I get out of here??!?!" Silly Millie. Anyway...I came back to Colorado around the 25th of July. I needed to get back to get going on some spouses club stuff and school things as well. My mom drove back with me and I ended up  taking her up to Estes Park. She got to experience the joys of chipmunk feeding and I showed her the Stanley Hotel and drove her around trying to find the sheep and elk, but alas they made a liar out of me...probably payback from calling Matt a liar when he took me there the first time! :) She enjoyed herself and that's what matters!




AUGUST

And suddenly we were in August...how did that happen!?!? Not too much went on except meetings and such for the spouse's club. Maggie's AND Tiggie's birthdays were both on August 5th. I know Maggie is for real on the 5th, but Tiggie was so close to the 5th that that's what we decided on so we could remember it. Millie's is actually close to Matt's so we put it on the 29th of June with his. I bought some cupcakes for Maggie and me and I also bought her a new toy as well as the kitties some new toys.  I ordered my books for school--22 of them by the way. Yea. If you just said something like "oh my gosh!" or "you have to be kidding me" ...that's EXACTLY what I said. I did have a potluck to go to to meet people within the history department since all I had met last semester was the Director of Graduate Studies, my professor for my class obviously, and the admin assistant for the department. It was nice to meet new people--and meet students within the program as well. I also was able to meet one of my professors for this semester. We also had Super Sign Up for the Spouse's Club and Destination Fort Carson...all fun events to hang out with my fellow spouses and show what we have to offer!!!

SEPTEMBER

Ah...September. And here we are almost at the end of it too! Anyone who knows me, knows I LOVE the fall. And right now the weather couldn't be more perfectly fall!! September has been pretty much the same as August, except with reading and papers due every week. I am learning a lot in my classes and enjoying them for the most part. I am making great headway in the preparation for the Holiday Bazaar in November. We have 64 vendors and counting. My last push for vendors will be tomorrow at a craft fair on post and then there's a craft fair at a church over near where I live on the 5th of October that I'm going to go to as well. Both events I will have applications in hand. Once those two are done, I think it'll be time to stop pushing. That doesn't mean I won't accept any more of course! But I'm just really excited that we are at 64 right now. It's been such a fun experience so far working with these vendors and seeing all of the different products they are selling. I am definitely doing some Christmas shopping at the event! :) I put my fall decorations up this past weekend. I am still looking for something to go on the porch. It needs something. I'll figure it out! :) The end of September means the start of October, which means that Matt should be coming home soon. I'm really excited and looking forward to giving him the biggest hug ever. I know it'll be here before I know it since I've been so busy. But being busy is good thing! :) Anyway...that's been my past 5 months or so. I apologize it's taken me this long to get everything written out, but now that we are caught up...I can attempt to get back to a regular basis of posting. It may or may not be boring considering I'm not doing a lot of NEW things...but I can still keep you up to date with stuff!

Well I hope you enjoyed my posting...come back for more!! In fact, I'm about to post another one too! hehe! You're so lucky. :) Alright...onto the next!

I didn't make it across the Royal Gorge...because I thought I was going to die......

Matt and I decided to go to the Royal Gorge again a couple of weekends ago! And yes...it was windy! They actually were calling for 50mph winds that day. I had never been across the bridge so Matt wanted me to experience it! I got about 1/3 of the way down and was terrified that I could not even turn around to walk back. It was just really windy and when my purse flew off my shoulder--I got freaked out. But I didn't want to NOT go across, so we agreed to drive across!!

Which was still pretty freaky, but honestly it was a lot of fun! The rolling of the bridge was absolutely crazy! Plus Matt failed to tell me that there were animals on the other side, which I would have walked my little booty across that bridge to see them ;-) so it made getting to the other side even better! Driving was fun though.

We also got to go on the Incline Railway! There was a family in front of us, but this picture shows the best view on the way down. It was a great little trip down there and the view we had while down in the actual gorge was awesome!

The bridge from below!

Old piping that took water into Canon City

All in all, besides thinking I was going to die, I had so much fun! I definitely want to walk across the whole bridge one day. I did, though, walk from the other side to the Texas sign...I had to! :)







The other weekend Matt and I also went hiking! It's this 4 mile trail that once into the actual trail, you would have no clue you were near anything populated. It was gorgeous. There were a lot of birds and apparently different wildlife--which we did not encounter, thank goodness (bears...mountain lions...). But the scenery was great! Here's a few more pictures:

We thought the rock looked like a potty :)

We are trying to go hiking more and see the different scenery. This past weekend we wanted to go, but it snowed! :) So we couldn't...well I guess we could  have, but I don't have that kind of clothing! Besides my Puff Daddy gold jacket...oh well! :) Onto some yummy dishes!!

The first dish I want to share is:

CHICKEN CORDON BLEU
Serves 4

Ingredients: 


1/4 cup fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth 
5 teaspoons butter, melted 
1 large garlic clove, minced*
1/2 cup dry breadcrumbs 
1 tablespoon grated fresh Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese 
1 teaspoon paprika 
4 (6-ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves*
1/4 teaspoon salt 
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano 
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 
4 thin slices prosciutto (about 2 ounces) 
1/4 cup (1 ounce) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese  
Cooking spray

*Notes: Of course I used more than 1 clove...I think it was 2 or 3 :) and with the chicken breasts, the pack came in three's. So it was good for leftovers, since I only eat half of the breast! I put it over salad during the weekend!

First, preheat yo  your yo (accidentally typed yo...decided to keep it) oven to 350 degrees (or should I say degeeeeezzzzz like Matt says it sometimes haha!)....

Put your chicken broth in a microwave safe dish and heat it until warm. Stir in your garlic and butter into the broth and then set aside. Then combine the breadcrumbs, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and paprika in another dish.Set both aside.

Next, if you have any frustrations for the day this is a great activity! Pounding the chicken breast with a rolling pin! I used a zip lock bag since I find it easier to throw away. You want the chicken about 1/4 inch thick.

Once they are pounded out, you will need to sprinkle both sides of chicken with the salt, oregano, and pepper. Then lay a piece of prosciutto and one tablespoon of the mozzarella per chicken breast. 






Now for the messy part! Make sure you spray a square baking dish with cooking spray before you do the rollin'! You'll want to roll a chicken breast, then dip it in the chicken broth mixture, and finally into the breadcrumbs. Lay the chicken seam side down. Obviously I don't have any pictures of the process, but I do have one of the end! :) Yay!

Pour your remaining chicken broth mixture over the chicken and bake at 350 for 28 minutes.

I served this with mashed potatoes which I added left over mushrooms to! It was pretty tasty. Definitely less calories than a usual Chicken Cordon Bleu recipe. It ran 297 calories (7 WW pts for those following that) and I served it also with a salad. Dur.

Here's the link:

Chicken Cordon Bleu

And here's some random interlude pictures: Maggie trying to escape (not really though), me and the infinity scarf I made, and Tiggie being a kitty (ie string=play toy)

Alright! Here's another recipe I wanted to share!! This one has a TON of veggies which was awesome! I love recipes that pack on the veggies :)

HONEY CASHEW CHICKEN WITH RICE
Serves 4

Ingredients:

1 cup instant rice*
2 (6-ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, cut into 1-inch cubes* 
2 tablespoons cornstarch 
1/2 teaspoon salt 
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 
1 tablespoon canola oil 
1 tablespoon dark sesame oil 
2 cups broccoli florets 
1 cup frozen shelled edamame (green soybeans) 
2 garlic cloves, minced 
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped 
1 red bell pepper, sliced 
1/2 cup dry-roasted cashews, unsalted 
1 tablespoon rice vinegar 
3 tablespoons honey 
2 tablespoons lower-sodium soy sauce 
1 tablespoon Sriracha*

*Notes: I used jasmine rice (boil in a bag), I also couldn't find chicken tenderloins like I had originally wanted since they are easier to cube, so I used the pack of three as usual! And the Sriracha doesn't add any spice to it at all, but can be taken out.

First you want to chop all of your veggies! Preparation is key! :) Things always go faster.

Next, I cubed my chicken. It's important to do this second if you are using the same cutting board...say no to cross contamination!

I put the chicken into my measuring cup because it was there :) and mixed in the cornstarch, salt, and pepper until evenly coated!

Now it's time to cook!

Heat your skillet with the canola and sesame oils on medium high heat. Add your chicken and cook until lightly browned.



Remove your chicken and then add all your veggies and cook until tender (I did this because I realized too late that my skillet was too small for all of this). Then return your chicken and any juices back into the skillet. Cook until the chicken is done, if it's not done already!

Stir in your cashews, then whisk together the rice vinegar, honey, soy sauce, and Sriracha. Pour it over the chicken and veggies and make sure to toss to coat! 

Serve over rice! Super tasty and better than take out. If Matt and I ordered take out ever, but it was really good! :) And pretty easy to throw together. 

With the rice, the calorie count came to 470 (12 WW pts) which seems like a lot to me, but it's a very well rounded meal--plus, remember portion control! I didn't eat hardly any rice with the recommended serving of a cup of the chicken/veggies. What did I serve it with? Salad. Yep. :) Go figure. 

Here's the link: 

Honey Cashew Chicken with Rice

Here are some more yummies from my menus: 

Adobo Chicken
Spaghetti alla Carbonara *Matt LOVED this a lot!
Tomato Basil Lasagna with Prosciutto
Easy Meatless Manicotti 
I have a picture of the manicotti for you :) yummy and only 328 calories for 2!

I'm really excited about the recipe I'm making on Thursday because I've been wanting to make it for a while, but every recipe I came across was crazy calorie loaded...until now! I can't wait to share...hint: it has butternut squash in it, which I've never worked with before! :) 

Until then I hope you have enjoyed my pictures and if you try anything, let me know what you think!!