Pork Loin and Rice with a twist

Tonight I needed to use some cilantro that I knew was going to go bad if I didn't use it today. Hmmm, what to make with cilantro that ISN'T mexican food. Its not that I don't absolutely love mexican food; its just that the mexican food I make takes SO much time and effort...something I'm lacking these days.

So, instead, I decided to make a pork tenderloin with garlic/onion/cilantro rice. The rice is a recipe that our sweet neighbor in Mexico taught me how to make. Its "the only way" she eats rice. Its delicious!

Pork Tenderloin:

1 tenderloin (I always buy the plain pork and season it myself. Otherwise I find that their seasoning is too strong)
salt and pepper

Directions:

1. Pre-heat oven to 400*.
2. Rub the tenderloin with about a tablespoon of olive oil.
3. Do a light coating of fresh ground black pepper.
4. Rub sea salt around the entire loin. I am VERY generous with the salt. It flavors the meat so perfectly.
5. Put in the oven and cook until meat thermometer says its done. It usually takes 45 minutes to an hour. I always leave it in a little bit longer to get a nice crust on the outside.
6. After you take it out, let it rest for five or ten minutes before you cut it.
7. Eat. Yum!

Rice:

1/4 large onion, diced
3 - 5 cloves of garlic, minced (The amount you use just depends on how much you like garlic. I love garlic so I always use a bit more)
2 Tablespoons chopped cilantro
2 cups rice (whenever we cook rice, we always cook two cups. I don't know why...just what we do.)

Directions:

1. Saute onion and garlic for a few minutes until onions become transluscent.
2. Add rice and let the rice roast for about five minutes. Stir it occasionally so it doesn't burn. You will notice it start to turning a more solid white. That is it roasting.
3. Add water. I always do a 1:2 ratio with my rice (1 cup rice, 2 cups water).
4. Add chopped cilantro and stir.
5. Bring to a boil then turn the heat to a low simmer for about 20 minutes until rice is done. Do not stir while it is cooking.
6. Eat.

French Bread Pizza and Pesto Tomato Soup

Today I accidentally made a very tasty meal. It started with me wanting some french bread pizza. I only had a baguette, cheese, and pepperoni. No sauce. Dang, I hate it when that happens. So, I tried to make some.

1/4 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 can tomatoes, smashed (diced probably would have worked pretty good too)
1 tsp oregano
1 tablespoon pesto
salt and pepper

Directions:

I sauted the onion and garlic in about a tablespoon of olive oil. Next, I added the tomatoes and oregano. After that mixture cooked for about five or ten minutes, I blended it in my Magic Bullet (Yes I have one and it is absolutely amazing). I left some chuncks in it but not many. Then it needed something more. Abraham had made some pesto the other day that smelled good so I added that too. Made all the difference. Salt and Pepper to taste.

Next, I sliced my baguette into portion sizes. I put a good amount on each piece, then a little bit of cheese, some pepperoni, and a little more cheese. Put in 400 degree oven for 15 minutes.

After getting the pizza all going, I really wanted some tomato soup. It was a very rainy day and it just seemed like it may complete the day for me. All I had was canned soup. Not very exciting and not really something I enjoy. Sooooo, after preparing the soup as it says on the can (soup plus one can of water), I added about a tablespoon of Pesto. Didn't help. Then I had a fabulous idea. I had about of cup of pizza sauce left so I decided to dump it into the soup too. AMAZING! I wasn't sure anyone else would like it (Abraham tends to not enjoy homemade tomato soup...well, at least mine). PJ asked for a taste and loved it. She ate an entire bowl. Abraham ate all of his. I ate mine probably the fastest. AND, even Asher loved it (finally some veggies into that boy).

I love it when delicious accidents happen.