Parmesan crusted pork chops

I was cooking pork chops today and wanted to try a different recipe. I really didn't want the same old flavor. I surfed FoodNetwork.com and found this recipe for Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops. I think there are some things that I would change the next time I make it, but overall it was tasty. I switched to canola oil rather than olive oil because of the higher burn point. I also used relatively thick pork chops and finished them off in a 300 degree oven for about 10 minutes to be sure they were cooked through.


I paired the pork chops with my Broccoli, Rice and cheese redone. I've included the recipe as a reminder of this wonderfully tasty dish.

Broccoli Rice and Cheese/redone
Ingredients
1 box Rice-a-Roni
Chicken broth
Romano Cheese
Frozen broccoli
Directions
Prepare a box of Rice-a-Roni according to the box instructions using chicken broth in place of the water. When the Rice-a-Roni is done, add grated Romano cheese (at least 1/2 to 3/4 cup; more if you like it really cheesy) and stir in 1/2 to 3/4 cup of chopped broccoli.



Live well, eat well, enjoy...

Cyn aka Fine Mama

Baked Tilapia with Tomato and Basil

So I was watching Food Network (no surprise there, right?!) and I saw Paula Deen make this recipe, Baked Tilapia with Tomato and Basil. I'm not usually a Tilapia fan, but the recipe looked fabulous and easy. So I saved it and thought I'll try it. In this same episode there were Honey Balsamic Green Beans paired with the tilapia. I saved that one too.

I can't tell you how WONDERFUL these recipes turned out. My words just stop, (stop laughing, it's possible). So I'm sharing the recipes with you. It was a quick and easy meal and positively delicious. Healthy and light too! Click the links above and enjoy!

Live well, eat well, enjoy...

Cyn aka Fine Mama

Roasted Red Potato Salad - a Fine Mama's creation

So this past 4th of July I decided to reinvent potato salad. I personally love it, but most of the people in my home don't. So, a huge traditional potato salad goes to waste. (I can only eat so much and maintain my sexy fine mama figure. LOL) I've been on this quest for quite some time and have read recipe after recipe after recipe. I've tried some, but none hit the mark. Then I decided to trust myself and put all of the information I had read and my own knowledge of tastes together and create my own recipe. After all, what did I have to lose? NOTHING! And it was a hit! No leftover potato salad to throw away.

Here's the recipe for a really tasty Roasted Red Potato Salad. I preferred it warm, but it was good cold too.

Ingredients:
8-10 small to medium size Red Potatoes
Thyme (fresh or dried)
Rosemary (fresh or dried)
sea salt
fresh cracked black pepper
Olive Oil
3 slices of bacon
3 green onions, chopped

Ingredients for dressing:
2 parts mayo
1 part mustard
2 parts pickle relish (I use sweet)
1 part sugar
1/2 part salt
fresh cracked black pepper

Quarter potatoes so all are about the same small size
Place potatoes on a baking sheet and add seasonings to taste. (I use 1-2 tbsps)
Place potatoes in a pre-heated 375 degree oven and roast until done but not overcooked. (a fork should slide into the potato easily and if you bite one it will be crispy on the outside, but tender on the inside)

Place bacon on a cooking rack on a baking sheet. (I use the same rack used to cool cookies or cakes) bake at 400 degrees until crispy.

While bacon is cooking, mix dressing for salad:

Mix all ingredients using the same size spoon as the part measure. I used a serving spoon from my silverware set.
Stir until smooth.
Taste and adjust as you need for taste.
Set aside.

Place potatoes, green onions and bacon in a large bowl. Pour dressing over the top and stir to coat all potatoes with dressing. This works best if the potatoes are still warm.

Serve warm or cold.

Live well, eat well, enjoy...

Cyn aka Fine Mama

New recipes coming!!

So, while I've been recovering, I've been cooking. I'll be posting new recipes and recipe finds soon. Some noteworthy recipes to look for: Potato Salad remix (this one is mine and was fantastic!) and I recently tried a baked Tilapia recipe that was wonderful. There are more finds to share and I look forward to sharing them with you soon!

Live well, eat well, enjoy...

Cyn aka Fine Mama