Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Pineapple Avocado Salsa

The contrast of sweet and spicy, the textures and colors make this one of my favorite summertime dinner party recipes.

I serve it with CMF Quinoa with toasted pecans and green onion or with Cilantro Rice and a simple spinach salad with peas.

For dessert: Mango Mousse and following the pineapple for a tropical theme I add 1 – 2 tablespoons of coconut to the mousse. Toasting 2 tablespoons of coconut in a skillet and sprinkling on top of the mousse gives it a touch of fancy.

 

Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Pineapple Avocado Salsa
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Servings
4 servings
Servings
4 servings
Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Pineapple Avocado Salsa
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Servings
4 servings
Servings
4 servings
Ingredients
Roasted Pork Tenderloin
Pineapple Avocado Salsa
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Instructions
Roasted Pork Tenderloin
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Brush roasting pan with 1 tablespoon olive oil.
  2. Mix minced garlic with remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, brush all over the pork tenderloin. Sprinkle salt over pork tenderloin.
  3. Place in oven and roast 20 – 25 minutes until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center registers 155°F.
  4. Remove from oven. Rest 5 – 8 minutes before slicing. Spoon Pineapple Avocado Salsa over the tenderloin to serve. Or serve the Pineapple Avocado salsa alongside.
Pineapple Avocado Salsa
  1. While the pork tenderloin is roasting, chop all ingredients, placing into a mixing bowl.
  2. Toss together, season with salt to taste.
  3. Place sliced pork tenderloin on a serving platter. Spoon Pineapple Avocado Salsa over the tenderloin and serve.
Recipe Notes

Love the contrast of spicy jalapeño (sometimes I use Serrano peppers for more spice) with sweet pineapple. But when cooking for family dinner or dinner guests that don’t eat spicy foods, I serve the chopped jalapeño (Serrano) on the side.

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Classic Yellow Cake with Yogurt Cream and Berries

I was looking for a simplified recipe for a classic birthday cake that didn’t require three different bowls and beating egg whites. This recipe fit my criteria and was delicious. I cannot bring myself to put 1 1/2 cup of sugar in a single recipe so I reduced to 1 cup and no one missed that extra sugar.

Classic Yellow Cake with Yogurt Cream and Berries
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Servings
10 servings
Servings
10 servings
Classic Yellow Cake with Yogurt Cream and Berries
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Servings
10 servings
Servings
10 servings
Ingredients
Cake
Yogurt Cream Frosting
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Instructions
  1. Arrange a rack in middle of oven; preheat to 350°F.
  2. Brush two 9 inch layer cake pans with butter. Line bottom of pans with parchment paper; brush again with butter.
  3. Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
  4. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat granulated sugar and butter in a large bowl, scraping down sides as needed, until light and creamy, about 5 minutes. Add vanilla and yolks in 2 additions, scraping down bowl after each. Reduce mixer speed to low and add dry ingredients, alternating with milk mixture in 2 additions, beginning and ending with dry ingredients and beat just until smooth.
  5. Divide batter between prepared pans.
  6. Bake cakes until light golden brown and a tester inserted into the centers comes out with a few moist crumbs attached, 30–35 minutes.
  7. Let cool in pans at least 15 minutes. Invert cakes onto racks, peel off parchment, and let cool completely.
Cream Frosting
  1. Beat the whipping cream with a mixed until the beater starts making tracks. Slowly add the powdered sugar while continuing to beat, add vanilla and beat just until cream is stiff.
  2. Carefully fold in the Greek yogurt with a spatula.
  3. Spread the 1/3 of frosting on the first layer. Cover the layer with berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries or a mix of berries).
  4. Place second layer, topside down. Spread remaining frosting on the top layer, letting it run down the sides. Place berries on top of the cake.
Recipe Notes

Modified from

Epicurious: Classic Yellow Cake with Chocolate Frosting

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Carrot Orzo “Risotto”

This recipe for my Easter Menu was inspired by the Lemon Barley Pilaf from Epicurious Lemon Barley Pilaf
Given that orzo is a pasta, I think it will be more enticing to little ones with selective palates that will celebrate Easter with us.

If whole-wheat orzo is not easily available, this can be made with regular orzo. The key to this dish is not overcook the carrots, or the orzo, otherwise it all becomes mush.

I serve it with a tiny dish of red pepper flakes and a little bowl of shredded Parmesan cheese alongside for people for “customization”
– As is: For vegan guests and those with dairy sensitivity
– Added red pepper: For adults who want to spice it up, my personal choice—I love the sweet (carrot).
– You can also add: Parmesan cheese for extra dressing up

Carrot Orzo "Risotto"
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Servings
8 servings
Servings
8 servings
Carrot Orzo "Risotto"
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Servings
8 servings
Servings
8 servings
Ingredients
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Instructions
  1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat melt butter with olive oil.
  2. Add onion and cook 2 -3 minutes until begins to turn translucent.
  3. Add carrot and cumin; cook another 2 -3 minutes stirring.
  4. Mix in orzo and cook another 2 -3 minutes.
  5. Add carrot juice and broth, bring to a boil. Immediately turn heat until liquid just simmers and cover. Cook 8 -10 minutes. Orzo should be al dente, cooked but firm. Immediately remove from heat.
Recipe Notes

[su_original_recipe]

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Asparagus, Snap Peas and Green Beans with Mint

Serves 8

Setting out to create my Easter menu, asparagus was one of the first thoughts that came to mind. Ever since I read Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver years ago, I associate asparagus with spring.
I’ve learned to look for tender stalks as they have the most delightful taste; beware those with thick stalks; they tend to be “woody” and flavor diminishes.
Snap peas at the Farmer’s Market were too delicious to pass up so they came home with the asparagus along with some delightfully crunchy fresh green beans. Steaming them seemed to be the way to go in to preserve as much of the crunch (and nutrients) of these lovely spring farm-fresh vegetables. And voila’, this dish came to be. Hello spring!

Note: The snap peas, green beans and asparagus can be steamed the day before; make sure not to overcook or they become mushy.

Variations:
– Add 2 tablespoons chopped toasted almonds (or other tree nut, pine nuts would make a special treat!)
– Use edamame instead of snap peas, or even frozen peas (defrosted)
– Serve over a bed of quinoa (adding the above nuts) for a lunch entrée

Asparagus, Snap Peas and Green Beans with Mint
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Asparagus, Snap Peas and Green Beans with Mint
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Ingredients
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Instructions
  1. Cut green beans in bite size pieces.
  2. Cut asparagus into bite-size pieces. Set aside asparagus tips.
  3. Steam green beans, asparagus (except for tips) and snap peas for 6 minutes. Add asparagus tips and steam another 2 or 3 minutes. Remove from steamer.
  4. Place on serving platter. Gently mix in mint and green onion.
  5. Sprinkle on salt, drizzle lemon juice and extra-virgin olive oil over the vegetables and gently mix again.
Recipe Notes

A Color My Food original recipe

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Pumpkin Hummus

It’s such fun to flavor this hummus for fall by adding in pumpkin, knowing it also boosts the nutritional value. It’s always a hit as an appetizer at our autumn dinner parties, and it makes for a delicious sandwich spread, or wrap.

[su_expanding_quote_without_link alignment=”full” source=”SuperFoods: Fourteen Foods that Will Change Your Life, Steven Pratt M.D. and Kathy Mathews” full_quote=”Foods rich in carotenoids have been linked to a host of health promoting and disease-fighting activities.Pumpkin contains one of the richest supplies of bioavailable caortenoids known to man. Half a cup serving of pumpkin gives you more than two times my recommended daily intake of alpha-caronte and 100 percent of my recommended daily dietary goal of beta-carotene.” short_quote=”Foods rich in carotenoids have been linked to a host of health promoting and disease-fighting activities.”]

For a hummus as sandwich spread, I prefer a thicker consistency (similar to softened cream cheese). If using as a dip (with veggies, pita or crackers), I add a couple tablespoons of water.

I discovered it also freezes well, which is a great resource for an impromptu dinner party or for quick sandwich/wrap lunches during the week

 

Pumpkin Hummus
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Pumpkin Hummus
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Ingredients
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Instructions
  1. Into blender (or food processor) put lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, garlic, tahini and garbanzo. Puree until smooth, stopping occasionally and mixing with rubber spatula as needed.
  2. Add remaining ingredients and blend until smooth, adding water (1 tablespoon at a time) until it has the desired consistency.
  3. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Sprinkle pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds on top and serve.
Recipe Notes

A Color My Food Original Recipe

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Salmon with Orange Lentil Salad

This is a lovely combination of color and flavor – the salmon, lentils, orange and mint.

Serve it with CMF Quinoa or brown rice and a spinach, broccoli salad.

Get an extra-serving  of salmon (about 4 ounces), and double the lentils portion of the recipe and the quinoa or rice. Toss together the next day and serve over greens for a quick lunch or dinner.

 

Salmon with Orange Lentil Salad
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Servings
4
Servings
4
Salmon with Orange Lentil Salad
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Servings
4
Servings
4
Ingredients
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Instructions
  1. Heat oven to 400°F.
  2. In a bowl, whisk orange juice and zest, 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, mustard and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
  3. Gently stir in lentils, chopped mint and onion.
  4. Arrange fillets on a foil-lined baking sheet. Brush with remaining 1 extra-virgin olive oil; season with remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
  5. Roast until fish is opaque and just cooked through, 10 minutes.
  6. Spoon lentil salad onto plates; top with fish.
  7. Garnish with orange slices and mint sprigs.
Recipe Notes

Modified from http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/roasted-arctic-char-with-orange-lentil-salad-51101040

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Cumin Quinoa and Garbanzo

I like the combination of rice and quinoa, and this dish can be more interesting using wild rice or red quinoa if it is available. But for quicker cooking on a busy night, you can use a single grain (either brown rice or quinoa). You can also make this with another grain such as barley (but increase the water to 3 cups for 1 cup of barley)

Cumin Quinoa and Garbanzo
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Servings
4 serving
Servings
4 serving
Cumin Quinoa and Garbanzo
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Servings
4 serving
Servings
4 serving
Ingredients
Adjust servings: serving
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Instructions
  1. Bring rice and 1 cup water to a boil in a small saucepan. Cover, reduce heat to low, and cook until water is absorbed and rice is tender, 25-30 minutes.
  2. Meanwhile, combine quinoa, bay leaf, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1 cups water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer until quinoa is tender, about 15 minutes. Drain; return quinoa to hot saucepan. Cover and let sit for 15 minutes. Discard bay leaf, fluff quinoa with a fork, and transfer to a large bowl.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft, about 8 minutes. Add garlic and cumin and cook, stirring often, for 2 minutes.
  4. Add to quinoa. Add rice and garbanzo beans; mix well. Stir in remaining 2 tablespoons extra-virgin oil, fresh lemon juice, cilantro, parsley, and green onion. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  5. Cut avocado into wedges. Serve salad with avocado and lemon wedges.
Recipe Notes

Adapted from Epicurious: Cumin Scented Quinoa and Black Rice

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Kale and Brussels Sprouts Salad with Apple and Walnuts

This can be a satisfying entree by adding 1 cup of leftover (cooked) quinoa or brown rice, and avocado.

[su_expanding_quote_book alignment=”full” source_author=”Joel Fuhrman, MD” source_title=”Super Immunity: The Essential Nutrition Guide for Boosting Your Body’s Natural Defenses” full_quote=”Cruciferous vegetables are twice as powerful as other plant foods. A 20% increase in cruciferous vegetables intake corresponds to a 40% decrease in cancer rates. All vegetables contain protective micronutrients and phytochemicals, but cruciferous vegetables have a unique compounds with proven and powerful immune-boosting effects and anticancer activity.” short_quote=”Cruciferous vegetables are twice as powerful as other plant foods.”]

Variations:

  • Use any nuts or seeds (pumpkin, sunflower) instead of walnuts
  • Use pear or mango instead of apple
  • Or use dried cranberries
Kale Salad with Brussels Sprouts, Apple and Walnuts
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Servings
4 servings
Servings
4 servings
Kale Salad with Brussels Sprouts, Apple and Walnuts
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Servings
4 servings
Servings
4 servings
Ingredients
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Instructions
  1. Toast walnuts in small skillet over medium heat, mixing occasionally. Cool. Chop coarsely.
  2. Whisk lemon juice, mustard, shallot, garlic, 1 tsp. salt, and 1/2 tsp. pepper in a medium bowl, then whisk in oil in a slow, steady stream. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
  3. Mix together kale and Brussels sprouts in a large mixing bowl. Add about 3/4 of the dressing, and use your hands to massage dressing into greens. Taste and add more dressing as needed Reserve any leftover dressing for another use.
  4. Add apple and half of walnuts; toss together to combine. Transfer to a serving bowl, and top with nuts and remaining radishes.
  5. Do ahead Dressing can be prepared 3 days ahead; cover and chill. Nuts can be toasted and chopped 1 day ahead; cover and keep at room temperature. Kale and Brussels sprouts can be sliced 1 day ahead; place in an airtight container and chill. Salad can be tossed together 30 minutes ahead; keep at room temperature.
Recipe Notes

Modified from Epicurious: Kale Salad with Brussels Sprouts and Apples

You might also like my Kale Salad with Apricots.

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Kale Salad with Apricots and Nuts

The contrast of kale with the sweetness of apricots and crunch of the nuts makes this a memorable salad. No apricots or pine nuts? No problem! Use raisins, cranberries or dates instead and any other chopped nut (almond, walnut or sunflower/pumpkin seeds. You can also use spinach instead of kale.

Toss in some leftover cooked chicken and brown rice or quinoa and this can become a satisfying lunch or simple dinner.

Kale Salad with Apricots and Nuts
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Servings
4 servings
Servings
4 servings
Kale Salad with Apricots and Nuts
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Servings
4 servings
Servings
4 servings
Ingredients
Adjust servings: servings
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Instructions
  1. In a small bowl, whisk lime juice, green onion, honey, salt and pepper flakes. Slowly pour 1/3 cup olive oil in, mixing constantly with a fork or wire whisk. If too tart, add another tablespoon or two of olive oil. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
  2. Put sliced kale in a bowl and toss with salad dressing. Let sit 20 minutes.
  3. In a small skillet, toast pine nuts (or other nuts) over medium heat, tossing constantly, until color deepens, 2 to 3 minutes. Cool. If using other nuts, coarsely chop.
  4. Add nuts and apricot to kale. Toss.
  5. Can refrigerate for up to 1 day, or serve immediately.
Recipe Notes

Modified from http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Kale-Salad-with-Dates-Parmesan-and-Almonds-51137020#ixzz2PY7zf5Jw

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Chicken Breasts with Poblano Chili Sauce

Sometimes I use red or yellow bell peppers instead of the poblano peppers. For a dinner party I like to make both: half a platter with poblano pepper sauce, half a platter with yellow (or red) bell pepper sauce. It’s not only because the colors are pretty, but it gives guests the option of spice or not spicy.

Poblano Pepper Sauce

Chicken Breasts with Poblano Chili Sauce
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Servings
6 - 8 servings
Servings
6 - 8 servings
Chicken Breasts with Poblano Chili Sauce
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Servings
6 - 8 servings
Servings
6 - 8 servings
Ingredients
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Instructions
  1. Pre-heat broiler. Brush the bottom of a 9 x 13 glass Pyrex dish with 1 tablespoon olive oil.
  2. Slice the chicken breasts in half diagonally to make 12 pieces, brush them with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  3. Put the Pyrex dish in pre-heated oven and broil chicken breasts 8 - 10 minutes. Turn over each piece, and bake another 5 minutes.
  4. Take out of oven, place chicken pieces on a serving dish and spoon the poblano sauce over each piece.
  5. Place the remaining sauce in a pretty bowl with a spoon so people can add more sauce if they choose.
Recipe Notes

This dish evolved from the Cilantro-Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Poblano Chili Sauce on epicurious.com.

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