Chipotle Pork Tenderloin with Strawberry Avocado Salsa

Source: Cooking Light

Recipe: Chipotle Pork Tenderloin with Strawberry Avocado Salsa

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

We're always looking for new pork tenderloin recipes because it's such a cheap, easy and healthy cut of meat. Plus, with two tenderloins per package, we need two good recipes per purchase so we are motivated to eat pork all week.

This recipe is a definite keeper. The marinade wasn't too spicy, so Jack was able to eat it, and it made the pork juicy and tangy. The salsa was delicious, and a combo of Jack's favorite foods -- strawberries and avocado -- plus my favorite herb (cilantro), so we were happy with that. We might try the pineapple salsa from the pork taco recipe while strawberries aren't in season, since the flavors would also compliment the pork.

Our only concern was what to serve with it. I ended up just eating the pork and salsa, while Brian ate some tortilla chips.

Two thumbs up from Brian and several "num-nums" from Jack means we'll definitely be making this again.

Sweet and Spicy Tacos for My Sweet and Spicy Valentine

Source: Cooking Light

Recipe: Chipotle Pork Tacos with Pineapple Salsa

Rating: 4 out of 5
Good for a weekend meal, but too much prep required for a weeknight.

Tonight, as a special Valentine's treat, I tried this recipe for pork tacos. The salsa was delicious and the pork was spicy, but yummy. Unfortunately, it was so saucy that it easily broke through the corn tortillas. Brian and I both agreed that it would be excellent over brown rice, so we'll be trying that with the leftovers. The pork was way too spicy for Jack to try, but he did give the pineapple salsa a "num-num" rating.

Creamy Carrot and Sweet Potato Soup

Source: Cooking Light

Recipe: Creamy Carrot and Sweet Potato Soup

Rating: 5 out of 5

I made this soup on Monday night, along with a tomato soup recipe (trying to get a jump start on the week). This soup was a definite winner. We ate it last night with some of Jack's chicken and maple organic sausages -- the maple flavor in the sausages brought out an even richer level in the soup. All three of us gobbled it right up. Brian and I will be making this for Soup and Substance at our church this year, since it can easily be adapted to be vegetarian for Lent.

Cinnamon-Chocolate Fudge

Source: Giada At Home

Recipe: Cinnamon-Chocolate Fudge

Rating: 5 out of 5

I made fudge for my department meeting today, and it received rave reviews. The sea salt on top is an amazing addition, and the recipe was incredibly easy. Just 8 minutes to cook it! The only problem is limiting the servings you eat.

Three-Cheese Penne

Source: Cooking Light

Recipe: Three-Cheese Baked Penne

Rating: 5 out of 5

Tonight I tried a recipe that Brian had marked in Cooking Light two years ago, right around the time that Jack was born. I've been a little behind on Cooking Light ever since and finally got around to pulling out all the recipes we'll potentially make.

All three of us absolutely gobbled it up. It was fairly easy, except for un-casing the turkey sausage, and fairly economical, except for the goat cheese. But with the cheesy, gooey delicious results, we'll be certain to make it again.

I made a couple of adaptations to the original recipe. I didn't have Italian seasoning, so I put in 1/4 tsp. oregano and basil and 1/8 tsp. sage. Also, I put a cup of Brian's homemade spaghetti sauce in instead of the tomato sauce that it calls for.

The crinkly, cheese sounds as I mixed in the mozzarella and the goat cheese were a clear indication that this was going to be a winner. Even Jack cleaned his plate with minimal objections, and with a little bribing with the cinnamon chocolate fudge.