Wasting Food

It has been quite awhile since I have posted on here and I have been thinking about blogging, cooking, and food.  Life gets so busy I forget what it is that makes me the most content and happy and that is cooking.  When I am cooking I lose thought of anything else that is going on and my mind goes into it's zone.
So anyways lately I have been thinking about wasting food.  I read an article on msnbc.com that talked about how much food the average american wastes.  You won't believe this but it is 40 lbs of food we throw away every month!  Yes per person, and yes 40 pounds!!!  I was stunned, shocked, confused, and annoyed.  We take so much for granted in this country.  We have access to fresh food every day.  We go out to eat.  We buy too many vegetables/fruit thinking we will use them and then throw them away.  Yet we are still the most obese country in the world!  As of the last few weeks I have started living by new standards when grocery shopping and eating:
1. To buy a few fruits and a few vegetables a week.  Honestly, I don't get tired of the same fruit or vegetable for one week.
2. Smell food.  Just because the date on the milk carton says sell by and it's already passed does not mean it is bad.  SMELL IT!  if it smells bad throw it out, but if it doesn't use it!  You can do this with pretty much anything except meat.  If it has been in the fridge for longer than three days and the color is changing smell it for an off smell.
3. Eat leftovers.  I get so tired of hearing people say they don't eat leftovers.  You are throwing away food you have already paid for and could possibly use for another meal.  This morning I used my leftover Red Robin french fries from last night to make a scramble with eggs, cheese and a little spinach.  Potatoes are great for dinner and breakfast.

So really it is that simple. Food does not have to go wasted.  It has really only taken me a week to get used to and small changes like this can add money to your pocket, time, and more healthy cooking at home.  Happy Spring!

White Chocolate Cranberry Bark

You've probably heard of the peppermint white chocolate bark that many enjoy around the Christmas Holiday season.  This year I found out you can make whatever kind of white chocolate bark you fancy!  It's a really simple recipe that lets you be creative and meat your taste buds.  When I thought about my ingredients I wanted something sweet and salty in the recipe.  I chose cranberries, toasted coconut, and toasted slivered almonds.  This white chocolate bark is good for gifts or just to enjoy at home!  I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and Happy New Year!  I'm working to put more recipes in here.  

Here's the recipe

24 oz white chocolate

1/2 cup dried cranberries

1/2 cup toasted almonds

1/2 cup toasted coconut

Spray a foil lined cookie sheet pan.  Melt chocolate in microwave in 1 minute increments until melted, stirring after each minute.  Second, spread white chocolate on sheet in a circle.  Next, sprinkle cranberries, toasted coconut, and almonds.  Let the bark cool a couple minutes in fridge and then out on the counter for an hour.  Break apart and enjoy!  

pork tenderloin spicy marinade

I've had some extra time on my hands to experiment with some ingredients.  I have been on a mexican kick lately and just purchased a food processor.  It makes marinades so much easier!!!  Here is a tasty marinade that you could make for a pork tenderloin or meat of your liking.  The meat came out very tender, juicy and tasty!   Here's the recipe:

Spicy Pork Tenderloin Marinade
1 1/2 lb. pork tenderloin

Marinade:
2 cloves garlic
1/4 roasted Jalapeno ( I roast on the grill for 7 minutes)
1/4 cup onion
2 tsp. cumin
2 tsp. chili powder
1 Tb. white wine vinegar
1 Tb. lemon juice
2 Tb Olive oil
1 tsp. salt (or to taste)

Put in food processor or blender and blend until pureed.  Then add in the 2 TB olive oil.  Marinate for 6-24 hours.

You can use as much or as little Jalapeno as you would like.  The amount I used had a kick but was not too spicy!


I seared all sides on the grill on a high temperature and then turned grill down to low to slowly cook!

Why I love cooking

Cooking.  Some love it and others don't. I love it!  Starting at age 4, I grew up with a bandana on my head, standing on a chair, right next to my mom stirring the flour into the brownies.  Now 23 years later I still love to stand in my kitchen stirring ingredients to make something delicious.  I ask myself why?  When I put time and effort into anything it makes it more meaningful to me.  I pour my heart into what I cook and share it with others.  Cooking has allowed me to give and share with others, hear wonderful stories,  have good conversations, and so much more.   The very best reason of all is the community that is created when a meal has been made.  It allows for a break from the busy day to be together sharing stories, laughing, and eating together!  Why do you love to cook?

I love cooking

I'm Molly and I love cooking.  Expect to see cooking tips and yummy recipes.