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Brand New
2008-05-14 23:56:00
Yes,I have revamped my blog. I have deleted all 250+ recipes and have decided to start over. Growing up in the south, I learned cook with Crisco,butter ,lard, oil.......and the list goes on and on. Sure, it tastes good.But good for me and my family,not so much. So we are in the midst of a total lifestyle change. I am learning to prepare low fat, low sodium meals for my family using fresh fruit and vegetables. And more turkey and chicken. Over the course of 5 weeks,with a change in diet and excercise, I have lost 12 pounds and counting. Baby fat (and all other fat) be gone. So begins the journey of Mommy Chef.
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Spicy Tuna Salad
2008-05-10 20:34:00
I make this tuna salad for lunch a few times a month. I make a sandwich using whole wheat bread and a put about 1 teaspoon of salsa on it.It's a great variation on the standard tuna salad.I use a 6oz can of tuna and that is enough for a sandwich and leftovers for another day.Spicy Tuna Salad 1/2 cup light mayonnaise2 T jalepeno pepper,seeded and chopped2tsp lime juice1 can (6 oz) water packed light tuna,drained and flaked1 T minced onion1 T chopped cilantro1 tsp salsaI medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise,jalepeno,lime juice,minced onion and chopped cilantro.Stir in the drained and flaked tuna.Spread 3 oz (1/2 the salad) on bread.Top with 1 tsp salsa.Serve the sandwich with corn and black bean salad or a small green salad.

Watermelon Feta Salad
2008-05-08 00:13:00
The combination of flavors sounds very unappealling I know.But this is one of my absolute favorite warm weather salads.The sweet from the watermelon and the saltiness from the feta is really great together.I make the salad with just three ingredients but I have seen recipes that add onion (sweet or red) ,black olives,white wine vinegar,red wine vinegar and on and on.I like to keep it simple. I usually serve it with grilled chicken and a green salad. I can't believe I have never posted this one before.Watermelon Feta Salad 1 watermelon, 1" cubed4 oz feta cheese (I use reduced fat)2 T chopped mintfresh ground pepper (optional)In a large bowl gently mix the watermelon and mint.Fold in the feta cheese.Add fresh ground pepper (optional).

Roasted Sugar Snap Peas
2008-04-29 23:43:00
Sinful! Fresh sugar snap peas roasted to perfection.What else is there to say?ROASTED SUGAR SNAP PEAS1 lb sugar snap pea1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oilcoarse saltfresh ground pepperDirectionsPreheat broiler to hiLine a large baking sheet with aluminum foil.Toss peas with olive oil on prepared baking sheet.Spread peas in a single layer.Broil approximately 2 minutes, or just until crisp-tender and they are beginning to brown in spots, stirring once.Remove from oven and transfer to a serving bowl.Sprinkle with coarse salt and pepper.
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Pita Chips
2008-04-29 22:25:00
These homemade pita chips are so good.This is a recipe from one of my favorite Food Network stars,Ellie Krieger.I like these dipped in greek yogurt or hummus. Spiced pita chipsEllie KriegerServes 12; serving size: 4 wedgesINGREDIENTS? 1?4 cup olive oil? 2 teaspoons ground cumin? 1 teaspoon ground coriander? 1?2 teaspoon cayenne pepper? 1 teaspoon garlic powder? 1?2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper? 1?2 teaspoon salt? 6 whole-wheat pita breads, cut into 8 wedges eachDIRECTIONSPreheat the oven to 375° F.Combine the oil and spices in a large bowl. Add the pita wedges and toss to coat. Spread the wedges in a single layer on two baking sheets and bake, tossing once, until the pitas are brown and crisp, about 15 minutes. Let cool completely before serving. They will keep in an airtight container at room temperature for about 3 days.
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Finished....
2008-04-17 21:14:00
I have decided to stop blogging.Takes too much time and I want to spent more time with my husband and kiddos.Thank you to everyone who left comments and good thoughts.And to the blog friends I have made over the past few years!Cheers!Elizabeth

Meatloaf Muffins
2008-04-15 01:22:00
I accidently thawed a pound of ground beef instead of ground turkey.And since I have never had any luck with an actual meatloaf of ground beef I decided to make meatloaf muffins.The things are so addicting.Which is why I very rarely make them.I could eat them all myself.And I really don't need that temptation.:) The boys love these for dinner.You can even eat them cold.Just top with ketchup and serve.You could also add chopped broccoli,shredded carrot,cheese....the possibilities are endless.~Depending on what kind of ground beef you use,you may need to drain the muffins on a paper towel.Meatloaf Muffins 1 lb extra lean ground beef1 box Stove Top stuffing mix1 cup water2 eggs ~Mix together and divide into 12 muffin cups that have been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. Bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes.Serve with ketchup on top. My camera needs a battery charge,so I used this picture from myrecipes.com And I served green beans and roasted herb potatoes with dinner tonight.I w...

Caramel Corn
2008-04-14 16:45:00
This is the easiest,yummy tasting caramel corn that I have ever made.My grandmother gave me this recipe when I went home for Easter.She has been making it for years and when my husband tasted it,he was very happy.I made a batch a few days ago and it is almost gone.Caramel Popcorn2 bags popcorn,popped1 cup butter2 cups brown sugar1/4 cup light corn syrup1 tsp salt1 tsp vanilla1/2 tsp baking sodaPreheat oven to 250 degrees.Lay out two jellyroll pans.Place the popped popcorn in a large bowl.In a saucepan over medium high heat melt the butter.Stir in the brown sugar and corn syrup.Up the heat to high and bring to a boil,stirring constantly.When comes to a boil ,leave it alone for 4 minutes.DO NOT STIR.After 4 minutes .take off the heat and stir in vanilla and baking soda.Pour caramel(carefully) over the popcorn. Stir the caramel in to the popcorn until all popcorn is coated.Divide the popcorn onto two jellyropans. PLace in the oven for 1 hour.Every 15 minutes,stir the popcorn.Let cool c...
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Weekly Meal Plan
2008-04-14 15:52:00
This week my husband will be home for dinner all but one night! I am excited.This never happens,folks. Usually me and the kiddos are on our own for dinners.So this menu reflects my husband being here to enjoy sit down family meals.Monday- Turkey meatloafTuesday-fish tacos with cilantro sauceWednesday-Chicken and Black Bean EnchiladasThursday-Whole wheat fettucine with herbed shrimpFriday-Homemade pizzasSaturday-Mongolian BeefSunday - crock pot roast beef sandwiches
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Pecan Crusted Chicken
2008-04-08 01:22:00
My Uncle Holt sent me a gimungous box of pecans from his pecan trees in North Carolina and I am slowly trying to get them cracked, bagged and frozen.I cannot begin to tell you how much I adore pecans.Right out of the shell,sugar coated,in candies,cakes and muffins.But I am also a fan of pecan crusted chicken .I have made this dish countless times and I don't think I will ever tire of it.You canslice it to add to salads or casseroles.I like it just drizzled with a bit of warm honey.HEAVEN ! And it is kid friendly....at least in my house it is!Pecan Crusted Chicken 4 chicken breasts,pounded to even thickness1/3 cup yellow cornmeal1/3 cup finely chopped pecans1/4 tsp garlic powder1/4 tsp black pepper1/8 tsp salt1/2 c buttermilk2 -3 dashes hot sauce (optional)2T olive oilPreheat oven to 400 .In a shallow bowl combine the cornmeal,pecans,garlic powder,pepper and salt.In a seperate bowl pour in the buttermilk and hot sauce if using.Heat a large oven proof skillet on medium high heat and a...

Orange Salad
2008-04-07 15:36:00
This is one dish that I make often and everyone loves.I call it the pregnancy salad! :) I ate this salad almost every day when I was pregnant with all my children! A small bowl for breakfast in the morning and I was good to go.It is a great snack to have in the warmer months too.You can use the chuncked pineapple or the tidbits (I have used both) but the crushed pineapple is my favorite.It makes it smoother.And as far as the ingredients go,I use fat free Cool Whip and sugar free jello .Yum!Orange salad1 container small curd cottage cheese1 box orange flavored jello1 container Cool Whip whipped topping1 can mandarin oranges ,drained1 can crushed pineapple,drainedIn a large bowl mix the cottage cheese and jello powder together.Mix well.Gently fold in the Cool Whip and add the crushed pineapple and mandarin oranges.Cover and refrigerate .
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Lemon Pepper Tilapia
2008-03-31 17:10:00
If you read my blog you know that I use this particular fish often in my menus.The reason is because it is a very mild white fish that the kids will eat every way I prepare it.And it is very inexpensive to have on hand.We do eat other fish,but usually reserve that to a few tuna steaks and salmon here and there.And of course fresh fish when we are camping.One thing I miss about Charleston SC are the weekends when my husband and boys would get up early and catch fresh crabs for crabcakes.Heaven.And I do miss the clam bakes and Frogmore Stew get togethers.In fact,my friend Sarah is having her annual clam bake next weekend at her Daniel Island home.Wish I could be there.This fish recipe is very good.It is so easy to put together and bake.I usually have the green onions,but last night I omitted because I forgot to pick them up at the store.Lemon Pepper Tilapia1 small lemon4 tablespoons butter, softened1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley3/4 teaspoon salt1/8 teaspoon black pepper 1/8 tsp ga...

Turkey Cabbage Casserole
2008-03-27 23:47:00
My husband loves cabbage rolls.I hate making them.They are too time consuming to me,especially when you have a 2 year old and a 4 year old running around the kitchen.So I decided to make a casserole using the same ingredients.This was so easy to put together and so tasty.I don't think that I will be making the actual rolls much anymore.I used ground turkey,and it was really great.You can't tell much of a difference.I used a bag of shredded cabbage for convenience.You could definitely use a head of cabbage and shred it yourself.I added a bit of salt and pepper when I portioned out the plates.I think that I used about 2T of tomato paste.I didn't measure.(same with the rice)This was a add in recipe .I added everything that I would add to the cabbage rolls.Feel free to tweak the tomatoes.But just keep in mind that if you omit the tomato paste,the sauce will be more liquidy when the casserole is done,which sometimes makes the cabbage have a "slimy" texture.My husband and sons crumbl...
More About: Turkey , Casserole , Cabbage

Stuffed Turkey Burgers
2008-03-26 15:46:00
This recipe is very tasty and very easy to make on a busy weeknight.This recipe is from Ellie Krieger.She has a show on Food Network.She has great,healthy recipes that do not use far out ingredients.She actually uses lots of fresh fruits and veggies,which I love.I try to watch her show whenever I can (which is close to never!LOL).Ground turkey is a staple in my freezer and I am always looking for great recipes to use it with.I really do not use ground beef at all,unless I make spaghetti sauce or salisbury steaks for my husband.It just makes more sense,healthwise,to use ground turkey.And it is more economical as well. You could use this rcipe as a stepping stone to other vegetables and cheeses.I stuck with the roasted red peppers because I had a jar in the fridge that needed to be used. Small diced broccoli and pepper jack cheese would make a wonderful burger. Be sure you do not leave them on the heat too long.Lean meat dries out very fast and your burgers will be tough .Stuffed Turk...
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Menu Plan
2008-03-25 16:50:00
Yes,I am a day late.We were away for Easter. I have been neglecting this blog for a few weeks now.I have been very busy with life and the blogs are the first to get neglected.But I have made out a menu plan and will try to keep it up.Here is our menu for the week.Monday-outTuesday- stuffed turkey burgers, sweet potato fries,fruit saladWednesday-Chicken Sausage Pasta toss,green saladThursday- pork tenderloin, roasted potatoes,green beansFriday-Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches, pineapple slaw,baked potato chipsSaturday-Oven Tilapia with Cilantro Cream, baked riced, green beansSunday-Ropa Vieja,black beans,rice
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Happy Easter
2008-03-19 15:15:00
To all of my readers.We are headed out of townfor some much needed family time.I hope you and yours have a Happy Easter Holiday!

After Dinner Designs
2008-03-10 05:31:00
This is why I have not been concentrating on meals lately.My pottery line is up and running. So tell all of your friends. Buy homemade! Support independent artists!http://www.afterdinnerdesigns.ets y.com/
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Spaghetti Sauce
2008-03-08 17:37:00
This is my absolute favorite meal. My nana's spaghetti sauce. I make a big pot of this stuff about once a month and everyone loves it. It reminds me of home and big dinners with my family.All of my aunts and cousins make this recipe too. I serve it with simple garlic bread.The kids eat it willingly,even the picky ones,which is a miracle in itself! The key is to make it earlier afternoon and let it simmer on the stove for a few hours. I have altered her original recipe to included the minced fresh garlic, but otherwise I never alter this recipe!Nana's Spaghetti Sauce 3 pounds ground beef1 large onion, diced1 green pepper,diced2 cloves garlic, minced2 cans tomato sauce1/2 tsp onion salt1/2 tsp salt1/2 tsp garlic salt1 tsp oregano1 Tbsp ketchup1 tsp worcestershire sauce1 tsp Heinz 57 steak sauce1 tsp Italian seasoningIn a heavy skillet,brown the onion,green pepper and garlic in a small amount of oil. Add ground beef and cook until brown.Drain meat well and place into a large saucepan....

Menu Plan Monday
2008-03-03 14:11:00
I realize that I have not posted many new entries lately.I have tried to keep to my menu but have found myself making favorites that are already on my blog. Spaghetti , crescent chicken,chicken pastry and hamburger soup were made last week in lieu of the menu plan.But I will try to stick to this menu throughout the week.Monday -wild rice meatloaf,scalloped potatoes,broccoli casseroleTuesday-Herbed thick cut pork chops, mashed cauliflower, peas and mushroomsWednesday-Baked Kielbasa Casserole,saladThursday-Stuffed Baked potatoes/creamy tomato soupFriday- Fish and ChipsSaturday-Baked Chicken thighs,roasted sweet potatoes,green beansSunday-crockpot beef stewYou can find more menus here http://www.orgjunkie.com
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Chicken Black Bean Casserole
2008-02-28 15:49:00
I made this last night adding what I had in the fridge that I had to use up.I had 2 cups of shredded chicken in the freezer leftover from chicken noodle soup and wanted to use it up.When I made lunch for the boys yesterday I realized that I had two packs of flour tortillas,which needed to be used.So I made this casserole.I don't know the exact measurements of the ingredients because I eyeballed it and tasted until I was satisfied with the flavor.You can tweak it to your tastes.The youngest and oldest ate it and had good things to say about it.The middle boy....not so much.He stated that he hates beans,he hates chicken and only eats orange cheese(cheddar). So he ate a bowl of Honey nut cheerios with sliced bananas and blueberries.I loved it and will enjoy the leftovers for lunch.Chicken Black Bean Casserole 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded1 small onion,diced1 small can green chilies1 cup half and half (you could use milk)4 oz sour cream1 can black beans,drained and rinsed1 tsp cumin1/...

Healthy Snacks
2008-02-22 15:31:00
I found this in Woman' Day and thought I would share it.I am always looking for healthy food to snack on and give the kids that are not loaded with empty calories.50 Best Snacks Under 50 CaloriesSatisfy your cravings without putting on a poundKeri M. Gans, R.D.If you're trying to lose weight, listen up: Snacks are your friends?as long as you eat the right ones. Eating between meals keeps up your energy levels and prevents you from overindulging, especially later in the day and at night when the munchies can really hit hard. Sometimes you truly need a substantial snack (say, if dinner is hours away); other times, you just need a small bite to satisfy a craving?and we have 50 that are sure to do the trick.Satisfy your sweet tooth1. 1?2 medium apple, baked, topped with 1 Tbsp lowfat yogurt sprinkled with cinnamon (45 calories)2. 1?2 small banana, frozen (45 calories)3. 4 oz unsweetened applesauce sprinkled with cinnamon (49 calories)4. 1 miniature box of raisins (45 calories)5. 2 sug...
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Ham Alfredo
2008-02-20 02:17:00
I know I have already veered off course from my menu.But I have a migraine that will not go away and I wanted something easy.I had the ham cubed and frozen already and had noodles left over from last nights dinner (BBQ chicken spaghetti, see below ) so I made this instead of the pork tenderloin.I have made this dish before and the kids love it.They all enjoy alfredo sauce and they all will eat the peas if they are in this dish.Amazing how the human brain works.Any other meal with peas I have to nag (yes people I NAG ) until they eat them.But you add chunks of ham and creamy,fattening,artery hardening alfredo sauce and they inhale it. Go figure. You can add cajun seasoning to the alfredo sauce if you are not serving to kids .(I use Tony Cachere's or Zatarains) And you can sub out the peas for any vegetable.Broccoli would be great in it. Or you can sub out the ham for chicken or shrimp. Ham Alfredo3/4 lb spaghetti or linguine noodles1 cup frozen peas2 tablespoons flour1 cup milk1 tab...

BBQ Chicken Spaghetti
2008-02-19 00:45:00
This dish is a dish that I grew up on living in eastern North Carolina. The barbecue sauce in that part of the country is vinegar based and ,in my opinion,the best sauce there is.This recipe I found on the Food Network site from the Neely's.My recipe is identical except that I add butter .I actually like this version better than mine.So I will now make it without the butter.You can use chicken or pork for this recipe. Yummy food for a winter dinner.BBQ Chicken Spaghetti courtesy of food networkIngredients1 tablespoon olive oil1 small green bell pepper , chopped1/2 yellow onion1 tablespoon garlic salt1 lb pork or beef or chicken , cooked and chopped into bite-size pieces1 lb spaghettiBBQ Sauce(use 3 and a half cups)2 cups ketchup1 cup water1/2 cup apple cider vinegar5 tablespoons light brown sugar5 tablespoons sugar1/2 tablespoon fresh ground black pepper1/2 tablespoon onion powder1/2 tablespoon ground mustard1 tablespoon lemon juice1 tablespoon worcestershire sauceDirections1.In a l...

This weeks menu
2008-02-18 15:05:00
For other great menus, head on over to http://www.orgjunkie.com/. Here is my menu for this week. I choose my side items based on what is feash at the store. Mainly sauteed and steamed veggies.Monday- BBQ spaghettiTuesday-Herbed pork roastWednesday- Pickle chickenThursday- Linguine with walnuts and hamFriday- pan fried tilapia in garlic butter sauceSaturday- stuffed turkey burgersSunday-out with friends
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Check this out
2008-02-18 03:59:00
I have been given an award! Cynthia over at What's for dinner ( http://www.thematzats.blogspot.com/) has chosen me as one of her favorite blogs! I am honored that she has found recipes on my pages that she likes! And I must admit,I like the recognition! :) Now I must carry on the awards and choose a few of my favorites.So here they are, in no particular order.Because they are all wonderful.1.Nicole over at http://www.nicinthekitchen.blogspot.com/ Not only is Nicole my friend,but she makes yummy recipes.The kind that I can make with ingredients that I mostly have in the pantry all the time.2.Lynne at http://www.cafelynnylu.blogspot.com/ Lynne has a talent for photography .Her recipes and pictures are definitely droolworthy.And one day when there are no children running around my kitchen 24/7, I can take my time perfecting the aesthetic portion of my cooking as she has done.This is what a food blog should be in my opinion.3. Deborah at Taste and Tell. http://www.workingwomanfood.blog...
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Lemon Garlic Chicken
2008-02-18 03:47:00
This is one of those super fast,super tasty go to chicken dishes when I am in a hurry to get food on the table.Or if I am just plain lazy and do not want to fuss over dinner. This is a light tasting chicken dish that I usually reserve for warmer months witha salad and fresh garden veggies,but I was in the mood for it tonight so I broke down and made it. the chicken takes less than 30 minutes to prepare from beginning to end.I make sure that I pound the chicken breasts uniformally flat . The chicken cooks with a bit of a crunch to it and the sauce is so good. Lemon Garlic Chicken 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts1/4 c flour1 tsp each salt and pepper (or to taste)2 teaspoons oil1/2 cup chicken broth1 teaspoon minced garlic2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice1 teaspoon butterIn a skillet heat oil on medium high heatFlatten chicken with a mallet until uniform. In a medium bowl add flour and salt and pepper to taste.Dredge the breasts in the flour.Fry in hot oil 5 minutes each side. Remove chi...

Turkey Casserole
2008-02-18 03:34:00
For the past few weeks I haven't been very inspired to try many new dishes.We have all been sick with the flu and I was wrapped up with Valentine's Day activities.So there was comfort food on the menu for some time.We are all feeling better,and I have made my menu for the next few weeks.We did have a few yummy meals that I will post. This turkey casserole was made and baked very quickly.Easy for a weeknight meal.And I love using ground turkey.The kids ate it for themost part,but one picked out the peas and another the carrots.But all in all it was very well received.Turkey Casserole 1 lb ground turkey1 bag frozen vegetables (I used peas and carrots)1 jar turkey gravy1 box stuffingPreheat oven to 375.In a skillet brown the ground turkey and drain if needed.Add the vegetables and the jar of gravy.Mix well.Simmer on med low heat until the vegetables are soft.Meanwhile,make stuffing according to package directionsIn a casserole dish pour the turkey/vegetable mixture in evenly.Add the s...

This weeks menu
2008-02-11 14:58:00
Monday : Feta and banana pepper turkey burgers;twice baked broccoli potatoesTuesday: Spaghetti;salad;garlic breadWednesday: Citrus glazed pork loin;herb rice; carmelized brussel sproutsThursday:turkey pot pieFriday:Fish and ChipsSaturday:Sloppy Joes;french fries;pineapple coleslawSunday:Penne chicken alfredo;caesar salad
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Sugar Cookies
2008-02-09 20:48:00
I *heart* these sugar cookies. They are the old fashioned cookies that are so light.They crumble when you bite into them.They are like grandma used to make.I love baking cookies with shortening.Not the healthiest,I know,but oh so good! These do not last long in this house.SUGAR COOKIES1/2 cup butter1/2 cup shortening1 cup sugar1 egg1 tsp vanilla extract2 1/4 cups all purpose flour1/2 tsp baking powder1/2 tsp baking sodaadditional sugarIn a mixing bowl, cream butter,shortening and sugar.Add eggs and vanilla.Mix well.In a medium bowl mix the flour, baking powder,baking soda;gradually add to the creamed mixture.Shape into 1 inch balls.Roll in the sugar and place on greased cookie sheets.Using the bottom of a glass,dip into the sugar and flatten the balls.Bake at 350 degrees for 10- 12 minutes.Leave on baking sheet for a few minutes and transfer to cooling racks.Makes 4 dozen cookies
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Honey Butter Pork Tenderloin
2008-02-09 20:32:00
I love this tenderloin .The flavor is wonderful and the meat comes out so tender every time. I make the gravy with the drippings and pour it over the sliced pork and even add a tablespoon or so onto my baked potato.I reserve this for cold winter nights because it does seem to be a heavier type dinner.But it is a great comfort food.I serve this ,always, with either baked potatoes are garlic mashed potatoes.I have to have a potato dish to use the gravy on! The kids eat it without any complaints.But they never eat it with gravy.Fortunately it is melt in your mouth tender so they do not have to use the gravy.Which is fine....more for me and my husband!HONEY BUTTER PORK TENDERLOIN4 T butter2 T honey1-2 lb pork tenderloin1/8 tsp salt1/4 tsp pepper1/4 tsp garlic powder1/4 cup water1-2 T flourPreheat oven to 375. In a dutch oven melt the butter and honey over medium heat (be careful NOT to burn the honey)Season the tenderloin with the salt,pepper and garlic powder.Turn the heat up to med hi...
More About: Honey , Pork , Butter