Pinterest

Last week, we went to Meghan and Christopher's house for dinner and we came up with a plan.  Every week, one of us would host a Pinterest inspired dinner and invite the other one over.  Last week, we had crock pot chicken tacos at their house and tonight, we had a balsamic vinaigrette pork tenderloin with roasted red potatoes and fresh green beans! It was pretty yummy for my very first time ever making a pork tenderloin and I have to say, I'm proud of myself :) We spent the evening watching the hockey playoffs and eating, while I held their baby Chase and loved on him for a little while! It was a perfect, relaxing evening.

Chase's two month old picture (just a quick idea of how adorable he is)! 

Our pork tenderloin, cut in half, marinated in balsamic vinaigrette, fresh thyme, rosemary, garlic, salt and pepper.

Searing the tenderloins on each side for 1.5 minutes before sticking in the oven for 20 minutes at 400 degrees.

Delicious roasted vegetables... I love red potatoes!

The finished product and it's pretty presentation! It was a definite success!

Overall, we had a fantastic weekend.  We worked on home projects including painting all the trim in the loft and bedroom and refinishing the doors in the master bedroom.  It feels so good to be productive and accomplished!

Julia Child I am not...

...but Slow Cooker Queen I am!

Justin worked on this glorious Sunday afternoon and what better way to surprise my handsome guy after work (especially since he has been battling this nasty flu/cold/cough thing that has been making its way around)? Food! What guy doesn't love food? Tonight's endeavor: cilantro lime slow cooker chicken with roasted jalapenos and salsa! (If you want the recipe, send me an e-mail. It's A-MAZING!)

Justin grew up in rural Indiana where hearty, fattening meals with perfectly delicious desserts were prepared nightly by his mom.  Then, he met me and the very best I could do for him was provide him with an array of takeout menus and the closest fast food joint.  After some failed attempts at various meals and two very happy dogs, I decided to take matters into my own hands. It has been slow, but I'm learning, and I better learn quickly because well, Justin is starting to fade away! I need to put some meat on his bones quick!

I happened upon Crockin' Girls, a website completely devoted to making meals in crock pots, on Facebook one day and have been trying recipe after recipe ever since.  What a genius website!  And it just so happens that Justin has loved every single thing I've made. 

So, no, I am not the next Top Chef or Julia Child but I am definitely the Slow Cooker Queen because I swear, no matter what you put in that thing, every meal comes out tasting delicious!