A New Adventure for Kohlton and Excitement for Ellie + Recipes

This weekend Ellie took Kohlton for a mountain bike ride. Kohlton knows how to ride a bike, but this was a different experience for him. He was all smiles when he returned. They've gone on a ride every day since then. Yeah!


It is handy that Kohlton happens to be the same size at Ethan. Thanks to Ethan for loaning him stuff to give mountain biking a try.

Here's a nice, simple and quick dinner I made recently.

Warmly Spiced Pork Tenderloin with (served with Peas and Homemade Applesauce)

1 Pork Tenderloin, cut into bite size pieces (the tenderlion I used was intended for BBQ)
1 teaspoon kosher sea salt
1/2 tea Black Pepper, freshly ground
1/2 tea Cinnamon
1/4 tea Turmeric
1/4 tea ground Cumin
1/4 tea ground Coriander
1/4 tea ground Cardamom
Pinch Ground Cloves
Pinch Cayenne Pepper

2 TBL Olive Oil or Bacon Drippings
1 cup Homemade Applesauce

Mix all of the spices. In a large baggie toss in some of the diced pork. Sprinkle them with some of the spices and shake the bag. Repeat this until all of the diced pork is lightly spiced. Let this sit for at least 30 minutes.

Heat the oil/bacon drippings in a large, heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork until browned, about 3 minutes per side.Be sure to not crowd the pork or it will sweat instead of cook. Saute the meat in batches, if necessary. Lower the temperature to medium-low; cover and continue to cook until the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145 F, another 3 to 5 minutes.

In another pot boil water for the peas. Cook the peas with a small bit of Rosemary. Drain when done and add a touch of butter. Serve with the spiced pork and applesauce.

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Here are some cookies that Ellie made this weekend. They are soft, nice and not too sweet.

Soft Brown Sugar Cookies with Brown Butter Frosting
via: Susie QT Pies Cafe blog

2/3 c. butter, softened
1-1/2 c. brown sugar, packed
2 eggs
1 t. vanilla extract
2-1/2 c. all-purpose flour
1/2 t. baking powder
1 t. baking soda
1/2 t. salt
1 c. sour cream

Blend together butter and brown sugar. Add eggs, one at a time; blend well. Add vanilla; beat until light. In a separate bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Add flour mixture to butter mixture alternately with sour cream; mix well. Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls onto non-stick or lightly greased baking sheets. Bake at 350 degrees for 8 minutes. Remove to a wire rack; cool. Frost with Browned Butter Frosting. Makes 2 dozen

Browned Butter Frosting

1/4 c. butter
1-1/2 c. powdered sugar
2 T. Milk

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat until it turns golden. Watch carefully as this will happen quickly. Remove from heat. Stir in powdered sugar and enough milk to make a spreading consistency.