Blogcation!

Hi friends ~ I want to let you know that I'll be taking a blogcation for a short time as there are some projects I'd like to get to before the gardens start calling for more attention this spring.



Besides the semi-annual task of deep cleaning and tidying closets I thought I would share some of the other things I have on my list (the fun things!)



A couple of quilt and sewing projects that have been on my list for a while.

Copious amounts of tea will be consumed. :0)

Any Cath Kidston fans out there? I am one happy fan of hers... and I have a carry-all and another small bag to stitch.

I hope to put some time into a couple of crochet projects ...

in soft colors ~ I couldn't find exactly what I wanted, but this is close enough.

I was going for soft and soothing ice cream colors.

Here's the pattern I'm using for the afghan (blanket):

I found it in this older book:

As you can see it's a Granny-patch style ~

Since the smaller pieces are worked one at a time then assembled into the afghan, it's easily transportable and not bulky so it can be worked on in spare moments at home, or away.

And below is the other one I've already begun (this is a photo from the pattern) . If you know me you know I love that blue/yellow combination.

I don't expect to finish them on my time off, but I hope to make some progress!

And catching up on some (too many) books that I bought some time ago ~

Including four authored by Tessa Kiros ~ I'm ashamed to say I've had these two for a couple of years, I feel badly that I have not given them proper attention.

A mother of two young daughters, I adore her style; casual and real. The recipes are unusual and absolutely beautiful ~ I plan on cooking from them and will share some of the recipes from the books in the near future.

Beautiful, mouth-watering photos ...

Would you look at this scrumptious-looking dessert?

And these are two more, also by Ms. Kiros ~ loaded with recipes and her food memories. I usually read cookbooks from cover to cover if they are particularly interesting, and these fit into that category.

I think between cleaning, tidying and catching up with some of my fiber hobbies and maybe some painting~ I'll be happily busy, but I'll be around with the exception of a couple of day trips we have planned.

Thank you for stopping by, and your welcome comments!

Pork Roasted the way the Tuscans Do

I've posted about this method of preparing pork tenderloin before... you can see the previous post by clicking HERE.

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This is my entry for this week's Saturday Blog Showcase.

I hope you'll please join us!

Hosted on alternate Saturdays by my friends Ann, of Thibeault's Table and Lori, of All That Splatters.

(clickable links)



It's Ann's turn to host this week ~ please click HERE to read more about Saturday Blog Showcase, and to visit this week's participants.
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I have been a fan of Joanne Weir (click) for quite a while, and I was so pleased when our friend Monique introduced me to this recipe a couple of years ago.

It's absolutely delicious! Don't feel locked into this combination of herbs, you can play around with it and add any herbs or flavoring ingredients you like. (Pesto, Tapenade, sundried tomatoes, etc.) It's great meal at home, but also perfect picnic fare.

For a PRINTABLE copy of the recipe, you can find it on my recipe blog by clicking HERE.

Pork Roasted the Way the Tuscan Do ~

Joanne Weir's recipe

4 servings .
Joanne says: "This is a wonderful and easy technique for pork roasted inside a baguette with wonderful fresh herbs and of course garlic and olive oil! I'm sure this will become a favorite of yours too - it's great to bring on a picnic lunch!"

Preheat oven to 375-degrees (F)

2 teaspoons fresh chopped sage

2 teaspoons fresh chopped rosemary

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

2 cloves garlic, minced

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

1/4 teaspoon fennel pollen (My notes: I omit because it is not readily available)
4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 pork tenderloin, trimmed of fat and sinewy tissue

1 loaf crusty baguette

Optional ~ about 3 to 4 tablespoons Dijon mustard

Method:
Mince sage, rosemary, pepper, garlic, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and fennel pollen (if using) together, spread out on the work surface for later, the sear the pork as follows:

In a frying pan over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon of the oil. Place the pork in the pan and cook, turning occasionally until it is golden brown on all sides (this will take about 8 to 10 minutes.)

If you you like, at this point you can smear the seared pork with Dijon mustard before rolling in the herbs. (This step adds a bit of moistness to the meat, which I prefer.)

Roll the pork in the herb mixture and set aside. Next cut, or slit the baguette in half the long way and scoop out most of the soft insides. Brush the inside of the baguette with the remaining 3 tablespoons olive oil. Nestle the pork on the inside of the baguette so that the pork is well enclosed.

Trim off the excess ends of the bread. With kitchen twine tie the bread to secure the pork at 1 to 2 inch intervals.
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Place the pork on a baking sheet and roast until done, 145 to 155°F (when instant read thermometer is inserted into the thickest part of the tenderloin) About 25 to 35 minutes.
Remove from the oven, allow to rest 10 minutes.

Remove the strings and cut into slices. It's wonderful warm, and is flavorful enough to serve at room temperature as well.

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All stuffed and tied, ready for the oven. No need to be particular as to how you tie it, the aim is to keep the pork securely in the bread while roasting.

Easy to slice and serve, and the mustard makes the pork moist and tender.

I served it with a simple fresh salad, I particularly like it with herb roasted mixed vegetables or ratatouille.

For a printable copy click HERE to go to my recipe blog.
I'm also participating in Foodie Friday ~ please stop by our host's blog ~

Designs by Gollum to see all kinds of visual treats! Thanks for hosting us Michael.


Thank you for stopping by today!

Thank you Elizabeth!

Oh my!Have you ever received a surprise which simply took your breath away?

Last week my sweet friend Elizabeth of Gossamer Wings surprised me by announcing I had won her Valentine's give away on her blog. I was stunned.
When the box arrived and I opened it ~a double treat!My heart truly skipped a beat. I found the most beautifully and carefully wrapped gifts.
In jewel colors with such lovely attention to detail.

And such a fabulous array of gifts ~ personally chosen by Elizabeth. *heart*I adore every single one and can't wait to put everything to good use. :)But first ~ I just had to share Elizabeth's wonderful generosity with you.

I hope you'll go visit Elizabeth's delightful blog ~ Gossamer Wings you will find that she is a true bon vivant.So talented in many ways; a beautiful wife and mother, an excellent cook and baker, a very fine seamstress, with such a terrific sense of style and I love reading about the time she and her family spent living in France, and visits since. She is a treasure, and continues to live a very interesting life.Elizabeth, thank you so very much for such a fabulous surprise box. I'm so happy our paths have crossed, and I'm so pleased that you're blogging!