guacamole

 This was my lazy version of guacamole last night:

 Scoop an avocado into a bowl.

Dice up a handful of grape tomatoes.

Chop some fresh cilantro.

Sprinkle in a pinch of course kosher salt.

Crack some fresh black pepper.

Pour a few shakes of concentrated lime juice.

Mash everything up with a fork and done!

Now when I have more than 5 minutes or have all of the ingredients, I use a real lime, throw in some minced garlic and chopped onion, and add extra seasonings (cumin, dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper). I don't usually measure how much of each I put in, so just play it by your taste buds!

parmesan-crusted pork chops

For some reason, I love the combination of pork chops and rice. So, tonight I brought out the rice cooker and cooked Parmesan-Crusted Pork Chops. It's really easy to make and takes very little time, which I love because for a few minutes we were debating between take-out or ramen noodles. Like most recipes, I altered this one a bit to what I had on hand. Instead of Italian-style bread crumbs, I used panko bread crumbs and seasoned them with garlic salt, rosemary, and oregano. Also, since I used thicker boneless chops, I browned them on each side for a few minutes then baked them in the oven at 350 degrees for 15-20 mins. Enjoy!

Recipe courtesy Giada De Laurentiis:

Ingredients

• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup dried Italian-style bread crumbs
• 3/4 cups freshly grated Parmesan
• 4 (1/2 to 3/4-inch thick) center-cut pork loin chops (each about 10 to 12 ounces)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 6 tablespoons olive oil
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Directions

Whisk the eggs in a pie plate to blend. Place the bread crumbs in another pie plate. Place the cheese in a third pie plate. Sprinkle the pork chops generously with salt and pepper. Coat the chops completely with the cheese, patting to adhere. Dip the chops into the eggs, then coat completely with the bread crumbs, patting to adhere.

Heat 3 tablespoons of oil in a very large skillet over medium heat. Add pork chops, in batches if necessary, and cook until golden brown and the center reaches 150 degrees, about 6 minutes per side. Transfer the chops to plates and serve with lemon wedges.

seriously lacking.

I have tons of photos of meals that I've made and recipes that have turned out great and not so great. Yet, where are they? On my computer...sitting there...doing nothing.

I need to get on the ball and start posting on this blog!

So, be on the lookout for new posts!

Here's a preview of things to come:

Fellow blogger's recipes that I love

Traditional Filipino Dishes

Bake sale goodies (inspired by Bakerella)