GHSS: French Onion Spaghetti Pie

When I first flipped through this book, I just knew I would never make this recipe. I like spaghetti the way I like spaghetti and I didn't feel like I needed to try it any other way. All of that changed when Collin asked if I would stop making Salmon for a while...which is what I was going to make for dinner... and I realized that I already have most of the ingredients needed for this recipe.

The ingredient I didn't have? White wine. Why? Cause I drank it earlier in the week. Thanks mom, for giving me one of your bottles.

Now I'm just going to come right out and say that while this recipe wasn't the worst thing I've ever made, I will not ever make it again and the leftovers will likely make it into the trash. It was just very bland. I had to add a fuck ton of crushed red pepper to make it through the dish and I wish I would have added bacon. You also need about 3 mixing bowls and a pot in addition to your skillet. It's exhausting just writing all of that out. So many dishes for a not-so-great reward.

You also need 1 1/2 cups of Gruyere cheese which, aside from being hella expensive, added zero flavor. I honestly wish I would have used pepper jack or something with a little more oomph to it.

The real winner here was the breadcrumb topping. That shit was legit.

Whole

It did slice quite nicely

Nice and Sturdy

I won't post the recipe because I really don't think it's worth it, but if you would like to give it a shot and see if you can make it work holler at me. I'll send it your way. 

Next stop is the meatloaf train...tonight!

GHSS: Crispy Sesame Pork

It's obviously no secret that I love cooking. I love reading, making my own notes on, and modifying, each recipe...it's pure relaxation. That being said, it's not often that I come across a recipe that is out of this world delicious. Let's be serious here, most cookbook recipes range from "okay" to "pretty good" when prepared exactly how the recipe states.

Well my friends (sisters), this one is an out of this world delicious recipe. So delicious, in fact, that I could barely hear Calvin's complaints about the "weird sauce" and his requests to "rinse off the lettuce" over the flavor packed rave that was dancing across my taste buds.

This is basically a salad. You cook the pork and cut it up and toss it with a spring mix and drizzle a soy/brown sugar reduction on top. I figured it would be mediocre at best. Boy, was I wrong. Like. I don't want to brush my teeth because it was SO good. Disgusting, I know, but I really don't know how else to get my point across.

The only modifications I did to this recipe were:

1) I seasoned the pork with salt and pepper
2) I seasoned the panko/sesame seed mixture
3) I added a little water to the sauce to thin it out a little (it thickened upon standing)

There is really nothing else to say except that if you make this your life will be better. It's that good. Facts.

Sauce on

Sauce off

Recipe:

3 tbs soy sauce
2 tbs brown sugar (I eyeballed this)

1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs (I used about 1/2 cup)
2 tbs sesame seeds
1 large egg
4 thin boneless pork chops
3 tbs canola oil

1 container (5 oz) spring mix
1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
1 cup shredded carrots (I used 2)

1) In a small saucepan, mix soy sauce and brown sugar until blended. Simmer for 2 minutes; cool.
2) On a plate combine the breadcrumbs and the sesame seeds (season this). In a shallow bowl, beat the egg. Dip the pork in egg and then coat with crumb mixture, pressing firmly so mixture adheres.
3) In 12 inch skillet, heat the oil over medium high heat until hot. Add pork; fry for 3 minutes on each side. Drain on paper towels and cut into cubes.
4) In a large bowl, toss the spring mix with the tomatoes and carrots. Add pork and the sauce.

Prepare to be amazed.