Dijon mustard
Steak Salad
If you love main dish salads, this is one to try! The tasty fixins’ like chopped crispy bacon, hard boiled eggs and candied pecans all add to this hearty plateful of goodness, but I think it’s the dressing that really makes the meal! The sweet and tangy mixture in this dressing is a family favorite and one that we’ve used on spinach salads for years! I’ve changed things up a bit for this bountiful meal. I’ve added spring mix to the spinach greens, and I’ve accompanied the greens with a beautifully pan-grilled Flat Iron steak, cooked medium rare and sliced into strips. If you prefer grilled chicken on the side, it will be just as delicious! Secret! There is one important tip in tossing this salad. Add the dressing at the very last minute, right before you’re ready to serve it up. Also, instead of pouring the dressing directly over the greens, spoon the dressing along the inside of the bowl and let the dressing ooze down the sides. Then, give it a gentle toss. This is to keep the greens from getting soggy. If you decide that you don’t want to make this salad a main dish, it makes a savory side salad for just about any entrée. Make up a double or even triple batch of this liquid gold dressing, refrigerate, and then you’ll have it on hand for the next couple of few weeks!
Watch my How To Video for Steak Salad with Dijon Dressing here!
Asian Chicken Salad
I rarely throw out old cookbooks. On the contrary, the older and more well-worn they are, the better. But recently, I had to toss out a cookbook that I found at a garage sale only because it had completely fallen apart at the seams. It was from 1964 and simply called “Delicious Asian Recipes.” This tattered little book served its purpose though. Out of it came two of my favorite dressings. Both go splendidly with a refreshing and healthful chicken salad that’s perfect for spring and summer!
Pork Tenderloin with Garlic Citrus Soy Glaze
Some call the Pork Tenderloin the filet mignon of the pork because it’s so lean and tender. But if not cooked properly you can end up with a log of dry, flavorless pork. That’s why tenderloins are often brined or marinated ahead of time. Brining introduces moisture into the tenderloin, and marinating adds the flavor. But this recipe saves you that step. All of the wonderful savory flavors happen while the tenderloin is cooking. It has many of the ingredients you are used to with a pork tenderloin like garlic, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, orange juice, olive oil and of course, a light touch of fresh rosemary. But let’s go back to the garlic. For this recipe, the pork tenderloin gets 8 or 9 slices on the top, just enough to fit a piece of garlic sliced lengthwise. Then, the magic is made with the sauce that is poured over the tenderloin before it goes into the oven which turns into a rich, sweet and savory glaze when the tenderloin is done. How to tell if your pork tenderloin is cooked properly? This is where a meat thermometer comes in handy. The internal temperature should read between 145 and 150. If it’s cooked to 160, it becomes too dry with an off-putting chalky texture. If you don’t have a quick read meat thermometer, you can look for a slight hint of pale pink with the juices running clear. Remember, that while you’re letting the tenderloin rest (for at least 5-6 minutes) the pork will continue to cook a bit. That’s called carry-over cooking, and can trip up your timing when cooking a lean cut like the tenderloin. This week, try a little tenderloin!
Watch my How To Video for Pork Tenderloin with a Garlic Citrus Soy Glaze Here!
