Tuesday, July 11, 2017

Pineapple Pork Chops with Snap Peas and Jasmine Rice and "Hello Fresh"



A light and tropical flavored dish of Pineapple Pork Chops with Snap Peas and Jasmine Rice.  Perfect for a summer weeknight meal. - Slice of Southern


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You know how you see those ads for those meal service companies?  The ones that send you all the ingredients for 3 meals a week?  Well those ads are everywhere I look.

They are on Facebook, TV commercials, advertisements on most sites, and even Pinterest.  I saw them so much and I was curious so I caved in and joined one. (Not sponsored, I actually joined and paid myself.)


Hello Fresh meal service pictures - Slice of Southern

Hello Fresh meal service pictures - Slice of Southern

I picked Hello Fresh.   I found this particular plan appealing for several reasons.  Firstly, I resonated with the food choices they had, that was a must if we are going to have our meals "planned" for the week.  The delivery is very convenient, you get to chose the delivery day.  You pick from portions for 2 people or family meals.  You choose how many meals per week are delivered, and you get to choose the dishes you'll be making.  Skipping a week is easy to do as well, although you do have to act fast if you want to skip a week.


Hello Fresh meal service pictures - Slice of Southern

Hello Fresh meal service pictures - Slice of Southern

I chose a 3 meal week and had them delivered on a Saturday.  Totally convenient.  The box arrived and it was huge and heavy!  They pack these babies well!  Inside were my three recipe cards, 3 boxes with ingredients separated by meal.  Under this was two very large frozen gel packs and then under that were all the meats (in vacuum packages)  associated with the meals.  Nothing was going to spoil in this box by leaving it on the doorstep for several hours.  Mine was sitting on my porch when I came home around 10:30 am.  

The first meal I chose to make was a light and tropical flavored dish of Pineapple Pork Chops with Snap Peas and Jasmine Rice.  We really loved the flavors of the dish and I found this very easy to make.  Great instructions are included with step by step photos so if you are unsure in the kitchen you can still make this weeknight meal.


A light and tropical flavored dish of Pineapple Pork Chops with Snap Peas and Jasmine Rice.  Perfect for a summer weeknight meal. - Slice of Southern

I followed the instructions and they were well thought out and easy.  They seem to do one step at a time finishing a section before moving on, but seasoned cooks may end up doing several steps simultaneously like I did and it all works out great.  The end result was a very light and tasty meal with a good flavor combination of pineapple over pork.


A light and tropical flavored dish of Pineapple Pork Chops with Snap Peas and Jasmine Rice.  Perfect for a summer weeknight meal. - Slice of Southern

Pineapple Pork Chops with Snap Peas and Jasmine Rice was a quick and easy summer meal that we will keep in our rotation because we enjoyed it so much.  I'm going to swap out the pork for chicken next time and change it up just a bit for variety.  I'm sure fish will turn out wonderful as well if you like. 


A light and tropical flavored dish of Pineapple Pork Chops with Snap Peas and Jasmine Rice.  Perfect for a summer weeknight meal. - Slice of Southern

The recipes are very easy, great for beginners so that is a plus if you are looking for easy yet different weeknight meals.

I will be sharing with you the other two meals we made in the next few posts.  Stay tuned for more from Hello Fresh and my opinions about this service.

The recipe for Pineapple Pork Chops with Snap Peas and Jasmine Rice is below.

Enjoy!




Pineapple Pork Chops with Snap Peas and Jasmine Rice

recipe from Hello Fresh (meal service)

serves 2

1 fruit cup of pineapple tidbits (such as dole fruit cup)
6 oz Sugar Snap Peas
1 Shallot
1 Lime
2 tsp Cilantro
1/2 c Jasmine Rice
2 (6 oz) pork Chops
2 tsp Honey

1.  Wash and dry all produce. Bring ¾ cup water and a large pinch of salt to a boil in a small pot. Trim any tough ends from snap peas. Peel, halve, and mince shallot. Cut lime in half. Finely chop cilantro. Drain pineapple, reserving juice, and finely chop flesh.

2.  Once water is boiling, add rice to pot. Cover, lower heat, and reduce to a simmer. Cook until tender, 15-20 minutes. Remove from heat and keep covered until meal is ready.

3.  In a medium bowl, combine pineapple, 2 tsp shallot, half the cilantro, and juice from one lime half. Season with salt and pepper.

4.  Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Season pork all over with salt and pepper. Add to pan and cook until nearly cooked to desired doneness, 4-5 minutes per side. Stir remaining shallot, honey, pineapple juice, and 2 TBSP water. Cook until pork is done, another 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in a squeeze of lime.

5.  Transfer pork and glaze to a plate; cover with foil to keep warm. Wipe out pan, then heat a drizzle of olive oil in it over medium-high heat. Add snap peas. Cook, tossing occasionally, until tender but still slightly crisp, 3-5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

6.  Stir remaining cilantro and a squeeze of lime into rice. Divide between plates, then top with snap peas, pork, glaze, and salsa.


A light and tropical flavored dish of Pineapple Pork Chops with Snap Peas and Jasmine Rice.  Perfect for a summer weeknight meal. - Slice of Southern

A light and tropical flavored dish of Pineapple Pork Chops with Snap Peas and Jasmine Rice.  Perfect for a summer weeknight meal. - Slice of Southern



Saturday, July 8, 2017

Refreshing Mint and Cucumber Sparkling Water



Discover the summer's best new drink! Refreshing Mint and Cucumber Sparkling Water - Slice of Southern


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Discover the summer's best new drink!

Everyone needs a damn good thirst quenching drink during the hot days of summer.  We drink a lot of water around here (2nd to iced tea!) and love it straight up or fruit infused. That's great but sometimes we are looking for a bit more, something more refreshing.

So picture a drink that smells like fresh, tingly, cooling mint as you bring the glass to your mouth.  Then you take a sip and have a mix of cool undertones of cucumbers and the tingle of sparkling water.  Sounds refreshing right?  I certainly think so!


Discover the summer's best new drink! Refreshing Mint and Cucumber Sparkling Water - Slice of Southern


REFRESHING MINT AND CUCUMBER SPARKLING WATER

Just by using a few exquisite ingredients that work well together you stumble upon a miraculous secret.  One that says "Yes...this is the one, the drink I'm craving." 

Make a pitcher or carafe of this wonderful concoction to have on hand during the day, by the pool, or with a light meal.  This drink will remind you of the feeling you get when you bite into a York Peppermint Patty.  Refreshing and light.  


Discover the summer's best new drink! Refreshing Mint and Cucumber Sparkling Water - Slice of Southern

You'll find this so easy to make your sure to want this all summer long.  Make sure to stock up on some mint!

Enjoy!




Refreshing Mint and Cucumber Sparkling Water

serves 6

1 large bunch of fresh mint
1/2 cup sugar (or Splenda)
1/2 cup water
1 medium, English cucumber - cut in to thin rounds
3 cups of plain sparkling water

Roughly chop 1/2 of the mint leaves.  Set aside.  In a small saucepan add the sugar and water.  Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until sugar has dissolved.  Remove from heat and add the chopped mint and half of the cucumber.  Allow to cool.

Pour the sugar mixture through a strainer into a pitcher or large carafe.  Push against the mint and cucumbers in the strainer to release some of the flavors into the pitcher.  Add the remaining cucumber slices and some whole mint leaves to the pitcher.  Add the sparkling water and stir to combine.  Add ice to the pitcher.  Serve over ice in glasses with a slice of lime.  


Discover the summer's best new drink! Refreshing Mint and Cucumber Sparkling Water - Slice of Southern

Discover the summer's best new drink! Refreshing Mint and Cucumber Sparkling Water - Slice of Southern




Thursday, July 6, 2017

10 One Pot Meals that Dramatically Decrease the Heat in your Kitchen



10 One Pot Meals that Dramatically Decrease the Heat in your Kitchen - Slice of Southern

It's summertime and boy is it hot!

The last thing I want to do is turn on the oven when it is over 100 degrees outside.  I don't even want to grill until the sun starts to set which isn't until around 8pm in my area.  So what do we do about getting dinner on the table during the week when we have schedules to keep?  Use the stove, and make a one pot meal!

One pot means less dishes to wash. Yea!  One pot means any vessel from a saucepan to a skillet.  One pot means simple to make, quick dishes made on the stovetop which = less heat!


10 One Pot Meals that Dramatically Decrease the Heat in your Kitchen

I have TEN unforgettable recipes for you that will keep your kitchen cool and your family wanting more!




10 One Pot Meals that Dramatically Decrease the Heat in your Kitchen -One Pot Pizza Lovers Ravioli Bake -  Slice of Southern

One Pot Meat Lovers Pizza Ravioli Bake


10 One Pot Meals that Dramatically Decrease the Heat in your Kitchen -One Pot Tortellini with Sausage and Spinach in a Tomato Basil Sauce- Slice of Southern

One Pot Tortellini with Sausage and Spinach in a Tomato Basil Sauce


10 One Pot Meals that Dramatically Decrease the Heat in your Kitchen - One Pot Herb Chicken and Rice - Slice of Southern

One Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice



One Pot Dish: Cilantro Lime Chicken with Rice and Beans


10 One Pot Meals that Dramatically Decrease the Heat in your Kitchen - Chicken and Asparagus Skillet Supper - Slice of Southern

One Pot Meal: Chicken and Asparagus Skillet Supper



10 One Pot Meals that Dramatically Decrease the Heat in your Kitchen - Mediterranean Lemon Chicken -  Slice of Southern

Mediterranean Lemon Chicken



10 One Pot Meals that Dramatically Decrease the Heat in your Kitchen - Chili Mac - Slice of Southern

Chili Mac


10 One Pot Meals that Dramatically Decrease the Heat in your Kitchen - Beef Stroganoff with Horseradish Sour Cream -  Slice of Southern

Beef Stroganoff with Horseradish Sour Cream


10 One Pot Meals that Dramatically Decrease the Heat in your Kitchen - One Pot Pasta -  Slice of Southern

One Pot Pasta



10 One Pot Meals that Dramatically Decrease the Heat in your Kitchen - Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya - Slice of Southern

Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya


10 One Pot Meals that Dramatically Decrease the Heat in your Kitchen - Slice of Southern

10 One Pot Meals that Dramatically Decrease the Heat in your Kitchen - Slice of Southern

10 One Pot Meals that Dramatically Decrease the Heat in your Kitchen - Slice of Southern






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