Nan Smith's Perfect Pork Chops

My Dad's parents, Nan and Pop, live in Newfoundland are both great cooks. Together they work in the kitchen really well, not only do they make great pork chops, but they make the BEST turkey dinner you'll find.

On top of the hill behind
my grandparents house in Holyrood

Nan and Pop live in Holyrood, NL. Nan grew up in the small fishing town of Gaskiers, in St Mary's Bay. Pop loves to tell people he grew up in Victoria, BC and when they ask if he's from the west coast he says, "No, Victoria B.C - Behind Carbonier!". Pop always says he and Nan are real Newfoundlander's because they were Newfoundlander's before they were Canadians! Both can remember when Newfoundland officially became a part of Canada.

If you haven't had the chance to visit Newfoundland, you really have to, pictures don't do it justice. It is one of the most beautiful places with the friendliest people in the world! I am slightly biased because half of my family lives in Newfoundland, but trust me, Newfoundlander's are like no others. They're the best.

My brother, sister and I all have our favorite dinners that Nan makes. I love turkey, my brother loves a roast and my sister loves pork chops! Today I am going to share with you how to make Nan's pork chops!

Ingredients:

Pork Chops (6)
Onion (1)
Mushrooms (to taste - 6ish)
Salt and Pepper (to taste)



Directions:

Chop up and fry onion and mushrooms, add pork chops after a few minutes. Brown pork chops, add salt and pepper.

Once pork chops are browned evenly on both sides, place in pan with sides add enough water to cover the bottom of the pan. Cover with tinfoil and bake on 375 for 1 hour. If using "fast-fry" pork chops 45 to 50 minutes will suffice.

I can guarantee you will love these pork chops. I don't like onions and mushrooms, but you need to have them with these pork chops, together they make them taste delicious! Usually we have mashed potatoes and corn with it. Tonight Scott and I had mashed potatoes (with cheese, bacon bits and a little sour cream mixed in), mixed veggies (corn, peas, beans and carrots) and ceaser salad! It was great.

I invite you all to try out this recipe, let me know what you think!

Green Tips for February

1. While brushing your teeth turn off the water. You can save approximately 95 L of water a month just by following this simple task.

2. Suggest sustainability ideas to implement at work. Suggest some ideas at work to make your workplace more sustainable, ways to save energy, water, recycle, re-use, save office supplies! This could also save money. Check out these tips to make your office go green, how to make your businesses greener, how to inspire change at your office and making a more sustainable office (see list on the right-hand side).

3. Reduce amount of water in each flush. If you have a toilet that was installed before the early 90's then there is probably more water being used than needed. Look into putting a water displacement device in the tank.

4. Wash dark clothes and colours in cold water. This saves both energy and money, it also keeps the clothes' colours more vibrant.

5. Get rid of unused 'electronic gizmo'. Clocks that have digital timers, power chargers or standby modes are sucking energy (called 'phantom electricity') when it is not being used. When devices are not being used, unplug them.

6. Winter heating: allow sunlight in during the day for passive solar heating then close the blinds at night!

7. Buy energy saving appliances. These are often rated 'Energy Star'. Compare the energy savings when shopping for appliances. Some dishwashers and washing machines will also save litres of water per load!

8. Find out where your energy comes from. Check with your electric company, more energy is generated from coal - the fossil fuel that is the biggest greenhouse gas emitter in the world!

Stay tuned for more green tips next week, until then stay green!

Must Reads.

Anytime is a good time to start reading. I have some must reads on a list and some novels I plan on reading in the near future. If you're looking for a good book to read anytime, here's your list.

1. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo,
2. The Girl Who Played with Fire and
3. The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest - By Stieg Larsson.

After dropping three books off to his publisher Larsson found the elevator not working, so he had to walk up several flights of stairs. When he got to the top he had a heart-attack and later died. He was unable to see his three books become an international phenomenon.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is set in Sweden and is about an unlikely couple collaborating to try and solve a murder mystery from 40 years ago.  I finished this book in 4 days and spent as much time possible reading it. The second and third were as great as the first!

Apparently the "Millennium" Series was supposed to be a ten book series. Larsson was almost finished the fourth book, which is in possession of his partner of almost 30 years. I haven't heard if she has made any comment about having the book finished and published. 

4. Damaged by Pamela Callow. Callow came to my Persuasive Writing class at Mount Saint Vincent University winter 2010 to give us a reading. I was instantly excited to read her book, not only because it is set in my hometown Halifax NS, but it instantly hooks you. Visit Pamela Callow's website to learn more about Damaged, Indefensible and the other books to come in this thriller series.

5. Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas by James Patterson. Patterson is know for his exciting thrillers, but this time he switches it up to tell the love story of Matt and Suzanne. Using many elements from his previous years of writing thrillers, this love story turns into a book that becomes hard to tear your eyes away from. Read it for yourself, such a great book.

6. Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom. This is Albom's story about his reconnection with an important college professor before his death. This novel is filled with passion and life lessons. A real thinker.

 7. The Shack by William P. Young. The Shack is Mack's story and battle with faith, family and life itself. Even for someone who is not religious, this is a wonderful story.

8. The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini. The Kite Runner should be read by everyone. This is a heartbreaking story of the life of a young man from Afghanistan, who eventually flees to America.  Seriously, read it.

9. Tell It To The Skies by Erica James is a novel that starts in present day Venice Lydia's home for years, but she is taken into her past after a reminder of the place and people she had left behind many years ago. This novel is a story you want to keep reading until the very end.

10. 19 Minutes by Jodie Picoult. This novel tells the story of a high school shooting at Sterling High. It infuses the lives of the adults and teenagers in Sterling, New Hampshire to get over the tragic deaths and understand a misunderstood boy.

Some of these books have been since made into movies. The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo is in the works in Hollywood.There are so many other books I've loved! Check out my 'What I'm Reading' section to the right to see the last few books I've read!

Any other suggestions for great reads?

Turkey Apple Burgers

When I first read the recipe for turkey apple burgers I thought they sounded yummy, but my boyfriend who is a big double cheeseburger lover thought they were going to be gross. He did try them and loved them! As did I. They were delicious. I've sent the recipe to a handful of people to try out. This recipe is quick and easy to make and can be made in the winter or summer. Definitely try them out!

Ingredients:

Lean ground turkey                                     1 lb.
Large egg, fork-beaten                                1
Finely crushed soda crackers                       1 cup
Finely chopped onion                                   2 tbsp.
Small garlic clove, crushed                           1
Red apple, with peel, finely diced                 1
Chopped fresh parsley                                 1 tbsp.
Salt                                                              3/4 tsp.
Pepper                                                         1/2 tsp.

Directions:

Combine all 9 ingredients together in a large bowl. Form into 6 to 8 patties. Broil 4 inches from heat, 10 minutes per side, or grill over medium heat on BBQ.

 Try them out and let me know what you think! 

Roasted Pepper Sauce

If you want a new pasta sauce to try out, this one is awesome! I totally recommend it, I made it for the first time a week ago and it was really great! I am going to try it with some other colour peppers as well. Since I'm a student I think it will be whichever pepper is on sale. After having the sauce I don't think I would use green peppers because it is nor as sweet, however the original  recipe recommends all coloured peppers.


Ingredients:
Large red peppers                                       5
Chopped fresh sweet basil                           2/3 cup

Hard margarine                                            1 tsp.
Garlic cloves, crushed                                  2
Green onions, sliced thinly                            6

All-purpose flour                                          1 1/2 tbsp.
Skim evaporated milk                                   13 1/2 oz. or 385 mL
Dried oregano                                              1/2 tsp.
Dried thyme                                                 1/2 tsp.
Salt                                                              1 1/2 tsp.
Ground pepper                                             1/2 tsp.

Place peppers on baking sheet with sides. Broil 3 inches from heat for 30 minutes, turning several times until skin is blackened. Remove from oven and cover with foil. Let stand until cool enough to handle. Peel off skin and discard seeds, reserve juice.

Put peeled pepper, reserved juice and basil into blender. Process until very finely chopped.

Melt margarine in a non-stick skillet. Saute garlic and green onion until onion is soft.

Combine flour and evaporated milk in a small cup. Stir until smooth. Add oregano, thyme, salt and pepper. Add to garlic mixture, along with pepper puree. Heat, stirring occasionally, until sauce is boiling and thickened. Serve immediately. Makes 4 1/2 cups of sauce, enough for 4 servings.

1 serving: 155 calories, 11 g protein, 1.6g total fat, 1 162 mg sodium, 4g dietary fibre. 

The first time I made it I halved the recipe and it made 3 servings. It was delicious and I recommend it to everyone! Serve over whole wheat pasta.

Green Tips of the Week - Jan 31

1. Insulate everywhere. By making sure that your entire house is insulated including but not limited to the roof, attic, floors, walls and basements this will help keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Plus it with save some money on heating too!

2. Battle germs and mold with a green disinfectant. You can buy some in stores or even make your own with common household products. Mix a solution of 3% hydrogen peroxide with two parts water in a spray bottle and use on areas to be disinfected.

3. Go for a walk. Instead of watching TV or booting up the computer every time you're bored take a walk outside! It will also be good for you and the planet.

4. Cut down on dish-washing. Designate yourself a glass for your drinking water or other beverages each day or use a refillable water bottle.
5. Shorten your shower. If you shorten your shower by a couple minutes you could save over 500 L of water/month. Showers use half the water a bath does!

6. Test your Toilet. Put food colouring in your toilet tank. If it seeps into the toilet bowl without flushing, you have yourself a leak! If you fix it, you can save over 4,000 L a month!

Did you know?
Fossil fuels for example coal, oil and natural gas are "non-renewable" because they took million of years to form. Hydroelectricity, wind, solar, tidal and wood-biomass energy are "renewable" forms of energy.


Check back next week for some more Green Tips!