Sweet and Spicy Pork - An Irresistible Marinade

Tired of eating tasteless pork chops?  This marinade can be used on chicken or any cut of pork.  There is also a small amount of oil in the recipe, which makes this a figure-friendly meal.

Sweet Balsamic Marinade
- 2 TBSP orange marmalade
- 1 TBSP balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 TBSP soy sauce
- 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 tsp Cajun spice (Optional... but definitely recommended)
- Salt and pepper

Mix the ingredients into a small bowl.  Whisk thoroughly.  If you prefer the marinade to be thicker... it is optional to add more oil or marmalade.  In a shallow baking pan, add the pork or chicken.  Cover the meat with the marinade and then cover with saran wrap.  Refrigerate for 20-30 minutes.  Bake at 425 degrees for 25 minutes or until pork is cooked through.

This recipe will pair very well with Red Beans and Rice.  You can also add veggies or salad as an additional side dish.  Cabernet wine will compliment the spiciness very well.

Enjoy!  Have a fantastic weekend readers.

Coming Soon:  Healthy Turkey Burger Wrap


We could all use a hint of more time!
Copyright 2012 A Hint of Thyme.  All rights reserved.

Summery Salmon Glaze

Well here we are... in the beginning of summer.  Our farmers market is open and the grills are cranking in northern Wisconsin.  If you are looking for a great summer time recipe, I definitely recommend this glazed salmon.

A friend from my old job, Sarah, suggested using orange marmalade as part of a glaze on salmon.  She sent me a recipe and, of course, I decided to take my own direction with it.  Thank you for the recommendation, Miss Sarah! 

The glaze recipe below will be enough for 6 to 8 regular sized salmon fillets.  I had a large whole fillet and cut it in half.  There was still enough glaze left over for post-cooking.

Prep time = 10 - 15 minutes
Cook time = 25 minutes

Summer Orange Glazed Salmon
- 3 TBSP orange marmalade
- 2 TBSP balsamic vinegar
- 1 TBSP EVOO (extra virgin olive oil)
- 1/2 TBSP dry dill (add another 1/2 if you decide to use fresh)
- (Optional) 1/2 TBSP fresh cilantro
- (Optional) 4 to 6 drops of liquid smoke
- (Optional) 1 to 4 drops of hot sauce
- Salt and pepper

Place the salmon fillets on a greased baking sheet.  Preheat the oven to 400.  This would also be delicious on the grill.  On the grill... wrap the salmon fillets in aluminum foil or cook over a grill pan.

In a bowl, mix all ingredients together.  Use a spoon to distribute the glaze to each individual salmon fillet.  Cook in the oven (or grill) for 20 to 25 minutes.

 

Pre-cooking

A quick and easy summer time pasta or rice salad would go very nicely with this salmon recipe.  I was in the mood for gnocchi (small potato dumpling) that evening and also wanted to use herbs from my garden.  This simple recipe can be used with any pasta or wild rice.

Summer Garden Gnocchi

- 1 package of gnocchi (or pasta)
- 1 fresh tomato, chopped
- 1/4 of a medium sweet onion, diced
- 1 TBSP fresh basil, diced
- 1 TBSP EVOO
- 1 TBSP butter
- Salt and pepper

Boil the gnocchi in a medium sauce pan over medium-high heat.  I haven't quite figured out how to gracefully lower the gnocchi into boiling water without splashing myself.  They are done boiling when the gnocchi float to the top.  Drain and set aside.  Add the EVOO, butter and onion to the pan.  Add the rest of the ingredients and cook through.  Add the basil at the end so it doesn't lose color.  Serve and enjoy!

It's a very simple side dish that can be added to almost any meal.  Your family will love these recipes.


We could all use a hint of more time!
Copyright 2011 Hint of Thyme.  All rights reserved.