Balsamic Pork Tenderloin

Alan had an interview to do the other night and asked me to cook dinner for them. No problem, except I've been on a "I-don't-want-to-go-to-the-grocery" kick for about 6 weeks now. I keep just making do and running in to get 1 or 2 must-haves. That being said, I found a pork roast in the freezer and laid it out to thaw, and started Googling for recipes. Something new and different.

I ran across this one and realized I had all the ingredients. It turned out quite tasty, but next time I'll cut back on the vinegar a bit as it was too strong for my palate.

Balsamic Pork Tenderloin Recipe

Prep time
5 mins
Cook time
4 hours
Total time
4 hours 5 mins

Balsamic Pork Tenderloin that just melts in your mouth! This slow cooker balsamic pork tenderloin recipe is perfect for those busy weeknight supper or even special occasions!
Author: Robyn Stone | Add a Pinch
Serves: 6-8
Ingredients
1 2-3 pound boneless pork tenderloin
1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
½ cup balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon honey
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 cloves garlic, chopped
Instructions
Place pork tenderloin into the insert of your slow cooker. In a 2-cup measuring cup, mix together all remaining ingredients. Pour over pork and set the timer for your slow cooker. (4 hours on High or 6-8 hours on Low)
Once pork tenderloin has cooked, remove from slow cooker with tongs into a serving dish. Break apart lightly with two forks and then ladle about ¼ – ½ cup of gravy over pork tenderloin.

Store remaining gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for another use.

*******

After I got the roast going, I planned the rest of dinner. Cranberry Nut Rice Pilaf and I wasn't sure what else. 

I went to my nephew's birthday pool party and hung out there. Got an email about my friend Robyn's death, and headed home. I remembered on the way that I had company coming for dinner and only a partial meal, so I stopped and picked up fresh broccoli to steam. I also cheated and got a pound cake, some strawberries, and whipped cream for dessert, as well as a loaf of sourdough bread.

When I got home, I double checked to see what time the guest was arriving (all the while thinking I really just wanted to sit down and process my loss). That's when my husband and son both looked at me quizzically and said, "That's tomorrow night". Really?

It's a good thing pork roast is often better the second day!

linking up to Made by You Monday 

{this moment}

A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

(sorry for the quality -- iPhone)

Life and Death

Inhale.

Saturday my friend, Robyn, died. Monday was the visitation for her, and Tuesday was her funeral. 

Wednesday was a busy day, and then Alan's cousin, Clif, died of cancer that night. We knew it was only a matter of time, but still it came quicker than expected. And on Alan's brother's birthday. Two days before Independence Day. 

Clif's brother was supposed to spend the holiday with us, but of course he's in Tuscaloosa. He was there when his brother died, which is a good thing of course. 

Our plans for the 4th have changed completely. Instead of grilling hamburgers and hot dogs, and setting off fireworks with our nephews, we will be heading to Tuscaloosa for the Saturday visitation and funeral. Still spending time with family. Just not the way we'd have chosen.

So I'm doing a lot of conscious inhaling and exhaling. That 4x4 breathing technique has come in handy this week. Breathe in to the count of 4. Hold for a count of 4. Breathe out to the count of 4. Repeat as needed.

Exhale.


linking up with Five Minute Friday

Kickin' Back

Share your top favorite photo you took in June. Give us the back story.

We got a new sofa for the den in June. Alan got right on selling our old one. In fact he did such a good job, that we found ourselves without a sofa for nearly 3 weeks! So we played make-do.

We have a couple of chairs in the den, but it's a small room, so the sofa provided the lion's share of the seating. 

As we waited for the new sofa to be delivered we tried out a variety of options. Alan's go to spot became a lounge chair he bought several years ago. It's really an outdoor lounge, but he bought in to use inside because he injured his sit bones doing long distance biking several years ago. Frankly, he can't sit comfortably much of anywhere.

I snapped this picture with my phone one night while we were watching TV together, and then posted it on Facebook. Lots of friends commented on it. Most were humorous of course. But, truth be told, I really like this picture. 

We don't have many photos of Alan as he's a semi-professional photographer, so he's always behind the camera. But I also like this one because it shows the Alan I know -- relaxed, but intent. Comfortable in his own skin and clothes. And there's something terribly appropriate about him being framed by the dog bed and dog bowl!


linking up with Writer's Workshop

A Circle of Women

It's been a tough few days. My friend, Robyn, died, and there was visitation and the funeral to deal with. For years I've said that the funeral isn't for the deceased but rather for those left behind to deal and cope with the loss. An introduction to the new normal, if you will.

I hadn't seen Robyn in at least 4 years. Which means I hadn't seen a lot of our mutual friends in a similar amount of time. The upside (if it's fair to call it that) was the opportunity to reconnect with those people. To be reminded of what had made us friends in the first place, and to promise to do a better job of staying in touch.

It was lovely to be in that group again. We sat together at the funeral. We cried. We laughed. We even snarked a bit. But that is who we are.

Afterwards we went out for a farewell drink and meal in Robyn's memory. And once again we broke the mold on the librarian stereotype. When the waitress greeted us with "Are you having a good day?" we all looked around at each, and then laughed and said we'd just come from a funeral. Kudos to the waitress for taking it in stride. She brought us water and chips and salsa while we perused the menu. Drink orders were placed (2 for 1 on most drinks, but she couldn't get us to take her up on most of them) and then food orders. We talked. We laughed. We toasted Robyn. We told stories about her, and remembered her in our own fond ways. 

And then we played catch-up with each other. I'm not the only one who doesn't work with those ladies anymore. There were kid and grandkid updates. Marriage updates. A bit of gossip here and there. And I was reminded again of what a boon a circle of women can be to a battered soul and spirit. 

After a couple of hours, we scattered our separate ways, not recovered from the loss, but lifted up by the companionship and the realization that life goes on. None of us will forget the impact Robyn had on this group. Instead we will raise a glass to her at every opportunity we have to share with each other in the future. Because that's what real friendships are all about.

linking up with Just Write

No Candy-coating Here

linking up with Wordless Wednesday

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY . . . July 1, 2014

Outside my window . . . it is 79* and very muggy. The skies are mostly overcast. We have been in a very muggy cycle here which is unusual for this early in the summer.

I am thinking . . . about my friend, Robyn, who died on Saturday. 

I am thankful . . . for meeting up with old friends yesterday at visitation. The only upside of funerals seems to be the opportunity to connect.

In the kitchen . . . there's been quite a bit more going on in there. Sunday lunch was homemade pizzas. Sunday night was pork loin, fresh beans, rice pilaf, and homemade chocolate chip brownies. And last night was apple chicken sausages, mashed potatoes, and mixed veggies.

I am wearing . . . my homemade gown

I am creating . . . a new summer weight shawl with my yarn purchased on vacation in Fairhope, AL. I'm using this pattern, and here's what I've got so far --

I am going . . . to Robyn's funeral this afternoon and then out with several friends to reminisce.

I am wondering . . . about the old saying "Deaths come in threes". Robyn died this past weekend, and Alan's cousin was moved from hospice to the hospital. Lots of praying going on in my house right now.

I am reading . . . The Beautiful Mystery by Louise Penny.

I am looking forward to . . . time this evening to reconnect with old friends.

I am hearing . . . total quiet. It is lovely. Dd is away house/cat sitting. Ds is sleeping in since he doesn't have to work today, and the dogs are outside.

Around the house . . . I'm working on getting things ready for family to visit for the July 4th weekend.

I am praying . . . for peace for Robyn's family and friends, and that the funeral will be a beautiful celebration of her life.

One of my favorite things . . . is being able to function at my own pace. I have to work at times to slow down to the pace I like because I am so different from my dh.

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . Robyn's funeral today. Housework tomorrow. Family coming in on Thursday. Celebrating the 4th on Friday. And then we will see what the weekend brings.

Here is a picture for thought I am sharing . . . 

one of my many eclectic shelves

for more visit The Simple Woman's Daybook