Ok, so here is my first non-low calorie dinner.  Don’t all jump at once!  I made this two evenings ago for company and it was an absolute hit as its praises were sung all night.  End with the pumpkin-chocolate pie (see previous post) and your legacy has been made.  Trust me   (This serves a party of 6)

For pork tenderloin:

Brush a 3-lb (or equivalent) pork tenderloin with mustard (I did so generously).  Sprinkle 3 minced cloves of garlic evenly.  Then sprinkle 1/2 tsp each of rosemary and thyme.  Bake for approx 1 hour at 350.  Slice and serve with pan juices.

For Risotto:

Take 4-6 strips of bacon, chopped and saute with 1 chopped shallot in bottom of a pressure cooker until bacon is crisp [that's right bacon lovers - this one's for you!].  Drain grease.  Add drained sun dried tomatoes (about 4 count, snipped), 1 c chopped portobello mushrooms  and 2 tbsp olive oil and saute for a few mins.  Stir in risotto rice (equivalent to 6 servings). Mix 3/4 c white wine and 2 1/4 c chicken broth and pour over rice.  Cover and seal lid of pressure cooker.  Heat to medium-high and it should take approx 10 minutes for lid to rock.  Cook for an additional 10 mins after that or feel free to undercook to check on rice.  When rice is done add some chopped parsley and 1/2 c parmesan cheese if desired.

For cheddar cauliflower (and I thought this was so cool to make):

Wash cauliflower (med head) and remove side leafy pieces.  Slice bottom so whole head can sit flat on a pan.  Steam whole head for about 15 minutes or until barely done.  Mix 1/3 c mayo, 1 tsp tarragon, and 1 tsp fresh lemon juice and coat cauliflower.  Pat cheddar cheese onto head and place on baking sheet at 350 for about 10 minutes.  Cool for a few minutes and slice into 6 wedges.

And here you have it! I added a small side of baby herb salad with a few spritzes of dressing - bon appetit!

I could not believe how well this dinner turned out – all the flavors complemented each other so well!  Oh and if it’s a special treat don’t forget the Riesling!

*No nutritional information available for this meal.  I guess ignorance is bliss sometimes!