Rhubarb is unbelievably difficult to find in this man's country so last year when it was available I purchased and froze a couple of bags just in case a craving hit. Well it did and while I'm actually imagining rhubarb pie or cake, I figured I'd best behave and make some chutney instead.
Unbelievably quick to make, this chutney in combination with seared pork medallions made for what the big guy called a 4 star dinner. Rhubarb is combined with cider vinegar, orange concentrate, currents, fresh ginger, cloves, cinnamon and a touch each of red pepper flakes, black pepper and salt along with a very small amount of sugar and cooked for a mere 10 minutes. It was kinda' sweet, mostly tart, and altogether delicious served beside the simply sauteed, mildly seasoned pork medallions. Talk about a quick dinner! Download Spicy Rhubarb Chutney w Pork Tenderloin
As for the vegetables, we've been down this road before with this Giada recipe, but this time I cut back on the butter, flour and milk, added more garlic and half an onion and of course instead of all cauliflower a couple of broccoli stalks adorned the casserole dish as well. While I know this has a few more calories than simply steamed vegetables, it has a ton of flavor and is worth every glorious bite. I could very easy have eaten the entire casserole and left the pork tenderloin to the big guy, but that's not what moderation's about. So instead I've enough of both left for dinner tonight since the big guy won't be home for dinner tonight.
Since I'm off the hook in that respect, I'm going to do a little baking today and warm up the kitchen. We had a huge storm go through here last night and I'm not sure it's over yet so it'll be a great day to have the oven on. Plus, I think it's time I delivered something nummy to my favorite In Laws, don't you?
Hubby seems to think he's allergic to rhubarb so the only time I get to eat it is when we get back home and someone makes rhubarb crisp for a holiday dinner. I miss it!
So... what goodies are you baking today?
Posted by: Mags | 01/20/2010 at 11:24 AM
Mags, if I don't make a decision soon about what to make, I'll run out of day! Ha.
Posted by: June | 01/20/2010 at 01:18 PM
The meat sounds grand but that veggie dish really is getting all my love. It sounds fantastic!
Posted by: noble pig | 01/20/2010 at 04:43 PM
Cathy - it won our hearts too and it is a favorite. Even the resident carnivore raves about it.
Posted by: June | 01/21/2010 at 05:41 AM