Stir Fried Balsamic String Beans

1 lb string beans, washed and trimmed
1/2 tbs butter
1/2 tbs extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup finely diced shallots
2 small garlic cloves or one medium, finely diced or pressed
1 tbs of water, or as needed
salt and pepper to taste
2 splashes of balsamic vinegar

Preheat a wok (or saute pan) at high heat. Add butter, oil, shallots and garlic. Stir fry for 30 seconds. Add string beans and salt and pepper to taste. Stir fry on high for one minute. Lower heat at medium high and add the water. Cover the pan as this will create a steaming effect, about 2 minutes or more depending on your desired doneness. Bring the heat to high once again and uncover the pan. Add the vinegar splashes and stir fry for one minute.

Roasted Pork Loin with Marsala Sauce

1 pork loin, washed and trimmed
1/4 cup bitter orange juice or lemon juice
1/2 tbs dried oregano flakes, crushed (or to taste)
1/2 tbs garlic powder (or to taste)
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 tbs worcestershire sauce

Preheat oven at 400F.
Douse loin with bitter orange juice (you can use lemon juice if preferred, I used Goya brand bottled bitter orange juice). Sprinkle spices throughout the meat evenly on both sides. Feel free to adjust any measurements to your taste. Finally, evenly distribute worcestershire sauce on to the spiced loin. You can use kitchen twine around the loin to help it keep a nice shape, but its not a must. Place in oven for about 40 minutes or until a meat thermometer registers 165F in the middle of loin. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Serve with marsala sauce (recipe below).

Marsala sauce

1 tbs butter
1 tbs extra virgin olive oil
1 tbs finely diced shallots
1 tsp flour
1/2 cup marsala wine
1/2 cup of water, or as needed for thinning
salt and pepper to taste

Preheat a saute pan at medium-high heat. Combine butter and oil in the pan. Add the shallots and saute until translucent, about 1 minute. Stir in the flour and cook for about 30 seconds. Add marsala and water stirring vigorously using more water if needed until desired smooth consistency (the use of a whisk is recommended). Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Served with sauteed string beans and crispy smashed potatoes. (see recipes)

Cooking is one of the things I enjoy the most, but lately it hasn't been much fun. Everything on the dining table tastes and looks the same. To the point that I don't even feel like it anymore. So, I've decided to dive into my extensive collection of cookbooks in hopes of reuniting with my first love. Trying out different flavor combinations and recipes that promote a healthy, well balanced lifestyle without sacrificing taste. All this I will share with you and who knows, maybe you will find your first love.