Bonding by Blogging

One thing I never imagined when I started this blog was how much of a social aspect it would have on my life. I imagined that my blog would be read by my close family and friends and occasionally stumbled upon by a stranger on the Internet. I am not very shy and have never had trouble making friends or talking to strangers. But if I did, blogging would be a great way to break the ice. Since I started my food blog I have made friends with co workers that I never knew before, talked to my in-laws family members via email, met other food bloggers and been introduced via email to some people I knew about but hadn't previously met.

Just last week I got an email from my best friend Amanda's boyfriend's mother - Ms. Kay. Amanda and I talk on an average of 5 times a day so as you can imagine I have definitely heard a lot about Ms. Kay from Amanda. Amanda has described her generosity, her knowledge of plants, her devotion to her sons, her adoration for her puppy and her love of cooking. Although I have never met Ms. Kay I felt like I knew a lot about her through my discussions with Amanda and was thrilled to get to interact with her someday. To my surprise, I "met" Ms. Kay earlier than I had expected. Amanda shared my blog URL with her and I received the sweetest email from her last week. She mentioned that she really enjoyed my blog and wanted to share a recipe with me that she had cooked for her sons to rave reviews. I am never one to turn down a proven recipe so I gave it a shot. I was so appreciative of Ms. Kay's suggestion and could have hugged her when I realized how easy and delicious it was. Forrest really enjoyed the meal as well and I will assuredly be making this again.

Maple Pork and Apples

Better Homes and Gardens February 2007

Ingredients

4 Pork Loin Chops, 1/2 inch thick

2 Tbsp. Butter

12 Baby Carrots with tops, halved lenghtwise (I couldn't find ones with tops so I did without)

1 Medium apple, sliced and seeds removed

1/3 cup maple syrup

Preparation

1. Sprinkle chops with salt and pepper. In skillet melt butter over medium heat; add chops.

Brown for 2 minutes, turning once.

Reduce heat to medium-low. Add carrots, apple, and maple syrup.


Cover; simmer for 8 minutes or until desired doneness.

2. Using slotted spoon, transfer chops, carrots and apples to platter; bring syrum mixture to a boil. Boil gently, uncovered, 1 to 2 minutes or until thickened. Pour over Chops. Serve.