Back In The Saddle Again

Since Megan started school on Monday (4th grade!), I figured it was time to get back to being "organized, and on top of things Mom". I have been a bit lazy with my cooking over the summer, it's just been too hot.

I asked Meg what she wanted for dinner on her first day, and of course she chose her favorite Shrimp Scampi Pasta dinner. We had that Monday night, but last night I was in the mood for something homey. We had brown sugar glazed pork chops, haricot verts (fancy green beans) with EVOO and walnuts, and the greatest mashed potatoes ever! I tried something different with them. I cut my yukon golds into six pieces, and steamed them. Meanwhile, I softened some sliced shallots in butter, and then added milk to warm. Once the potatoes were done, I put them into a bowl to mash and gradually added the milk mixture with S&P. I also used a new glaze on the pork chops. About a 1/4c of b. sugar mixed with 1T of dijon. Yummy! BTW-I got that from Martha's Everyday Food mag-I love that little magazine, what a gem...

Just in case you're wondering, we're having soft tacos tonight....It's hatch chile season.....

It's funny how no matter how old you get, the start of school feels like a new beginning. I can't help but get the house in order, and tweak my routine to try to be even more efficient. I guess those formative years really do stay with us.