Single girl, working to make ends meet– I am the perfect candidate for someone looking to pawn off their leftovers. Every time I go home or to a family function I am sent back with copious amounts of food that I could never single-handedly conquer.
I always appreciate the thought and having “ready made” food on hand, however; I really like to cook. If I’m busy leftovers are great to use in a quick throw-together meal, but when I have the time/foodie thoughts running through my head, they make me sad. Since I REFUSE to waste, having leftovers means that I don’t get to be creative in the kitchen….so I thought. Tonight I changed that notion and gave my leftovers a makeover.
My mom sent me back with leftover pork tenderloin and corn on the cob. Hmm…what could I do to glam this up? I made a side salad with mixed greens, alfalfa sprouts, cucumbers, blueberries, avocado, feta cheese. And then I let my imagination run wild and constructed a Cherry-Mint Balsamic Reduction to dress my pork.
I paired my meal with a glass of 2006 Delagrange Bourgogne Hautes Cotes de Beaune Pinot Noir. I went to the wine store a few weeks ago in search for a wine from the Burgundy Region (red Burgundy=Pinot Noir varietal). I was saddened that all of the ones I wanted were…well, out of my price range. This wine was a magnificent garnet color with a very fruit forward nose. I was immediately hit with cherry and raspberry characteristics and (I’m still learning flavors so I could be wrong) I think a hint of chocolate, spice and leather (?). This wine was light and offered a nice contrast to the rosemary grilled pork tenderloin and sweet balsamic reduction. I really liked how the mint flavor calmed the sweet fruit. This wine was good but I cant stop thinking about the Russian Jack Pinot Noir I had with the pork a few nights ago. It was smooth and slightly creamy 
.
For dessert I had a petrified mini fudge-nut brownie. I’m not sure how long that has been in my freezer. It tasted like chocolate ice. (Gross but whatever, chocolate is chocolate.)
Yes, that is a paper towel. I washed infinity dishes today and could not bear the thought of doing one more.
I wasn’t going to document my afternoon snack but it was pretty blog worthy. To calm my 4pm hunger I had a Chocolate Chip Z-Bar.
I swear this reminded me of the best soft-baked chocolate chip cookie I’ve ever had. I realize these are meant for ‘kids’ but with the amazing flavor…grown-ups should be able to indulge too! Kids these days have it pretty good when it comes to healthy snack choices. (I sound old) I bought more on my way home.
Forever A Student,
Nora
Do you study interests outside the classroom?
[...] chance to be creative in the kitchen when I have leftovers on hand. I’m not one to waste so typically I take leftovers and “enhance” them. For dinner tonight, I did no such thing. This is an exact replica of what I had for dinner on [...]
I have the same problem! I never make enough food for leftovers because I like cooking too much. That reduction you made sounds awesome though. I bet the mint added some really nice flavour!
I’m going to sound like a total nerd here, but I love learning outside the classroom. I like to buy old textbooks at garage sales and read them in my spare time. Okay, you can draw a giant “L” on my forehead now…
Kuddos to you for wanting to cook when there are leftovers..I wish I was that ambitious! Leftovers are a dream come true for me sometimes…
Sometimes leftovers actually taste BETTER the next day
I do LOVE those Clif Kids bars! They’re the perfect size and come in yummy flavors. I recently tried the blueberry one and OH MY WORD was it GOOD!
oh my gah that is an AMAZINGGGGG meal- with the blueberry sauce! leftovers rock – they taste better..esp italian food leftovers!
I love leftovers, especially when they are dressed up as well as this one! Looks delicious
Too bad you’re not closer to Colorado – I’m wining and dining single style as well tonight!
Even if it is single dining…at least we treat ourselves well
I love leftovers too! They taste almost better to me. hehe. And chocolate Z bars are blog worthy!
p.s.
I leave for sonoma in thursday…..wine and dine!
You have NO idea how jealous I am right now. I have been DYING to go to sonoma. Please experience some great oaked chards and zins for me!! Fresh food, fine dining and California…is Sonoma heaven? haha Enjoy!