Bacon, Avocado and Blue Cheese Quesadilla

   A happy new year to each and everyone of you! So hard for me to believe that it is 2013....where did 2012 go so quickly?!? It was quite an eventful year for us with experiencing the birth of our son and adjusting to the new life of parenthood and purchasing a business with husband's twin brother being the more memorable moments. 
   As I reflect back on the past year I am reminded of God's faithfulness and goodness to us in so many ways. I want to make a more deliberate effort this year to thank Him DAILY for all the ways he blesses us that so often I take for granted and remember no matter what my circumstance may be, there is always, ALWAYS something to be thankful for. So my word for the year is -GRATITUDE-.
   OK on to the post recipe...looking for a quick and easy lunch for one or two? Give these flavorful quesadillas a try. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Bacon, Avocado and Blue Cheese Quesadilla

4- 8" flour tortillas

sour cream

blue cheese crumbles

8 strips bacon, fried

1 avocado, sliced

fresh cilantro, chopped

mozzarella cheese, grated

Spread sour cream on all 4 tortillas. Sprinkle the blue cheese crumbles on two tortillas. Top with 4 strips of bacon and 1/2 avocado each. Sprinkle a small amount of  chopped fresh cilantro and mozzarella cheese over all. Top with remaining two tortillas. Heat a cast iron skillet with a tsp or so of oil. Place quesadillas in one at a time and fry until golden brown and flip. Continue frying until the other side of the tortilla is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Remove from skillet and cut into wedges. Garnish with sour cream and cilantro.

{Tomato would be wonderful on this as well, but I didn't have one so we went without.} 

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Give thanks in all circumstances,

for this is God's will for you

in Christ Jesus.

~1 Thessalonians 5:18

♥ Sheila      

Grilled Pork Chops with Lavender

   Hello friends! Yes, I am finally posting again....sorry for such a long break between posts, but life as a momma is keeping me busy and although I have been cooking, it just has not been anything too exciting or new. 

   I haven't used lavender to cook with before, but have eaten things others have made using it. I love the flavor it adds and have been wanting to experiment with it myself. I finally bought some {my plant isn't blooming yet} and am very excited about trying it out in different recipes.

   Most often it is used more for desserts, but I wanted to try using it in an entree. I thought this sounded tasty, so we gave it a shot. It turned out delicious!

Grilled Pork Chops with Lavender  
 4 pork chops- 3/4-1 inch thick

1 tsp coarse kosher salt

1 tsp coarsely ground pepper

3/4 tsp dried lavender flowers {culinary grade} 

2 tsp minced fresh thyme

1 tsp minced fresh rosemary

1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Mix spices, herbs and oil together. Pat the pork chops dry with a paper towel and then rub with the herb blend. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1-2 hours. Remove from fridge and grill until done.

   I was happy with the results of my first attempt at using lavender. Will continue to enjoy adding it to recipes! I served these chops with Grilled Red Potato Skewers.....that recipe is coming later. 

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For the earth that drinketh

in the rain which cometh often upon it,

and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by

whom it is tilled, recieveth

 blessing from God. 

~Hebrews 6:7 

Blessings!

♥ Sheila 

Grilled Ham & Pineapple Kabobs

   This lovely "winter" weather we've been having is really getting me in the mood for summer-time grilling parties and such! =) Since I'm sure though it's not going to last, I decided we'd should at least take advantage of it while it's here and break out the grill for dinner.
   My brother gave the idea for these kabobs last summer and I just hadn't made them yet. So when I was grocery shopping yesterday & saw ham steaks it got me in the mood to try them out.
   I assembled them and got 'em ready for the grill, and then Daren took care of the cooking while I made some herbed rice to go with the finished product.

Grilled Ham & Pineapple Kabobs

yield: 10 kabobs

2 cooked ham steak, cubed

1/2 fresh pineapple, cut into chunks

1 1/2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

2 tbsp honey

1/2 tbsp soy sauce*

* my brother used  1/4 tsp cinnamon instead of soy sauce, you can suit your taste.

 Slide the ham and pineapple chunks onto wooden skewers that have soaked in water. Mix together butter, honey and soy sauce. Brush over both sides of the kabobs.

glazed and ready for the grill

Grill until hot and a little blackened. {would have liked to grill these longer, but Daren had class this eve and was in a hurry}

mmm....grilling away

 

   They were quite delicious.... a bit of summer in your mouth! =) I'm excited about making these for outdoor get-togethers once warm weather is here to stay!

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Shout for joy to the Lord, 

all the earth!

Worship the Lord with gladness;

come before Him with

joyful songs!

~Psalm 100:1&2

Blessings always!

♥ Sheila