Quinoa Tabbouleh with Grilled Asparagus and Feta

My home confinement due to a stress fracture on my right foot has been 'challenging' for me. I have managed to ride my bike without falling (but not without incident) while wearing a rather cumbersome boot, but unfortunately not being able to drive has significantly altered my daily life, at least for the next four to six weeks (which on any given day seems like a lifetime). On Saturday my childhood best friend came to the rescue. Not only offering to drive us to my favorite farmer's market, but to bring me to a forest preserve so I could take some landscape photos. For several hours on a glorious June day I felt as if I had won the lottery. Oh, the euphoria of having the freedom to do some of the simple things I  have grown to love. There is much to be said for 'living in the moment'. Life actually felt 'normal' again. Maybe more important than having a much needed break from obsessing about my running injury was being able to spend some quality time with a friend.

In anticipation of having access to 'fresh from the farm' vegetables, I had written out a list of the ingredients I needed for the Quinoa Tabbouleh with Grilled Asparagus and Feta. My childhood best friend solidified her sainthood destiny by taking me the grocery store to get everything else I needed. From the heirloom cherry tomatoes, to the English cucumbers, to the asparagus, to the herbs, the farmer's market did not disappoint. My head was spinning at the sight of some of the most beautiful fresh vegetables I had ever seen (okay, maybe a slight exaggeration, but you stay confined to your house for a week and let me know if any of your perceptions shift). Feeling energized and inspired I also bought some insanely gorgeous fresh-picked strawberries to use in a homemade strawberry ice cream recipe I had recently found (well maybe discretionary time on your hands isn't a completely bad thing). 

Tabbouleh is a classic, traditional Middle Eastern salad, generally made with bulgur, vegetables, and herbs. Whether or not everything out there on the web has any truth to it (really?), there are a few sites claiming the origins of this dish can be traced back to a rivalry between Caesar and Cleopatra. Allegedly they each requested a refreshing salad be created using fresh seasonal ingredients. Upon learning of the well-received, refreshing dish created for Cleopatra, one aptly named in her honor, Caesar demanded its' name be changed (one would think Caesar had more compelling things to do). In accordance with this 'legend', Caesar demanded the salad came be known as 'Tabouli'. Other than Cassius or Brutus how many others would dare risk crossing his will?

Unless you were born in, lived in, visited, or had relatives from Peru, Bolivia or anywhere in South America, you most likely grew up never having heard of quinoa (keen-wah) before. The popularity of quinoa has grown significantly here in the US within the last ten years. However, whatever amount of attention quinoa may now be getting, it is nothing in comparison to the popularity it had in 3000BC in the Andes mountain regions of South America. While it has yet to be as sacred or as mainstay as it was for the Inca Empire in 1200 AD, it has now become a presence on restaurant menus (and not only those claiming to be 'health food' ones). Additionally it is now readily available in most grocery stores.  Interestingly enough, this grain belongs not to the true grass family, but to the same family containing spinach, Swiss chard and beets. For that reason quinoa has often been referred to as a 'pseudocereal'. Way back in 1955 a researcher named Philip White published an article "Edible Seed Products of the Andes Mountains" stating 'While no single food can supply all the essential life sustaining nutrients, quinoa comes as close as any other in the plant or animal kingdom'. This now rediscovered obscure article has become one of the most referenced in articles, websites, and even food blogs.

Being this was the first time I was making quinoa I thought it would be wise to learn more about its' cooking method from others. After doing a bit of 'research', I went with a 2-1 water to quinoa ratio (along with a teaspoon of kosher salt). Two cups of water was brought to a boil, after adding the quinoa and kosher salt, the heat was reduced to a simmer and the pot covered. After 15 minutes of cooking time, I removed the pot from the heat and let sit for 5 minutes before draining. For this salad, 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed olive oil, 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil and 1 1/2 teaspoons of kosher salt were mixed into the drained quinoa. With the quinoa perfectly made, it had time to cool and come close to room temperature while I began chopping the vegetables and mincing the herbs.

My first reaction each time a recipe calls for freshly chopped mint, I sort of make a face. This would be a very different face to the one I make after I actually taste the completed dish (with the mint in it). So if you have mint avoidance tendencies, get past them. The mint enhances without at all overpowering the dish. And it would not be the same without out it. This salad will have you making a happy face.

Whether you blanch or grill the asparagus for this salad, I 'pretty please' suggest you do not leave it out. While not one of the vegetables in a traditional Tabbouleh, it adds great flavor and texture.

This is one of those can be made in advance salads. Just remember, the feta cheese is added right before serving.

Mix half of the feta into to the tabbouleh and sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top.

Again, feta may not be another of the 'traditional' tabbouleh ingredients but it is one complimentary to the flavors of the quinoa, vegetables and herbs. While I prefer sheep's milk feta, do a taste test of both a cow's milk and sheep's milk feta to decide which one you like best. Fresh feta can be found in most deli counters giving you the chance to taste before buying.

Perfect as a side salad to accompany chicken, grilled steak, and/or fish. Served with some large-sized grilled shrimp it transforms into a very satisfying meal. 

If by any chance you have never had Tabbouleh or quinoa before, let this be Quinoa Tabbouleh with Grilled Asparagus and Feta be your first. And it could end up being your only one as I think the ingredient choices and quantities are 'just right'. In the event your plans for the week ahead don't include going to a farmer's market, change them. Honestly, this salad made with the fresh seasonal ingredients is one worthy of making time for. Be ready for your family and friends to worship you in a manner befitting an Egyptian Queen.

Recipe
Quinoa Tabbouleh with Grilled Asparagus and Feta (recipe inspired by Ina Garten's Quinoa Tabbouleh with Feta in the Make It Ahead: A Barefoot Contessa Cookbook)

Ingredients
1 cup quinoa
2 cups water
2 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
1 teaspoons black pepper
1/4 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice (from one large or two medium lemons)
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 cup thinly sliced scallions, green and white parts (approximately 5 scallions)
1/2 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
1 cup chopped fresh flat leaf parsley
1 large English cucumber, unpeeled and medium diced 
2 cups heirloom cherry tomatoes, halved through the stem (or regular cherry or grape tomatoes)
1 pound asparagus, grilled, cooled and cut into one inch pieces
4-6 ounces Greek (sheep's milk) feta, divided
Optional: 12-18 Large Grilled Shrimp

Directions
1. In a heavy bottomed medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil.
2. Add the quinoa and 1 teaspoon of salt. Reduce heat to simmer, cover and cook for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to rest for 5 minutes.
3. Drain, transfer to a bowl and immediately mix in the lemon juice, olive oil and 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt. Allow to come to room temperature.
4. In a large bowl, combine the scallions, mint, parsley, cucumber, asparagus, tomatoes, and 1 teaspoon of black pepper. Mix to combine.
5. Add the cooled quinoa mixture to the vegetable/herb mixture. Carefully fold in 1/2 of the feta, reserving the other half to sprinkle over the top of the salad. Note: If not serving immediately, cover and chill in the refrigerator, waiting to add feta until ready to serve.
6. Serve room temperature of chilled.
Note: To turn this salad into a main course, carefully arrange 12-18 grilled shrimp on top of the salad.

Herrick Lake Forest Preserve in Wheaton, IL

Chunky Coconut Chocolate Pecan Cookies

Somedays I wonder if I am losing my mind (on any given day this might be considered a blessing, a curse, or my salvation) and then there are the days I think I am going blind (is it just me or is the print get smaller and smaller in some cookbooks and cooking magazines?). I usually keep these relatively infrequent hypochondriatic moments to myself, yet take perverse pleasure in knowing I am not the only one among my friends wondering some of the same things. Both of these two 'fears' of mine reared their not-too-pretty heads this week. After spending a ridiculous amount of time trying to find what I am looking for I have been known to resort to saying the St. Anthony prayer hoping for divine intervention in the resurfacing of the 'lost' something (or rather the thing I can't remember where I put it).  Don't laugh or throw shade, because more times than not it has actually worked (miraculously).

While searching for my copy of Joanne Chang's cookbook Flour, I came across a stack of books I (initially) couldn't remember buying. 'Take a deep breath' I told myself. My initial anxiety was replaced with a bit of giddiness as I discovered I owned a first edition of Diana Gabaldon's book Outlander. Without the (wasteful) use of a prayer, my memory for these purchases came back to me. Ultimately I found  the cookbook (had to use a prayer), I set off  making her coconut cookie recipe.  After the batter was placed in the refrigerator I started typing up the list of ingredients for the blog. It was then I realized I had misread the amount of not one, but two of the ingredients. Ugh. Blaming it on the small print (rather than admit to any blindness), I kept my fingers crossed hoping my unintentional 'errors' weren't going to be deal breakers and ruin an entire batch of cookies. Or worse, they wouldn't come out 'perfect'. But more on that later.

When I lived out east there was a grocery store I frequented in Westport (MA). Their wine department, bakery, availability of hard to find gourmet items, and meat department made it worth the 40 minute round trip drive. Besides their freshly baked bread I sometimes bought a package of their homemade coconut cookies. Studded with coconut, pecans and chocolate chips they were addictive. I had been looking for a cookie with a taste as close to that one as possible ever since I had returned back to the midwest. Then a couple of years ago I discovered one I thought had 'potential'. This one in the form of a recipe in the Flour cookbook. Yet, for some unknown reason I never made them, but suddenly found myself having a craving for them. Would they, could they be as good as or better than the ones I was missing? More on that to come.

I love the taste, texture and flavor of coconut. The first time I had coconut ice cream was visiting a good friend in South Carolina. In a word, it was 'wicked'. Shame on her though for introducing me to a such an amazing coconut ice cream only available locally. I finally satisfied my craving for that ice cream after discovering a coconut ice cream out east 'closely' resembling that one. I may have moments of feeling as if I have temporarily lost my mind but I am sane enough to know it would be silly to make a 19 hour drive away to buy coconut ice cream.  As I have yet to find a coconut ice cream here any where near comparable to either of them, I have no other choice than to make some cookies to satisfy my coconut craving.

When you look at the list of ingredients, your first thought might be 'these are nothing more than Cowboy Cookies'. While these Chunky Coconut Chocolate Pecan Cookies share many of the ingredients as some of the Cowboy Cookie recipes out there, they look and taste differently. Joanne Chang called her version of these cookies Chunky Lola Cookies (a naming contest resulted in a free trip to the Bahamas for the winner).

Some of the critical takeaways from making these cookies include the following: (1) creaming the butter and sugars for almost a full five minutes, (2) toasting the pecans, (3) using chunks of both semi-sweet and white chocolate (I don't think I will ever use chocolate 'chips' again), (4) using a 1/4 cup ice cream scoop to form the cookies, (5) removing from oven when edges are browned and centers still soft even though you think they aren't done, (6) chilling the dough overnight, and last but not least (7) using the full 1 1/2 cups of both all-purpose flour and chopped pecans.

The misreading of the amount of all-purpose flour and pecans turned out to be a blessing in disguise. I provided the recipes original ingredient amounts in the recipe below, just in case you want them.

The addition of chopped white chocolate was an after-thought (although I thought of it before refrigerating the cookie dough). This bought the total of chocolate in these cookies to 11 versus 9 ounces. More was definitely better.

So were they as good as the cookies from the grocery store bakery? The simple answer to that question is 'yes, maybe better'.  The only thing making them even better would be to turn them into ice cream sandwiches with some of that South Carolina or east coast coconut ice cream. But that isn't happening (deep sigh).

With a glass of milk, one cookie is completely satisfying. They are thick, crispy on the edges, chewy in the center, large oh-so delicious cookies. Bigger was definitely better here. If you don't have a 1/4 cup ice cream scoop, using a measuring cup. And if you want more than 18 bakery large, perfect Chunky Coconut Chocolate Pecan Cookies, make two batches. Just don't try to make them smaller. They won't be the same.

Recipe
Chunky Coconut Chocolate Pecan Cookies (a slight adaptation to Joanne Chang's Chunky Lola Cookies as shared in her cookbook Flour: Spectacular Recipes from Boston's Flour Bakery and Cafe)
Makes approximately 18 cookies

Ingredients
11 Tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
2/3 cup granulated sugar
2/3 cup light brown sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour (original recipe calls for 1 1/4 cups of flour)
2/3 cup old-fashioned rolled oats (not instant or quick cooking)
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
9 ounces bittersweet chocolate (62-70 percent cacao), chopped into 1/2 inch pieces
2 ounces white chocolate, chopped into chunks
1 1/2 cups pecans, toasted and chopped (original recipe calls for 1 1/4 cups of pecans)
1 cup sweetened shredded coconut

Directions
1. In stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream butter for approximately 20 seconds. Add granulated sugar and light brown sugar. On medium speed cream butter/sugars for approximately 5 minutes (or until light and fluffy). Stop the mixer several times and scrape sides and bottom of the bowl with a rubber spatula to release any clinging/chunks of butter or sugar. Do not skip this step. Note: If using a hand mixer this could take approximately 10 minutes.
2. Beat in eggs and vanilla on medium speed for 2-3 minutes or until thoroughly combined. Scrape bowl again to make certain eggs are thoroughly incorporated.
3. In a medium bowl, stir together flour, oats, baking soda and salt. Add chocolate, pecans and coconut, tossing until combined. 
4. On low speed or using a wooden spoon, slowly add the flour mixture to the butter/sugar mixture. Mix until just combined and the dough is evenly mixed.
5. Scrape the mixture into a bowl, cover tightly and rest in the refrigerator overnight (or at least 4 hours) before baking.
6. Preheat oven to 350 degrees (F). Position rack in the center of the oven. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
7. Using a 1/4 cup ice cream scooper, place dough on prepared baking sheets, spacing approximately two inches apart. Flatten each ball slightly with the palm of your hand. 
8. Bake for 19-22 minutes or until cookies are golden brown on the edges and slightly soft in the center. Let cookies cool on baking sheet for 15-20 minutes or until cool enough to remove with a spatula. Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely or eat while still slightly warm.
Note: Cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

A cluster of birch trees in color and in black/white.

paletas de crema y cereza con tequila (aka sour cream, cherry, tequila ice pops)

Researchers have told us our memory for sound is significantly worse than our memory for things we see or touch. I can't help but wonder where those 'researchers' grew up or if they somehow skipped their childhood years, passed go and went straight to adulthood. Maybe I am an outlier but I can still recall many of the sounds from my midwestern, suburban childhood, most of them associated with a happy memory (am still trying to forget the unhappy ones). One of the more memorable, happy sounds were those coming from the Good Humor Ice Cream truck as it meandered through the neighborhood. Like little Pavlovians, the sound of the song played by the truck was enough to cause kids everywhere to stop what they were doing and begin drooling in anticipation of the truck driving by their house. One's level happiness increased significantly if you had enough nickels and dimes to buy your favorite ice cream treat (and no one except maybe a parent cared if you were going to be too full to eat dinner afterwards). Dessert first is a concept of us learn early.

No matter how old we get, there is something refreshing about eating an ice cold popsicle, particularly in hot weather. However, there is something irresistible about a popsicle infused with alcohol, especially when the alcohol is tequila. And it's quite possible you won't really care what the weather may be like outside after your first taste of a paletas de crema y cereza con tequila (aka sour cream, cherry and tequila ice pop). The creaminess of the ice pop along with flavor of the tequila infused sweetened cherries is a lethally, insanely delicious taste combination. Think cherries jubilee on crack. The taste of the tequila is subtle, not at all overwhelming. So if you feel a little tipsy after eating one, it will not be because of the alcohol.

In some parts of the country the cherry season has already begun. Here in the midwest we have to wait until at least mid-June to begin enjoying freshly picked, locally grown cherries. But you do not have to wait until then to make these paletas de crema y cereza con tequila. These ice pops can be made with either fresh or frozen cherries. I used some of the frozen sweet cherries I picked up at Whole Foods mostly because I was in a bit of a lazy mood and didn't want to pit a half- pound of cherries. As far as the 'fresh is best' mantra goes, these frozen cherries worked really, really well. Will let you know whether the fresh or frozen cherries wins the throwdown.

Did you know that cherry trees don't begin producing any fruit until they are at least five years old? Or that a single mature tree (10-15 years old) can produce up to 100 pounds of fruit? And the health benefits of cherries? Oh, the list is almost endless. Antioxidant protection, cancer-prevention compounds, reduces inflammation, supports healthy sleeping, arthritis pain relief, reduces belly fat, reduces post-exercise muscle pain and lowers the risk of stroke. So many reasons to find ways of increasing your cherry intake. Does one really need a reason to infuse a little tequila into their diet? 

There are several steps and varying chilling/freezing times that go into making the paletas de crema y cereza con tequila so plan on making them the day before you want to serve them (or start early in the day and serve them well into the evening). Eight ounces of cherries along with some confectionary sugar and sea salt are cooked until the sugar dissolves and the mixture begins to boil slightly. Once the freshly squeezed lemon juice is added, the mixture continues to cook until it has the consistency of maple syrup. After removing the pan from the heat two Tablespoons of tequila are stirred in. I will go on a short rant and say use a really good tequila (I would say use the one you would drink, but that is leaving too much to chance). We all have our go to tequila favorites, mine is Patron Silver. Rant over. The mixture is transferred to a bowl and placed in the refrigerator until chilled.

The ice pop base is made with whole milk, granulated sugar, vanilla, and sour cream. Use an organic milk and sour cream if you can. Maybe not a deal breaker, but it definitely creates a rich, creamy smooth ice pop. The sour cream/cooked milk mixture also needs to be refrigerated and fully chilled before the ice pop assembly can begin.

Prior to making these paletas de crema y cereza con tequila, I did not own an ice pop mold. I bought the one recommended by fellow food bloggers Smitten Kitchen and Lottie and Doof. I am going to add voice to the endorsement of this mold. If you don't have one, you can make them in glasses (ones that can be placed in the freezer). 

Once the sour cream/milk mixture has chilled, you will pour/spoon into the molds to a height of approximately one inch. Before placing the molds in the freezer, I dropped in one of the cherries. Once the mixture begins to set (approximately 30-35 minutes in the freezer), the 'drained' cherries and remaining sour cream/milk mixture is evenly divided among the molds. The sticks are inserted and the mold is placed into the freezer.

The recipe indicated the chilling time for the paletas was 3-4 hours. Either my freezer wasn't cold enough, but they benefitted from chilling in the freezer overnight.

The original recipe calls for 'draining' the cherries before adding to the sour cream/milk mixture. I used a kitchen tweezers to add the cherries, shaking them off lightly before dropping them in. Additionally I added just a little of the remaining cherry/tequila liquid to each of the molds, stirring it in to the last sour cream/milk mixture poured into the molds. Whatever you do, don't throw any of the remainder thickened liquid out (that would be a sin). It would be great poured over ice cream, added to a simple syrup, or added to a margarita/martini/mojito. 

May your summer be filled with cherries and tequila in whatever form you choose. Hopefully paletas de crema y cereza con tequila will be on your list of options. They are seriously better than anything sold on the ice cream trucks of our childhood and might cause you to drool.

Recipe

paletas de crema y cereza con tequila (an ever so slight adaption to the paletas de crema y cereza con tequilla recipe found in Fany Gerson's cookbook Paletas: Authentic Recipes for Mexican Ice Pops, Shaved Ice, and Aguas Frescas)

Ingredients

8 ounces stemmed and pitted cherries (fresh or frozen) 

1/2 cup confectionary sugar

2 Tablespoons silver or blanco tequila (recommend Patron Silver)

2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

1 1/2 cups whole milk (recommend using organic milk)

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise and scraped or 1 teaspoon clear vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups sour cream (recommend using organic sour cream)

Directions

1. In a small-medium sized heavy bottomed saucepan, cook cherries and confectionary sugar over medium heat, stirring until the mixture comes to a boil and the sugar has dissolved.

2. Lower the heat, stir in lemon juice, simmering (and stirring often) until the syrup has thickened to a consistency like maple syrup. Remove from heat.

3. Stir in tequilla. Cut cherries in half and transfer mixture to a small bowl and refrigerate until completely chilled.

4. In a medium-sized heavy bottomed saucepan, combine the milk, granulated sugar and salt. If using the vanilla bean, scrape seeds into the mixture and then add the pod. (Note: If using vanilla extract, add after sugar has dissolved and just comes to a boil.)

5. When mixture just comes to a boil, remove from the heat and whisk in the sour team until the mixture is completely smooth. Let cool slightly, remove the vanilla bean and refrigerate mixture until completely chilled.

6. Put enough of the sour cream mixture into each of the ice pop molds to a height of 1 inch. Add a single cherry to each mold and place in freezer for 30 minutes (or until it begins to set).

7. Divide cut cherries amongst the molds, then pour in remaining sour cream/milk mixture dividing evenly among the molds, alternating between the cherries and sour cream/milk mixture. Place molds in freezer, freezing until solid (approximately 3-4 hours in a conventional mold). Follow manufacture directions for inserting sticks and unmolding. Notes: My freezing time as closer to 6 hours, but waited overnight until unmolding. I added the popsicle sticks before putting mold in the freezer.

Important Notes: If cherries are whole, cut in half before proceeding. The original recipe calls for draining the cherries however, I removed the cherries from the bowl using kitchen tweezers in order for some of the thickened sauce to drip into the milk/sour cream mixture. I drizzled and swirled in a very small amount of the remaining sauce after pouring in the sour cream milk mixture. I am saving the remaining 'sauce' for another use.
If using using glasses or other unconventional molds, freeze until pops are pops are beginning to set (approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour), then insert the sticks and freeze until solid. At least 3-4 hours. If using an instant ice pop maker, mix the drained cherries with the sour cream/milk mixture before pouring into the molds, then follow the manufacturer's instructions.

One of the iconic cherry farms in northeastern Wisconsin.

Cherry tree blossoming on a blue sky spring day.

A roadside stand selling one of the regions best, worth making a long drive to buy fruit.

Herbed Pork Sliders with Bacon Onion Jam

I never cease to be amazed by the number of serendipitious coincidences happening in my life, especially when they occur hundreds of miles from where I live. On a recent trip up to northeastern Wisconsin I decided to take a break from driving around taking photos and rent a bicycle so I could ride through one of the state parks offering some incredible views, including the shoreline of a bay (and oh those hills). After handing over the required paperwork to the girl behind the counter (who I would later learn was the owner of the bike shop), she looked up and said something like 'you were my school Superintendent'. Other than my name and the town I lived in, nothing on this rental agreement would have given this information away. As it turned out she and her brother were in high school during my tenure. Knowing I was visible to some of my high school kids pretty much made my day, being visible to a former student make-up free and in my bike clothes on a day when I wanted to be invisible fell into that nebulous 'yikes' category. Note to self: At least wear a little mascara when going out in public.

The drive back home took significantly longer than it did going there. As much as I would have liked to blame the heavy Memorial Day traffic for turning a four and a half hour drive into an almost seven hour one, my frequent stops on the highway (it's not wise to drive behind me on roads with 65 mph speed limits) to take photos as well as being distracted by some of the art galleries and antique shops along the way were the real culprits. When I finally pulled into the driveway the last thing I wanted to do was get back into the car to pick-up some of the things I needed to make the Herbed Pork Sliders with Bacon Onion Jam. Had I known how amazing they were going to be, I would have gladly driven for as long as it took to get all of the ingredients needed. Note to self: Keep watering all of the herbs planted in the containers.

When I made Tomato Jam for the first time last year I thought I had died and gone to heaven. However, it seems I may have only made entry into heaven's lobby. The Bacon Onion Jam provided the full-access pass. Seriously, the taste of this sweet and savory jam is a life-altering experience. And as perfect as a condiment this jam was to the Herbed Pork Sliders, it would be a game-changer served with a pate, on a grilled pizza (maybe with some blue cheese) or in an omelet. Oh, the possibilities for this jam's use are almost endless.

Decades ago I lived in Mississippi for a short period of time, dragged there by the person who shall remain nameless. It was there I had my first exposure to what it meant to be a northerner two hundred years after the Civil War (an experience that changed how I looked at the world), Southern Living Magazine, sweet tea, and sweet Vidalia onions. Way back when, Vidalia onions were only available in the 'south', but nowadays they are readily available in most grocery stores here 'up north'. Known for their delicate sweetness and high sugar content, there are no other onions quite like them. So when the list of ingredients for the Bacon Jam called for sweet onions, there was only one 'sweet' onion option, the Vidalia.

What is not to love about bacon? Especially a very thick cut applewood bacon fried crisp. Using the drippings from the bacon along with a tad of butter, the chopped Vidalia onions are sautéed until softened. After the shallots, balsamic vinegar, salt and light brown sugar are added, it takes approximately 25-35 minutes for the onions to transform into tender and caramelized bits of deliciousness as well as for the mixture to become 'jammy'. For even deeper caramelized onions, you could continue to cook the mixture on low for up to 45 minutes, however, just make sure you don't lose the 'jamminess' consistency. Fresh thyme and chives are the finishing touches adding another layer of flavor to this wicked sweet/savory jam. 

To grill or not to grill or to roast or not to roast have usually been my pork tenderloin cooking method choices. As often as I have read about or watched on a myriad of cooking showing the process of first browning, then roasting pork tenderloin, I have been a little dismissive of the extra-step, extra-mess to clean up. The recipe for the Herbed Pork Sliders caused me to rethink this. Searing the pork tenderloin on high heat not only added flavor and a crust to the meat, but when followed by a relative short cooking time (20 minutes at 400 degrees F) allowed for a tender, moist finish to it. Combined with the cooking process, the rub made of dark brown sugar, dijon mustard, and fresh herbs completely transformed the pork tenderloins. 

A platter of these Herbed Pork Tenderloin Sliders with Bacon Onion Jam won't last long. Accompanied by a couple of sides, it's all you will need for lunch or dinner. Using even smaller buns/rolls, they would make for a great meal starter or as a hearty appetizer for a late afternoon gathering. Don't forget to have plenty of your favorite iced cold bottled beer available. These sliders seem to call for it.

My notes to all of you: Plant fresh herbs in your garden. It's not too late. Have your favorite chilled beer in your refrigerator. It takes less than 30 minutes to make the Herbed Pork Tenderloins. If you have never tried the Colette Farmhouse Ale brewed by the Denver based Great Divide Brewing Company, try it. When you come across a recipe calling for searing the meat before roasting it, don't think you know better and skip the first step. Life is short, make stops along your travels, even it means you get home later than you had planned. Because you know what they say about best laid plans.

Recipe

Herbed Pork Sliders with Bacon Onion Jam (inspired by the recipes shared in the May 2015 issue of Southern Living)

Ingredients

Herbed Pork Sliders

2 pork tenderloins (approximately 1 1/4 pounds each)

3 Tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided

2 teaspoons kosher salt

1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

1/4 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar

2 Tablespoons Dijon mustard (recommend Maille)

3 Tablespoons fresh thyme leaves, minced

2 Tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped

18-20 small sized potato rolls or dinner buns

Bacon Onion Jam

4 thick slices applewood-smoked bacon slices, cooked crisp and chopped

1 Tablespoon unsalted butter

2 medium sized sweet onions (Vidalia), chopped

3-4 large shallots, chopped

1/2 cup balsamic vinegar (recommend MiaBella Balsamic Vinegar)

3 Tablespoons light brown sugar

2 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt

2 Tablespoons fresh chives, chopped

2 teaspoons fresh thyme, chopped

Directions

Herbed Pork Sliders

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees (F).

2. Mix together dark brown sugar, dijon mustard, chopped thyme leaves and chopped rosemary until a paste forms. Set aside.

3. Rub pork tenderloins first with 1 Tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, sprinkle salt and pepper evenly on all sides. Then Rub sugar/herb paste over pork tenderloins.

4. Heat 2 Tablespoons of extra-virgin oil in a large skillet. Add pork and brown on all four sides (approximately 5-6 minutes). Place browned tenderloins on a wire rack lined jelly roll pan.

5. Bake pork tenderloins for approximately 20 minutes or until a meat thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the meat reaches 155 degrees (F).

6. Remove pork from oven and allow to rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing.

7. Spread mayonnaise on one side of the roll and bacon onion jam on the other. Add 2-3 slices of pork tenderloin to the slider. Serve immediately.

Notes: Sliders can be served with warm or cooled to room temperature pork. Pork tenderloin can be made the day before serving.

Bacon Onion Jam

1. In a medium-large skillet, cook bacon on low heat until crisp (approximately 10-12 minutes). Place cooked bacon on a paper towel lined dish allow to cool. Chop once cooled. Reserve drippings.

2. Add butter to drippings, increase heat to medium and add onions. Sauté until tender (approximately 10-12 minutes).

3. Add shallots, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, and kosher salt. Stirring constantly cook for approximately 1-2 minutes or until sugar dissolves.

4. Reduce heat to low and continue cooking, stirring occasionally for approximately 25-35 minutes or until onions are very tender and the mixture has a jammy consistency. Note: If you want the onions to caramelize further, continue cooking for up to 45 minutes.

5. Remove from heat, stir in chives, thyme and chopped bacon. Cool completely.

6. Serve immediately or refrigerate in a covered container for up to a week.

Note: The Bacon Onion Jam is the perfect condiment for the Herbed Pork Sliders, but would also be the perfect compliment to a liver pate or as a topping on a grilled pizza. If serving with a pate, bring to room temperature.

Sunset views at the shoreline of Peninsula State Park.

Pair of ducks swimming at sunset.