Delicious Pork Chops

I love Bzz Agent! I was selected for the Pork be Inspired campaign.  I have had difficulty cooking pork in the past and was very excited to work on my skills.  Bzz Agents sent me some great coupons, a meat thermometer, baster and some delicious recipe ideas and tips.  This is the Hawaiian Marinade recipe.  These were by far the best and juiciest pork chops I've ever made.  I was really sad when my husband took the leftovers to work.

Grilled Bone-in Pork Chops with Hawaiian Marinade Recipe
- 4 bone-in pork loin chops, cut 3/4" thick
- 2 cans (6oz each) unsweetened pineapple juice
- 3 scallions, white parts sliced into thin rounds
- 3 tbsp. peeled and minced ginger
- 3 tbsp. reduced -sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp. Asian dark sesame oil
- 2 tbsp. light brown sugar
- 3/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp. coarse salt

Directions
Mix pineapple juice, white parts of scallions, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, pepper and salt in large, resealable bag.  Add chops, seal bag and refrigerate for 2 to 10 hours.  Remove chops from marinade and pat off excess marinade with paper towels.  Discard remaining marinade.

Prepare a medium-hot fire in grill.  Brush grill grate clean and lightly oil grate.  Grill chops directly over heat, 8 to 10 minutes, turning once, until internal temperature on a thermometer reads 145F, followed by a 3 minute rest.

I put ours in the oven since it was cold out.  I was really excited to try out the meat thermometer.  I'm always nervous when I cook meat, so it usually ends up over done and dried out.  However checking the temperature helped me get them just right.  I also didn't pat them dry since I was cooking them on a baking sheet with sides.  I was short on time so mine only marinated for 2 hours.  I still can't believe how great they turned out!  I have a couple of coupons left, so let me know if you'd like one.

After you sign up for Bzz Agent be sure to check out Pork be Inspired for more ideas.

My Avocado House Party

I was picked by House Party to host the Avocados from Mexico Amazing Holiday House Party.  It was a blast!  We tried some really fun recipes.  Above is a picture of me with the avocado cupcakes.  I had no idea you could put avocados in cupcakes in place of some of the other fat like oil.  My daughter couldn't get enough of them, and I didn't feel bad letting her eat them.  We also had an Avocado Crostini which was amazing, and meatballs with monster sauce. 

For hosting the party I received a $15 gift card to buy ingredients as well as a fun recipe / idea book.  My guests received reusable shopping bags and avocado tips.  House Party also gave me recipe ideas to use for my party.  I love House Party!  If you haven't checked them out you should sign up now House Party.  They always have tons of great parties to apply for, and send fun hostess packs.