The Guys' Favorite Pork Tenderloin (Lori and Martha's too)

Gringa Cuban Sandwiches

Ravioli Soup

Tuscan Bread Soup

Shredded Chicken Chili Verde

Black Bean Soup

I was debating what to cook for the crew at work and one of my friends suggested Black Bean Soup. "Yeah, great," I thought, "Of course, I love Black Bean Soup." So I bought a bunch of beans and broth and then quickly realized I really had no idea how to do this. Should I puree? Leave the beans whole? Add meat? Here's what happened...I sauteed some onion, garlic, carrot and celery, then I added a can of diced tomatoes with green chiles. Next a few cups of broth and one can black beans. I used a hand blender to mash up all these veggies and beans. Last I added a can of whole beans. Add more broth if you like it soupier, no more if you like it thicker. For spices I used a little dried oregano and then some fresh cilantro on the side to be added if you like. Salt and pepper too (more salt than I expected so keep tasting it).

Macaroni and Cheese for Dorothy

Dorothy loves to eat (if she didn't I would probably hold her down and feed her butter to fatten her up). I am very grateful for this fact. It let's me make up baby food recipes and try things on her. She is CRAZY for cheese these days. And when I say CRAZY I mean it, she can eat a handful of shredded cheese before I've put the pouch back in the fridge. I wanted to make her Macaroni and Cheese but a little more healthy so I decided to load it up with every one's favorite-TOFU! Babies kind of don't mind it but there are plenty of adults that think it's horrid. I have to say I love tofu but it needs lots of flavors covering up the wall paper paste taste. This tofu/cheese/pasta concoction turned out amazing and I'm going to try to make an adult version that Tim and I can have and then just cut it up for Dot. For now here's the baby version for all you baby cooks out there!

Dot's Mac and Cheese

1/3 lb. firm *organic tofu

1/4 lb. multi-grain or whole wheat pasta (I used angel hair)

1/4-1/3 cup shredded *organic mild cheddar

1/2 c. broccoli florets-*organic fresh or frozen (or more if your kid likes it)

1/3 c. pasta water (reserve before draining pasta)

1/2 tbsp. butter

sprinkle of garlic powder

sprinkle of white pepper (could use black)

I brought a pot of water to a boil (no salt for baby, but I usually would for me), and added the broccoli and angel hair. In a mini food processor I combined the tofu, garlic powder, white pepper, and pulsed until kind of smooth. I added about 2 tablespoons pasta water and pulsed again, now it should be real smooth. When the pasta and broccoli are soft, drain them and add to processor with the tofu and the butter. Pulse a few times to break up everything but not into a paste (Dorothy is 9+ months, if your kid is younger pulse longer for a smoother consistency). Transfer everything to a bowl and add the shredded cheese and stir together.

*I purposely labeled the organic things I used so I could feel superior and like I got my money's worth, you do not need to use organic to make this sucessful, but it's nice

Our Dot

So let's not kid ourselves. I haven't updated this site since 2007. Here's what has gone on:

• We returned from Denver and immediately got to work trying to make money and do more shows

• Found out we were pregnant.
• Morning sickness and exhaustion made cooking a low priority
• Pregnancy went along well and the baby even holds out a few extra weeks arriving about 13 days late
• Dorothy Frances arrived on October 7, 2007
• Breastfeeding and exhaustion made cooking a low priority
• Dorothy proved to be a dream baby, she sleeps, eats and laughs
• I realize I'm the luckiest mom in the world and it's time to get back to cooking.

So here I go. More posts to come and be sure to check out Dorothy's own site Dot Tales.