Tasty Temptations and Toothaches

As you know from reading my past blogs, I am struggling with some dental issues which causes pain on my jaw. This prevents me from eating all the things I love the most. I can still eat what I want but in smaller amounts and pieces. This includes rice, sweet potatoes, or potatoes. Anything soft that won’t agitate my tooth basically. Here are some healthy recipes I wish I could be eating or what I can be eating.

DISCLAIMER: Please note that I am not a registered dietitian or nutritionist. The recipes and dietary suggestions provided are based on personal experience and research. What works for me might not work for you. It's important to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or nutritionist for personalized dietary advice.

Apple Cider Pork Chops

Ingredients:

• 4 pork loin chops

• Flour

• Olive oil

• Butter (divided)

• Salt and pepper

• Finely chopped shallot

• Minced garlic

• Fresh apple cider

• A sprigs of fresh thyme

• Low-fat milk / cream

Instructions:

1. Lightly season your pork chops with flour and your favorite seasonings.

2. Airfry pork chops for 20-25 minutes on 375 degrees

3. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Once the butter has melted, add the shallots and garlic, and sauté until they are both softened and fragrant, which will take only about 30 seconds to one minute. Deglaze the skillet with the apple cider (Deglazing simply means adding liquid to a hot pan to loosen stuck bits, by the way.)

4. Add the pork chops in the pan with some Thyme and baste the pork with your sauce. Pork needs to hit 145 F internally for safety)

5. Serve with mashed sweet potatoes and garlic green beans

   Grilled Steak with Chimichurri Sauce

   Ingredients:

   • 2 (8-ounce) beef sirloin steaks

   • Salt and pepper to taste

   • 2 tablespoons olive oil

   Chimichurri Sauce:

   • 1 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

   • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped

   • 3 cloves garlic, minced

   • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

   • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

   • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

   • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

   • Salt and pepper to taste

   Instructions:

   1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

   2. Season the steaks generously with salt and pepper/ seasonings of your choice on both sides.

   3. Drizzle the steaks with olive oil and rub it into the meat.

   4. Place the steaks on the preheated grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or adjust the cooking time according to your desired doneness.

   5. While the steaks are grilling, prepare the chimichurri sauce. In a small bowl, combine the chopped parsley, cilantro, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.

   6. Once the steaks are cooked to your liking, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes.

   7. Slice the steaks against the grain and serve with a generous drizzle of chimichurri sauce on top.

   8. Enjoy your grilled steak with chimichurri sauce alongside your favorite side dishes like roasted vegetables or a green salad.

   Baked Salmon with Lemon and Dill

   Ingredients:

   • 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)

   • Salt and pepper to taste

   • 2 tablespoons olive oil

   • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

   • Zest of 1 lemon

   • 2 cloves garlic, minced

   • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped

   • Lemon slices for garnish (optional)

   • Fresh dill sprigs for garnish (optional)

   Instructions:

   1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.

   2. Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet and season them with salt and pepper on both sides.

   3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, and chopped dill.

   4. Pour the lemon and dill mixture over the salmon fillets, making sure to coat them evenly.

   5. If desired, garnish each salmon fillet with a slice of lemon and a sprig of fresh dill.

   6. Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.

   7. Once cooked, remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

   8. Serve the baked salmon with your favorite side dishes such as steamed vegetables, quinoa, or a green salad.