Oven Roasted Pork Loin with Cheesy Risotto

Balancing working with taking care of the house and being a new mom has been extremely challenging.  I love my job, I love keeping house, and I love my daughter, but sometimes I feel stretched pretty thin.  One thing that always brings me back is cooking.  At Aldi yesterday, there was a huge meat sale! I stocked up on chicken, beef, and pork.

 

I decided to actually cook a meal last night for dinner.  Something I haven't been able to do for a while.  We've had a lot of "easy freezer food" or take out. I missed cooking.  I decided to try out the pork loin.  I have never made one before, but it didn't seem too difficult.

 

I seasoned the meat with seasoned salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.

Then I browned it on the stove to seal in the juices and give it some color.

I baked the loin at 350 degrees for 25 minutes.  It came out perfect and juicy and delicious!

 

 

 

For a side dish, I made a very simple cheese risotto (adapted from an Emeril Lagasse recipe).

 I brought 2 cups of chicken stock to a boil and added my rice. Let it simmer until it startes to look creamy and bubbly.  I seasoned it with garlic and onion powder.  Add 1 tbs butter, a splash of milk, and a big handful of shredded parmesan cheese.Cook until the liquid is absorbed, and the rice will be cheesy and creamy.

 

After I finished cooking it, I fixed a plate for my husband to eat while I played with Parker.  It was getting close to her bed time, and she was starting to get a little fussy.  After he ate, we gave her her bath, which we always do as part of her bedtime routine.  I figured I'd just eat afterwards... 

I filled her bathtub and put her in it. She splashed and played... and pooped.  
I drained the water, washed out the tub, refilled the tub, and put her back in. She splashed and played... and pooped.
I drained the water, washed out the tub, and gave up. We cleaned her up with baby wipes and called it good enough.

I finally got to eat this for lunch today =)