New Food

So it hasn't been as hard as I thought to try new recipes. I have always wanted to, but it is hard when you have babies to cook. So I got into the rut of Spaghetti, Meatloaf, Goulash, Baked Chicken, Baked Pork Chops, Pot Roast, Tuna Helper. Repeat. They are quick and easy with not a lot of ingredients. They are always accompanied with a veggie and a starch. Unfortunately my kids got used to these dinners. So it has been discouraging, after every time they try it, I get,"Blech, I don't like it". Or, "Can I spit it out?". Really? It is not brains or sweetbreads for crying out loud! It is French Dip! That was one of my favorites as a kid. Geez. So, I have made Pork Tenderloin with Roasted Vegetables, Curry Chicken, Bruschetta, Beef & Barley Stew, Chicken & Dumplings, Breakfast Casserole,(I have made that before, just long ago), Potato Soup, Chicken Pot Pie, and Blueberry Muffins. Last month I made Alton Brown's Peppermint Chocolate Pinwheel cookies and his Pumpkin Bread. Among other sweets. So tonight it is Baked Pork Chops in W-sauce, Dijon Mustard and Old Bay with steamed Broccoli and Jumbo Shells stuff with cheesy mashed potatoes. I had to pick through the shells to find ones intact, and it ended up being just enough. Also, that box of jumbo shells has been in my pantry for awhile,(bought them after my last attempt of trying new recipes). They turned out very yummy and the kids liked them, so success! I don't even mind doing the dishes afterward. Oh, and gotta love my pink countertops circa 1957 with the flecks. Next Split Pea Soup. So I am on my way, and loving it!