If you're a frequent visitor here on the blog, perhaps you know by now that my youngest daughter, Cherlin shows so much interest in cooking. I've mentioned in a number of posts how much she loves helping me in the kitchen. She has been like that since she was about 3 yrs old. She started with the simple task of passing the ingredients or utensils to me and gradually worked her way up to measuring, stirring, mixing, cracking eggs, rolling the dough, putting salt and other spices in the pan, and chopping vegetables. Every time she's in the kitchen with me, I can see that cooking is really something she loves doing and I can say that even at her young age, she has the passion for it. She even promised me that she'll continue this blog when I'm already too old to do it. A little funny to hear...but honestly, I am so proud to know that we share the same passion.
Two weeks ago, I was with her in their school book fair, and to my surprise, she bought a cookbook! I've seen how much she loves browsing through the pages of my cookbooks and I know that she has always been fascinated with them especially ones with lot of pictures, but I never expected her wanting to buy one at her age. She simply said she wants a cookbook that she can call her own. Who am I to say no? I was so proud and excited to see signs of a future chef in her that I took this photo and posted it on Facebook with the caption: "Look at that cookbook Cherlin bought at their school book fair. I guess that shows how much cooking interests her." :)
When we got home, she started reading her new Taste of Home Kid-Approved Cookbook and 3 days after, she asked me if she could try one of the recipes in there. Of course, I said YES with a big smile on my face! And then, a surprising follow-up question came when she asked "can you post about me cooking on your blog?" With no second thoughts, I gave her another YES...and that made her so happy! She immediately checked the pantry and the refrigerator to know if we have all the ingredients. Well, we did, except for the pork loin chops. As expected, she insisted that we buy it at that very instant. Being the supportive mom that I am, we went to the nearest supermarket and both some pork chops. And as soon as we got home, she put on her apron and started working in the kitchen. I've never seen her that enthusiastic before. So this time, I let her do the cooking all by herself (with my supervision of course)...from squeezing the lemons...
Two weeks ago, I was with her in their school book fair, and to my surprise, she bought a cookbook! I've seen how much she loves browsing through the pages of my cookbooks and I know that she has always been fascinated with them especially ones with lot of pictures, but I never expected her wanting to buy one at her age. She simply said she wants a cookbook that she can call her own. Who am I to say no? I was so proud and excited to see signs of a future chef in her that I took this photo and posted it on Facebook with the caption: "Look at that cookbook Cherlin bought at their school book fair. I guess that shows how much cooking interests her." :)
...to chopping the garlic...
Now, she's even more helpful and she seems more confident in the kitchen...and guess what, she has already picked which recipe to try next! I guess you will be seeing more of her in the days to come...and I hope you'll bear with her in her cooking adventures! ;)
Well, for now, enjoy this Honey-Soy Pork Chops that's so easy to prepare (so easy that an 8-year-old did it by herself with very little help from her Mom) yet so great tasting!
Ingredients:
Recipe from: Taste of Home Kid-Approved Cookbook
Serves 6
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 Tbsp reduced-sodium soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp unsweetened apple juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 boneless pork loin chops (4 ounces each)
1. In a small bowl, combine lemon juice, honey, soy sauce, apple juice and garlic. Pour 1/2 cup into a resealable plastic bag. Add pork chops. Seal bag and turn to coat. Refrigerate for 2-3 hours. Cover and refrigerate remaining marinade for basting.
2. Drain and discard marinade. Moisten a paper towel with cooking oil. Using long-handled tongs, lightly coat the grill rack. Grill pork, covered, over medium heat or broil 4-5 in. over the heat for 4-5 minutes on each side or until a thermometer reads 145°, basting frequently with remaining marinade. Let meat stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Note: Cherlin followed the exact recipe in the cookbook except that she added another clove of garlic and she used 6 pcs. of pork chops instead of just 4. The amount of marinade was just enough for 6 pcs.
