Defining Bland.

It was a tossed vote this evening with our simple country meal of Russian Pork Chops and Potatoes in Sour Cream Sauce. Hannah couldn't help but throw it out there that she was not pleased with the flavor or lack there of that her meal provided. In fact, I'm really not sure you could say she ate the meal unless you call cottage cheese and strawberries a meal.  She picked at the pork which everyone claimed to be a bit dry.  Elie and Hannah argued over the meal. Elie didn't think it was bland at all. She liked it (except the dry pork comment...and the mushrooms). Katy didn't like the pieces of fat attached to her pork pieces. Our little culinary connoisseurs have really become quite vocal!

The meal was a solid meat and potatoes kind of meal. I forgot the steamed peas until the end so Hannah ate a bowl of peas to make up for the rest of the meal. I too thought the meal was lacking in flavor. But I do think it's largely because of the sour cream which seems to be the "paprika" of Russia. I'm not a huge fan of an ingredient that tends to mellow out the other flavors of the meal.

So we ended the meal with much debate, enjoying the fact that our family has such an opposite culinary palate. I wonder if it will change as they get older....very interesting.

The spicy part of my day was going to Katy's 2nd grade parent-teacher conference and watching her in a video on the big screen in the room. Katy presented to me her report on how she is doing in school. A worksheet she filled out and read to the camera. Simply priceless. I requested a copy from the teacher, who by the way is brilliant in capturing the true essence of your child so innocently self reflective of what they enjoy, what they excel in and what is hard about school. They also said what they would change which Katy sited, school lunches! Hmmm... is there a thematic pattern or connection to that comment? God love my baby girl who is growing up quite nicely despite our lack of over parenting. Happy Is.

Russian Pork Chops and Potatoes in Sour Cream Sauce
1⁄2 lb potato sliced 
1⁄4 teaspoon garlic powder 
1⁄4 teaspoon onion powder 
1⁄4 teaspoon pepper
1 cup mushroom , sliced 
4 center-cut pork chops 
2 to taste oil
3 tablespoons water
1/2 cup sour cream

Directions:

1. Spray skillet. Heat it over medium heat. Add potatoes and brown lightly. Set aside.

2. Season chops with powders and pepper. Put a little oil in skillet. Cook chops for one minute on each side. Drain fat if necessary.

3. Add water. Cover and cook for 10 minutes. 

4. Add potatoes and mushroom. Cook for 10 more minutes. 

5. Stir in sour cream. Heat thoroughly, but don't boil.