Where Was Your First?

Holy Cannoli Batman! That was fun. Da Bears were Monsters both on defense and offense. I don't remember the last time the Bears scored 41 points. Even the announcers were getting giddy about this team.

If you missed the game don't think they were playing a "got nothing" team. While the Colts Quarterback is a rookie, he has some real talent. And Reggie Wayne - ForGetAboutIt! He totally rocks. However, Cutler looks great and has an entire stable of receivers to choose from. 

The only downside from today's game is Peanut's injury. Still waiting to hear what the problem/prognosis is and hoping he'll be back soon.

So, back to the winning recipe and the title of this blog post. Apparently Breaded Pork Tenderloin was invented in Indiana. I have to admit it is one of my secret pleasures. I first had one at the Dog and Suds that was my first job. Yes, I was a CarHop Extraordinaire! It wasn't the root beer, onion rings or shakes that grabbed me. It was the Pork Tenderloin with lots of pickle and ketchup. I've never made a Breaded Pork Tenderloin from scratch so this was an adventure. Much like today's outing for Andrew Luck. The Colt's QB threw his first professional football regular season touchdown pass late in today's game.

Here you go foodie/Bears fans. This recipe came from AllRecipes.com - one of my favorites. Enjoy the adventure.

Traditional Indiana Breaded Tenderloin Sandwich

Ingredients:

4 (4 ounce) slices of pork tenderloin, cut across the grain
1 egg, beaten
2 tablespoons milk
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon seasoned salt
1/4 teaspoon dried marjoram
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
 1 1/2 cups bread crumbs
1/2 cup peanut oil for frying

Sandwich Choices:

4 Kaiser rolls, split
4 teaspoons mayonnaise, or as needed (optional)
4 teaspoons ketchup, or as needed (optional)
4 teaspoons prepared yellow mustard, or as needed (optional)
4 leaves lettuce (optional)
4 slices tomato (optional)
4 slices onion (optional)
4 slices pickle, for garnish (optional)

Directions:

1.   Place each slice of pork tenderloin between two pieces of sturdy plastic (such as a cut-up large plastic freezer bag), and flatten the cutlet until it's about 1/4 inch thick, and about 3 1/2 by 5 inches in size.
2.   Beat the eggs and milk together in a shallow bowl, and whisk in the garlic powder, onion powder, seasoned salt, marjoram, oregano, salt, and pepper until the spices are well blended into the mixture. Place the bread crumbs in a shallow bowl.
3.   Dip each flattened cutlet into the seasoned milk-egg mixture and then into the bread crumbs, thoroughly coating the cutlets with crumbs. Set the breaded cutlets aside on a piece of parchment or waxed paper; do not stack.
4.   Heat the oil in a large skillet until the oil is shimmering. Gently lower the cutlets, one at a time, into the hot oil, and fry until golden brown on each side, about 8 minutes per cutlet. Drain the cutlets on paper towels.
5.   Preheat oven broiler, and set the oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source.
Spread the Kaiser rolls open with the cut sides up, and broil until the rolls are toasted and hot, about 1 minute. Top each roll with a fried cutlet (hopefully the sides of the meat will hang out of the roll by at least an inch on each side); top each cutlet with choice of mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, lettuce, tomato, onion, and a pickle slice, if desired.

Uncle Jim Asked

Glad you asked.

The regular season begins this Sunday at Noon in Soldier Field. The opponent is the Indianapolis Colts led by Andrew Luck. So what do you football / foodie fans think is the perfect menu choice to beat the Colts and Andrew Luck?

Here's what we know about him. He was born into a football family in  Washington DC. Lived in England, Germany and Texas before choosing Stanford - coached by former Bears QB Jim Harbaugh - as his college home.

Here's what we know about Indiana - Corn, Corn, Sweets and more Corn.

Brian Urlacher will be on the field. The dynamic duo of Cutler and Marshall will be at the ready. Robbie Gould is always Golden. Matt Forte has a contract - Yes!! Peanut (who loves banana bread) will be ready. Let's do them proud!

Bear Down, Chicago Bears ....

Those Teddy Bears Have Teeth!

The Lions played Elvis Presley's "Teddy Bear" as the Bears took the field. I guarantee you, Lions fans, those Bears have teeth and some amazingly faithful friends who helped fill Ford Field.

Both the Lions and the Bears brought it. It was a good game and almost a record day for Hester. Next week at Soldier Field against the Patriots may be the day but whenever it happens I Guarantee I'll be joining all Bears fans in a Standing Ovation, Shouting from the Rooftops and whispering a not so quiet Thank You for Devon's talent and spirit.

I learned from Larry Mayer's blog that Ford Field has some of the worst food in the press box. I have to say I didn't especially enjoy today's Coney Dogs. I prefer Chili Dogs because they have more bite. Did I mention Da Bears have teeth? I had some chips and onion dip on the side but I put away that away after the first half when it obviously was not helping. I switched to Mike Ditka Hall of Fame Salsa and Chips.

For those of you who like Coney Dogs, here's what I used for today's Winning Recipe:

Ingredients:

1/4 LB Hamburger

1/2 onion chopped

1 can Hot Dog Chili Sauce

Chili Powder

2 TB Mike Ditka Hall of Fame Salsa

Salt and Pepper to taste

Nathan's Hot Dogs

Hot Dog Buns

Directions:

1. Brown hamburger and onion, drain

2. Add Spices, Salsa and Chili Sauce, heat

3. Cook hot dogs under the broiler

4. Top with Coney Island Sauce

5. Win!

Now it's off to put together a babydoll stroller. Where's Peanut Tillman? I need his help.