Real Simple

Real Simple is my new favorite magazine! One of my favorite parts is that it has great recipes that aren't that hard to make.

Paprika Spiced Pork Chops with Spinach Saute

Ingredients
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 4 bone-in pork rib chops (about 1 inch thick; 2 pounds total)
* 1 teaspoon paprika
* kosher salt and black pepper
* 4 scallions, sliced
* 1/4 cup golden raisins
* 1 10-ounce package spinach (about 16 loosely packed cups)
* 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Directions
1. Heat oven to 400° F. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the pork with the paprika, 1⁄2 teaspoon salt, and 1⁄4 teaspoon pepper and cook until browned, 2 to 3 minutes per side.
2. Transfer the pork to a baking sheet and roast in oven until cooked through, 10 to 12 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, return the skillet to medium heat, add the scallions and raisins, and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds. Add the spinach and 1⁄4 teaspoon each salt and pepper and cook, tossing, until just wilted, 1 to 2 minutes; stir in the lemon juice. Serve with the pork.

Steak With Potato Salad and Blue Cheese Vinaigrette

Ingredients
* 1 pound small red potatoes (about 12)
* kosher salt and black pepper
* 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 4 small steaks (such as Newport, flat iron, or top round; 1 1/2 pounds total)
* 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (about 1 ounce)
* 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
* 1 small head Boston lettuce, torn (about 4 cups)
Directions
1. Place the potatoes in a large pot and add enough cold water to cover. Bring to a boil and add 2 teaspoons salt. Reduce heat and simmer until tender, 14 to 16 minutes. Drain, run under cold water to cool, and using a fork or your fingers, break the potatoes in half.
2. Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the steaks with 1 teaspoon salt and 3⁄4 teaspoon pepper and cook to the desired doneness, 4 to 5 minutes per side for medium-rare.
3. In a large bowl, combine the blue cheese, vinegar, the remaining 1⁄4 cup of oil, 1⁄2 teaspoon salt, and 1⁄4 teaspoon pepper. Add the lettuce and potatoes and toss to coat. Serve with the steaks.

Snickerdoodles

These aren't from Real Simple, they're actually from my Betty Crocker Cookbook. Mom and I used to make these all the time, but I think that we called them rolly pollies (right mom?). I wanted to make cookies tonight but didn't have chocolate chips to make chocolate chip cookies or oatmeal to make no bake cookies (my two fall backs), so I made these instead. YUM!
Ingredients
*1 1/2 cups sugar
*1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
*1/2 cup shortening
*2 large eggs
*2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
*2 teaspoons cream of tartar
*1 teaspoon baking soda
*1/4 teaspoon salt
*1/4 Cup sugar
*2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Directions
1. Heat oven to 400 F
2.In large bowl, beat 1 1/2 cups sugar, the butter, shortening and eggs with electric mixer on medium speed or mix with spoon. Stir in flour, cream of tartar, baking soda and salt.
3. Shape dough into 1 1/4-inch balls. In small bowl, mix 1/4 cup sugar and the cinnamon. Roll balls in cinnamon-sugar mixture. On ungreased cookie sheet, place balls 2 inches apart.
4. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until set. Immediately remove from cookie sheet to wire rack.

On a random note, our puppies each have their own beds which they will hopefully one day learn to sleep on : ) Until then, they at least know which one belongs to them.