Let me introduce you to my secret: Silhouette Graphic, my side project and baby. A web/graphic design business for small businesses and bloggers.

A few posts ago, I mentioned that I had something in the works that I had been holding out on telling you. Really, that was only partially true. Some people already knew, while other's had no idea, but thanks to a little nudge from Chef Dennisa while back and some changes, I decided it was time to let the cat out of the bag.

I have been designing web sites for 4 or 5 years now but never really perused it as a career path. Recently some things have changed and I have been taking on more clients and am excited to continue to grow.With more and more emails rolling in, I figured it was about darned time to make some things official. I ripped apart my old portfolio site and gussied her up just for you.

As a food blogger, I know how hard it can be to create a blog that showcases your personality while highlighting your posts in a way that pleases both your sassy inner diva and public personality. Also, I am well aware of how frustrating the internet can be some days.  (Especially if you are moving from one platform to another.) Finding a person  I'm here to help and look forward to it!

Recent projects include Messy Baker Blog, Little Ferarro Kitchen, and Chefs Haven. A longer list is available on my site, under the  

Now, on to the food!

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Pork Tenderloin French Dips

Rachael Ray Magazine May 2011

Ingredients

  • 1 14-16oz pork tenderloin
  • Olive Oil, for drizzling
  • Salt and pepper
  • Montreal steak seasoning
  • 1 32oz can chicken stock
  • 1 small orange, zested and sliced
  • 1 carrot, coarsely chopped
  • 2 large shallots, coarsely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 2 bay leaves
  • A drizzle honey
  • A few peppercorns
  • A few sprigs thyme, finely chopped
  • 2 small sprigs rosemary, finely chopped
  • A small handful flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
  • 4 hoagie rolls, split

Preparation:

Preheat the oven to the 475 and let sit for 30 minutes before cooking pork.

Rub the pork with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and Montreal steak seasoning. Place pork in a roasting pan and put in the oven. Reduce heat to 425 immediately and bake for 25 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a saucepan, combine the stock, orange slices, carrot, shallots, garlic, bay leaves, honey, and peppercorns. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes. Strain the stock and set aside.

In a small dish, combine the orange zest, thyme, rosemary, and parsley.

Let the pork rest 10 minutes before slicing thinly at an angle. Dip pork in stock and layer them on rolls. Sprinkle each with the orange zest mixture, and serve with remaining stock.

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I served this with cauliflower gratin as we have been addicted to cauliflower lately.

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Cauliflower Gratin

from FoodNetwork.com

Ingredients:

  • 1 head cauliflower
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • ½ teas dry mustard
  • 1 teas salt
  • 1 cup shredded gruyere
  • ⅓ cup breadcrumbs

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Chop cauliflower into bite sized pieces and arrange in a 2-quart baking dish. Set aside.

Whisk together cream, mustard, and salt. Pour over cauliflower. Sprinkle with cheese and top with breadcrumbs.

Bake about 45 minutes or until cauliflower is tender. If cauliflower is browning too quickly, cover with aluminum foil.

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Nothing has happened to my day job. I am still the ever loving manager of Captain Blue Hen Comics and as far as I see it, always will be. However, one of the luxuries of my job is having a boss who understands I need to pay the bills, is being able to work on side projects.

So please,go check things out and feel free to contact me if you ever have any questions are in the market for a new blog design!

 

18 Comments

  1. Wow, congrats on the new exciting project 🙂 I'll check out the websites you designed. They looked really amazing 🙂
    The French dips..says no more... it's yum!

  2. Belinda @zomppa says:

    Congratulations!!! What CAN'T you do? How about we talk it over this sandwich?

  3. Rachel Cooks says:

    Congrats on the new project, how exciting! The sites all look great! And the French dip looks amazing!

  4. Katrina @ In Katrina's Kitchen says:

    Kita I am just so excited that you made this announcement. You are a rock star. Thank you fir helping me when my blog was broken. It was a tiny detail but I panicked. You totally fixed it and calmed me down 🙂 Truly you are so skilled in many things. I'm happy to call you my friend.

  5. Anita at Hungry Couple says:

    Congrats on your new venture and best of luck!

  6. Rachel @ Baked by Rachel says:

    I learn new things everyday! I had no idea you did web design in addition to your other technical abilities!

  7. The Mom Chef ~ Taking on Magazines One Recipe at a Time says:

    You already know that I think your work is amazing. Chef was right to nudge you forward. You're awesome.

    The French dip look delicious and I love the thought of swapping out the beef for some nice, tender pork.

  8. Jessica | Oh Cake says:

    You're certainly popular with members at Food Bloggers Network. I think 3 or 4 of our members' blogs have been redesigned by you. 🙂

  9. Stephanie says:

    Good luck on your new endeavors! I'll be sure to send people your way. =)

  10. Janet@FCTC says:

    Congrats on going further with this! That's awesome. When ever I can afford a new blog design (I'd love one but not in the financial future) I will be looking in your direction.

    In the meantime however, I really really want that sandwich!

  11. Stephanie @ Eat. Drink. Love. says:

    I'm so glad you are able to further your design business! You certainly have the talent for it!

    I loooooove french dip sandwiches! These look delish!

  12. Magic of Spice says:

    Congratulations once again...it looks fantastic!
    Oh, and so does the food 😉

  13. Kim - Liv Life says:

    Congratulations!!! If I ever get enough nerve to spruce things up, you will be my first call!! I'm so busy right now I can't even imagine thinking of doing anything except posting on occasion.
    LOVE, LOVE, LOVE that cauliflower dish! Liv adores cauliflower... she calls it part of her veggie rainbow, and while I don't really see white as part of the rainbow, I'm good with that. And as always, you photos are simply stunning!
    Site looks fabulous!!

  14. RavieNomNoms says:

    That looks wicked good! I love pork on sandwiches, probably more than any other meat. That cauliflower dish looks so great too! My dad and I would be all over that like white on cauliflower...ok, so I'm a dork haha

    This website looks awesome...I should totally have you help me spruce things up on my page. You have such a nice eye for it!

  15. jean @ lemons and anchovies says:

    Congrats on the pursuit, Kita! I have a lot of confidence you'll do well. 🙂

  16. Hmm, I am looking for a way to let out my sassy inner diva... good luck with the continuous growth! Regarding the food, I haven't had a french dip sandwich in what seems like forever! Consider me inspired!

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