Braided Pork Loin, Mediterranean tomato bites, and twice baked potatoes

Three recipes, one dinner. I was really quite happy with the results of this dinner.


Braided Pork Loin


1 pork loin
1/2 c. Italian dressing
3 Tbsp soy sauce
1 Tbsp Worcestershire
(these are estimates as I just dump in what looks good to me)


Cut pork loin in half length wise (hot dog style). Then take one half and leaving about 1/2" at the top cut into thirds. You need to top connected so you can braid it. Braid and hold together at the bottom with a toothpick. Repeat with other half. Place in zip top bag along with other ingredients. Marinade for about an hour. Cook on grill on medium until done (I don't have a time on this. It didn't take all that long though)




Mediterranean tomato bites


1 pkg puff pastry
1 1/2 c. gouda cheese (6 oz)
6 plum tomatoes cut into 1/4" slices
1/4 c. pitted ripe olives, coarsly chopped
1 cup crumbled feta cheese
fresh basil finely chopped


Unfold puff pastry; cut each sheet into 16 squares. Transfer squares to greased baking sheets. Sprinkle with Gouda cheese; top with tomatoes, olives and feta cheese.
Bake at 400° for 14-18 minutes or until golden brown; sprinkle with herbs. Serve warm or at room temperature. Yield: 32 appetizers.


(I totally didn't make this many. I used one sheet at a time and only cut it into 9 squares and used baby beef tomatoes. Still really good and a wonderful side dish.)




Twice baked potatoes


4 medium baking potatoes
1/4 c. butter or margarine
1 c. sour cream
1 c. shredded cheddar cheese
4 bacon strips cooked and crumbled
3-4 green onions chopped


Bake potatoes at 400° for 1 hour or until tender. Cool slightly. Reduce heat to 350°.
Cut each potato in half lengthwise. Scoop out pulp, leaving a thin shell. In a large bowl, mash the pulp with butter. Stir in the sour cream, cheese, bacon and onions. Spoon or pipe into potato shells.
Place on a baking sheet. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until heated through. Yield: 8 servings.