Beef tenderloin

This has by far been a Whitaker favorite as of late. We love Wincos beef tenderloin steaks smothered in Pappys garlic rub and grill them ALL the time. When they stopped cutting them into steaks we got really sad but discovered that if we buy a full loin (costs about $30) and cut them up we can get about 6-8 steaks out of them. YUM! 

Well we had a loin in our fridge and my in laws wanted us to do dinner so we decided we would try something a little different with the tenderloin and boy am I sure glad we did. This recipe is mouthwatering and so easy! I have never been big on recipe following or measurements but will try and give you an idea below:

Peppered Beef Tenderloin

I tenderloin of beef

1 stick of butter-2-4 tbsp for searing; 2-4 for baking

3 tablespoons of salt

1/4 cup of black pepper

Take your tenderloin and remove as much fat as possible. After fat is removed, coat the tenderloin generously with freshly ground sea salt on both sides. After salted, take black pepper and COAT (you cannot put too much pepper on this I promise) the tenderloin until covered. 

Now that your tenderloin is seasoned its time to sear it. The loin we buy is long and sometimes uneven so we usually cut it in half and sear the pieces of loin separately. I take about a tablespoon of butter and melt it in the pan and then sear both sides of the tenderloin half for 1-2 minutes until it starts to char or butter is gone. Once seared I simply throw it into a cake pan (I like using my 13 x 9 glass one but nearly anything will do) and put some slices of butter on top. There is no wrong way to do it so I typically put more than I should. 

Once you have it prepped and in the pan you just stick it in the over at 425 degrees for about 30 minutes or until it reaches your desired doneness. I use a meat thermometer and cook it till its about 150 degrees. You can flip it mid way or even add more butter but its not a necessary step. And you've done it! 

I usually serve it with asparagus and creamy mashed potatoes and I am telling you its to die for! Let me know if you try it and what you think in the comments! Nom nom!

Michelle in the making

I cannot believe that 2014 is almost over. Where did this year go? I have felt this nag for the last couple of weeks to blog and with the holidays and family here I just ignored but with my hubby and brother watching Lord of the Rings (again) I am going for it. I was just looking at my first blog post in 2013 and all of my resolutions and I am not going to lie...I am pretty embarrassed. I spent a good portion of time earlier tonight putting stuff in my new passion planner (which is absolutely friggin awesome btw, you need one you won't regret it, I promise!) and had written down some of my 2015 new year resolutions and I am sad to say many of them of are repeats from not just last year but the year before! YIKES! Gut check.

So despite my embarrassment and shame I sit here and type out some of the lofty goals I have for 2015 in hopes it will hold me accountable! Typically I make goals like reading a specific book or getting in shape but this year although those are still my goals I want to measure it on growth. I want to gain a greater testimony of the gospel and become closer to my Father in Heaven. I want to work on my emotional management and build stronger relationships. I want to make new friends and be a positive influence on all I come in contact with. I want to be a woman of word and follow through on all my endeavors and promises with vigor and integrity. I want to have a happy and fulfilled marriage and work everyday to selflessly serve my husband. I want to treat my body the way it deserves by eating right, exercising, getting adequate sleep and drinking lots of water (or anything other than JUST dr pepper). I want to maintain a clutter free, stress free, less mess home where others feel welcome always. I want to work hard and contribute to the well being of my family both present and future. And I REALLY want to expand our family a struggle we have been having for the last couple of years. But most importantly I want to relish  the little moments that 2015 will undoubtable bring and to not let the pains and trials that will likely come overshadow the joy and miracles that are sure to surprise me. 

I am SO excited for 2015 and just doing. Life is so short and I want to remember every real minute!