Hello everyone! I sure miss you! I know I have been a horrible friend and not keeping you posted on my happenings. Tonight I find myself relaxing after a busy weekend, watching the Tooth Fairy (which is so funny) and tested out a new recipe on this 1/11/11 (how ironic). The last time I posted I gave you an insight on my resolutions. Over the past 11 days, many things have happened.

We are still transition in our home. The hardest part about moving homes is packing and then finding a place for it. Plus, it doesn't help that we have accumulated a lot of stuff over time. Really, do you think I need to keep my stuff from freshman year of college? Honestly I don't remember that far back!

One thing I'm excited to mention is I participated in my first AgChat Twitter conversation last week. It was amazing to be connected through social media sharing ideas. There were people from from the south, east, west and north like into Canada. We discussed what 2011 looks like for agriculture. There were so many great questions and comments. For being a newbie, I was timid to be part of this wonderful thing; however, I was not nervous to share some of my suggestions. I missed tonight's topic due to my relaxation but hope to be back next week!

My other great news is I'm several days from starting a new journey. I will be signing up to be a Thirty-One Gifts consultant on Saturday. I'm looking forward to putting myself out there and meeting some wonderful women from the area. I have started a Facebook fan page-Thirty-One Gifts by Sara Thissen. Make sure you stop by frequently to see monthly specials, parties, and deals. There will be more once Saturday arrives. I thank you for all those that are supporting me in this new journey!

Well enough with my blabbing, I have a new recipe to share. It comes from our favorite magazine, The Food Network. Imagine that! My mom calls Dustin and I the Paula Deen & Alton Brown in our family. We love the magazine and shows. We try our best to replicate their recipes that they share. So here is our take on one!

Recipe: Sweet & Sour Pork
Ingredients:
1 lb. pork tenderloin, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
2 1/2 Tbs balsamic vinegar
Kosher salt
2 tsp low-sodium soy sauce
1 Tbs cornstarch
3 Tbs ketchup
3 Tbs sugar plus a pinch
3 Tbs peanut or vegetable oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, thinly sliced
3 scallions, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
3 cups snow peas, cut into 1/2
Directions:
1. Toss the pork with 1/2 tablespoon vinegar and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Mix the remaining 2 tablespoons vinegar, soy sauce, cornstarch, ketchup, 3 tablespoons sugar, 1/3 cup water and 1/2 teaspoon salt in another bowl.
2. Heat 2 tablespoons peanut oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the pork and slowly stir until it turns mostly opaque, about 2 minutes. Remove the pork with a slotted spoon and transfer to a plate. Discard the oil and wipe out the skillet.
3. Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon peanut oil in the skillet, then stir-fry the garlic with a pinch each of salt and sugar, 15 seconds. Add the carrots and scallions and stir-fry until crisp-tender, 2 minutes. (Add a little water if the garlic starts to stick to the skillet.) Add the pork, snow peas and soy sauce mixture; stir until the pork is cooked through the sauce is thickened, about 3 minutes.
Our idea to complete this meal: rice!

Well that's all that I have for now! I hope you enjoy this recipe. Please let me know what you think of it after you try it out. But I better be on my way and think about doing something before I hit the hay! I will be back soon and try not leaving you hanging this long again!

Bye friends!