Dressing up leftovers

On Christmas Eve my family has a midnight supper every year. Before the meal we all form a circle, hold hands and each one of us tells what that year meant to us, then we say a prayer, hugs are exchanged and it is our thanks giving moment.

And on the next day we have leftovers for lunch... For this meal only the rice was fresh. I dressed up my plate with golden strings (egg noodles) that were previously trimming the turkey. The meat was pork tenderloin that my sister-in-law's mother cooked for us, also for the Christmas Eve supper. Traditionally Brazilians have pork for holiday meals.

The pork loin is so easy to make. Instead of baking in the oven, cook it! With the juices that come out you can make the gravy.

1 pork tenderloin (about 2 pounds)

Salt (use 1/2 tablespoon salt for each pound)

Freshly ground black pepper

1 small onion, cubed

3 cloves garlic

Juice of 1 lime or orange

2 tablespoons oil or extra virgin olive oil + 2 for cooking

2 cups water

For the gravy:

1 tablespoon each: catchup, mustard, soy sauce

1/4 cup prosecco or dry sparkling wine (champagne)
1 tablespoon flour
1 cup mushrooms

1) Season pork loin with salt and pepper, pepper, onion, garlic, lime/orange juice and 2 tablespoons oil or olive oil. Marinate for about 2 hours or overnight.

2) Place 2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Add meat and brown it well on all sides, for about 6 minutes. Reduce heat, add 2 cups of water and simmer 20 to 30 minutes, adding more if needed.

3) Remove tenderloin to a platter. Stir in gravy ingredients to pan. Cook until sauce is slightly thickened, adjust seasoning. Serve meat with sauce spooned on top and rice as a side.

Recipes with Panko Breadcrumbs

1) Baked fish: On a baking sheet covered with aluminum foil or parchment paper add sliced onions, lay the fish skin down, season with salt, garlic, pepper, and lime juice. Top with panko breadcrumbs (you can season your breadcrumbs with olive oil, thyme and salt). Bake for 10 to 15 minutes. Serve with rice and vegetables of your choice.


2) Vegetables: Boil green beans for a few minutes. Drain. Sauté beans in a skillet with butter or olive oil, garlic, soy sauce and seasonings. Top with panko when serving.


3) Meat: use fake meat or real meat: cut into thin strips, stir-fry with oil, salt, onions, and pepper. Add panko before serving.


4) Crusted chicken: when roasting chicken pieces, add the panko breadcrumbs on top of chicken in the last 10 minutes.