terrific tuesday & a recipe

seriously, where did this semester go? this is the last full week of classes, next week i only have one day of class and after thanksgiving, i come back for two days of classes then exams start. it seems like just yesterday i was moving into my apartment and getting ready for school to start. this semester has been great, but i am ready to be home for longer than just a weekend. i am also ready for some new classes next year! i love using seasonal ingredients and tonight for supper i made a delicious fall dish! i am also trying to use things already in my pantry and this recipe fit the bill. it is also the perfect combination of carb, protein and vegetables!

wild rice pilaf with squash, cranberries and pork

1/2 cup wild rice

1 small butternut or acorn squash, peeled and cubed (about 2 cups)

1/4 cup pecan halves

1/2 cup chopped onion

2 garlic cloves

1/2 cup shredded carrots

2 celery stalks, chopped

1 tsp thyme

1/2 cup fresh cranberries

salt and pepper, to taste

1 cup frozen kale

2 pork chops

herbs de provence, to taste

goat cheese (optional)

1. Cook wild rice according to package directions. The rice should be cooked, but firm.
2. Cook pork chops in skillet or other desired way. Season with herbs de provence. 
3. Spray skillet with non-stick cooking spray. Cook squash, cranberries (if using fresh) and frozen kale in skillet until squash is tender. Season with salt and pepper. In the same pan or separate, sauté onions and garlic until soft. Add celery, carrot and thyme and stir-fry for a few minutes.
4. Meanwhile in another skillet, toast the pecans over medium heat. Watch closely or they will burn quickly. Transfer nuts to bowl and reserve.
5. Combine rice, squash, carrots, celery, cranberries and kale mixture in bowl. Top with sliced pork chops and pecans. Season to taste, top with optional goat cheese.  

• Serves 2 as a main dish or serves 4 as a side dish without pork!

you may be wondering what inspired this post's title: "terrific tuesday". nothing too spectacular happened but there were a few things that just made my day!

1. Opening my email to find my Tory Burch Holiday Gift just waiting to be opened! 
2. Lilly Pulitzer retweeting me again! This time it was about the release of the Alpha Chi Omega print product line which they said will be available for pre-order soon!
3. My teacher cancelled class the Tuesday before Thanksgiving so i am officially Murfreesboro bound for Turkey Day on Monday after my test at 1:15! 
4. I also finished my own Christmas shopping for mom, dad and phillip which is a relief! now i get to start helping mom and dad with gifts for others which i love doing! 

the only bad thing about today is that i ate my last IveyCake cupcake leftover from my birthday and seeing that at least i had a cupcake to eat, i can't complain much. that's all for today so until next time!

xoxo,
clp