In a recent blog post I had told you about it being National Pork Month, and that I was celebrating by creating my own recipe for Pork Tenderloin. All of this was asked of me by TheMotherhood.com and Costco for the Blogger Pork Challenge.

So, I wanted to share with you now, a video and my recipe that I came up with (below):

Harvest Pork Tenderloin

Boneless Pork Loin (5 lbs.)

2 bags of mixed dried fruit (example: prunes,apricots, peaches, pears, apple slices, any fruits you like)

3 Tbsp. of butter

3 Tbsp. of virgin olive oil

Salt

Freshly Ground Black Pepper

1 Cup of Spiced Apple Wine (or you can substitute white wine)

Milk

Cut your Pork Tenderloin into 2 pieces, each being about 8 inches long.

Stand one piece of Tenderloin on end, and use a BBQ Skewer to put a hole down the middle of the Loin, just as if you were skewering a giant hot dog from end to end.
Then move the skewer around to enlarge the hole. After enlarging with the skewer then use a handle of a wooden spoon to enlarge it even more.

*The awesome thing about the Costco Pork Tenderloin, is that it is already cut in 1/2 lengthwise so you do not have to do the step above! *

Then lay out your dried fruit on a wax paper so that you can pick and choose easily. Then insert fruit one at a time, alternating colors, and keeping the fruit in sequence. (ex. prune, apple, aprico – prune, apple, apricot.
This will make it beautifully colored when you cut it into slices and all of the harvest colors are showing.

Repeat this with the other 1/2 of your Pork Tenderloin as well.

Next, brown the outside of your Tenderloins, use tongs to turn so that they are browned all over. Salt and Pepper your pork so that it is seasoned all over.

Put into a roasting pan large enough to hold both roasts, and deep enough to hold the milk and wine.

Pour in the Wine.

Skewer the ends of the Pork so that they won’t fall apart during cooking. (you can also sew them)

Pour enough milk into the pan so that it reaches up to the sides of your tenderloins.

Cover with a lid and place into the oven at 350 degree’s F

Bake for up to 2 hours or until the meat doesn’t resist when poked with a tip of a sharp knife.

Remove from oven, cover loosely with foil and let your Loins rest for 10 – 15 minutes before cutting.

Do not use juices leftover in the pan as a gravy, it won’t be good.

Slice the Tenderloin into 1 inch thick pieces and arrange on a platter.

Serves 6 – 8 family members, or guests.

This was so fun to make and I loved seeing how it would turn out. This was a recipe from my Great Great Gramma that I revised to make it into my own recipe. So this is definitely part of a Family recipe.

Link Love :

More recipes and tips: Costco’s “In The Warehouse”

Resources about Pork PorkBeInspired.com

Resources about the MANY Cuts of Pork available.

*Temperature Update: In May, the USDA reduced the temperature guideline for pork loins, chops and roasts from 160 to 145 degrees F, with a three-minute rest. This will yield a juicy, flavorful product that may be pinker in color than most home cooks are used to. Ground pork, like all ground meat, should be cooked to 160 degrees.

In Honor of National Pork Month being Celebrated at Costco, we would like to give you a chance to WIN a Pork Prize Pack.

The Prize Pack includes : a $25 Costco Gift Card, a Taylor Instant Read Meat Thermometer, and a USB Flash Drive with Pork info.

Here is How to Win:

Mandatory Entry: Leave me a comment telling me your favorite cut of Pork with a recipe for it.

For Additional Entries:

Follow me on Twitter I am @plussizemommy please comment and let me know you did.

Follow me on Networked Blogs, just look over in my right sidebar and click “Follow this blog”

Give this post a Stumble on StumbleUpon, all you have to do is click the “SU” Green and Blue button under “Bookmark Us”
section on my right sidebar, comment and let me know you have.

This giveaway is for continental USA winners only. This giveaway starts NOW and ends on 10/30/2011 at 9 PM EST.
Winner WILL NOT be notified. Winner will be chosen via random.org and then listed in a separate post.(so please look for it on the 30th). Winner will have 48 hours to respond to claim their prize.Prize will then be shipped from the company directly. Winners who do not reply within 48 hours of winner post will be disqualified and a new winner will be chosen.
PLEASE LEAVE separate comments for each entry. Otherwise you will only receive entries based on how many comments you
leave.

Thank you for visiting and entering and GOOD LUCK!

The Plus Size Mommy

Disclosure: I’m receiving compensation plus entry into a sweepstakes from Costco throughTheMotherhood.com in exchange
for my pork tenderloin post. All opinions are my own.

Congratulations for our HUGE winner tonight = Candygirl74  as selected by Random.org

You have 48 hours to claim your prize. Please email me your name, phone, and address (for shipping) to plussizemommy@gmail.com Failure to reply within 48 hours will disqualify you and another winner will be chosen and posted. (it is currently 10:05 EST now).No exceptions to this rule.

Thank you sooooooo much to everyone who entered, shared recipes, left tips, visited the Ragu FB page, and everything else. I totally appreciate it, and with entries like this, I will be able to run more big giveaways for you all.

And again Thank you to Candygirl74 for entering, and ENJOY!!!

The Plus Size Mommy

Disclosure – I am an Ambassador for Ragu Mom’s the Word on Dinner Program. This post was created in connection with my appointment as an Ambassador in the Ragu Mom’s the Word on Dinner Program. I am being compensated for my Ambassadorship. All opinions and idea’s are my own. Visit www.facebook.com/ragusauce to join the conversation. Other’s are permitted to have different views/opinions, let me know what your’s are!

Hey there, the first winner chosen for the Gap GC giveaway never responded to claim her prize, so I have used random.org to select a new winner. (for some reason it has been hard to giveaway prizes on here lately (lol)!

The Winner of the Gap $25 GC is : Nicole Larsen

The winners has 48 hours from NOW (1:35 AM 8/23 EST.) to claim their prize by emailing me at plussizemommy@gmail.com, please send me your name, address, and phone number (for shipping purposes only).
Prize will be sent direct to the winner by the company I am not responsible for lost or damaged prizes.

Have Fun Shopping!

The Plus Size Mommy

Disclosure- For the Gap GC, I am being compensated for this post. However all of the opinions and idea’s are my own. Other’s are permitted to have different views/opinions, let me know what your’s are! This campaign is due to my relationship with BrandFluential. Many Thanks to The Gap and Brandfluential for making this post/giveaway possible.

Hello All,
I have 2 Winner’s of Giveaway’s That I held. The first one is for the BABY BONANZA pt.2, The original winner never claimed her prize, so lucky for you, I chose another winner. The second one is for the Land O’ Lakes gift pack giveaway. (Both chosen via Random.org .)

The NEW Baby Bonanza Pt. 2 winner is : Lyndsey R !!! Congrats!

The Land O’ Lakes Gift Pack : Rochelle !!! Congrats!

Please email me your name, address, phone # (for shipping only) to plussizemommy@gmail.com with the subject line – Blog Winner.

Both of you have 48 hours from NOW (3:33 am EST 8/9/11) to claim your prize or another winner will be chosen, if I don’t hear from you, You will be disqualified and another winner will be chosen, NO EXCEPTIONS!

Thank you all for entering and To the winners , ENJOY !!!

The Plus Size Mommy

Disclosure- I was sent samples of the above giveaway items. All opinions and idea’s are my own.

Sponsored by Tomoson.com

Sponsored by Tomoson.com

Last year my now 14 year old son had his first school dance. It was an informal one so he didn’t have to wear a suit and tie, but he still most definitely wanted to look good. So I packed up the family and we headed to the mall. We looked around and most of the shops had t-shirts or outfits for say 20+ yr. old guys but nothing that really “fit his style”. While we walked around the mall basically window shopping at that point, we came across The Gap.

My son peered in and said, “Mom, this place has nice clothes, but they look too expensive”. I agreed but because it was a very important occasion for him and a huge milestone, I told my family that I would like to take him in and look around anyways. Boy, was I happy we did.

The clothes were stylish, felt durable, and were the “right fit” for my son. Most importantly, my wallet wasn’t in distress because, guess what? The clothes were reasonably priced and the SALE items were awesome. I told him to go ahead and pick an outfit. He was shocked, because he still thought it was expensive. He chose a very nice dress shirt, a pair of pant, and a sweater. As we were looking he also saw a belt he liked and also found some cologne that he said was a “must have” to smell good. So, I said yes, you definitely had to smell good (For mom’s who have boys, you understand this, I knew he was growing up because he really wanted to smell good most boys are hard to get clean,lol)

While we were in the store my now 12 yr. old son sparked interest in the clothes too. He really loved the jeans. And of course, my 2 daughters ages now 5 and 3, are mini fashionista’s and they wanted to know where their section was and wanted new clothing too. Well, this was a special occasion for my 14 yr. old so I didn’t want anyone else to get to pick anything, it would make him feel even more special. By the way, my husband was with us, and he wanted some jeans too, but I even told him, “no”, lol.

The dance went well and he danced with at least 4 girls (that I know of) so I am thinking the cologne worked and of course his handsome new clothes. He had a great night.

Now, this year is a different story. Since I know the clothes are not expensive and I can get awesome sales, I am definitely taking all of the kids to The Gap to get new school clothes. The outfit my son bought still looks brand new today, they clean so easily and ARE as durable as they felt in the store. We are very pleased with that purchase.

This year is a very important school year for all of my kids. My youngest is starting pre-school, my oldest daughter has her first day of Kindergarten, My youngest son starts middle school, and the oldest is starting High School! (and I am gonna be home alone, which I have mixed thoughts on). So, off to the Gap we will go and this time, everyone get’s clothes! (I might even allow my husband to get a couple things )

I have been looking around on Gap.com GapKids and babyGap collections to pre-shop before we hit the mall. I am in love with the new The Portobello Road Collection it is adorable. Let me share a few of my favorites with you:

For Girls/Toddlers:

Ruffle Cardigan

Jeweled Rosette Ballet Flats

London Graphic T

Boucle Tiered Skirt

Boucle Peacoat

For Boys/Toddlers

Straight Cargo Pants

2-in-1 Athletic Polo

Sweater Vest

Herringbone Utility Jacket

These are just some of them, I have MANY more I love, but not enough room to put into this post. You can go and see for yourself at GapKids and babyGap.

The Gap puts complete thought into their collections. For instance the Fall 2011 The Portobello Road Collection is focused on London inspiration. This is perfect for this school year with the new Prince and Princess’s marriage over the summer and everyone raving about London. The Gap even has a Union Jack Messenger Bag and London inspired caps for boys. What proud Mummie wouldn’t want to dress their kids like a Prince and Princess?

Oh and I mentioned earlier about the awesome sales that The Gap has, Check this one out: From 8/5-8/17 DENIM is ON SALE! They will have Kids and Baby Jeans on Sale from $15 !! Durable, quality jeans for $15 ??? Mom’s you know this is a heck of a deal.

Now, to help your wallet this Back To School Season, and to have you go to The Gap store and see what I saw last year for yourself this year. I am heading that way for sure. Here is a Giveaway for a $25 Gap Gift Card:

REQUIRED FOR ENTRY:

1.  Please Follow The Gap on Twitter ( @Gap ) and Tweet one of the Following to them: ” I just entered the @Gap $25 GC Giveaway on @PlusSizeMommy’s Blog to help my wallet in time for Back to School -My Fave item is:<insert here> “

 OR

       2.  ” I just saw The Portobello Road Collection from @Gap and I want to win the $25 GC on @PlusSizeMommy ‘s blog #GAPSchool ” = Comment with the tweet thread and let me know you have done this = 1 entry for each Tweet, up to 3 per day. (up to 3 entries each day)

AND /OR

2. Go To Facebook and share the link to either this post or to The Gap website using the hashtag #GAPSchool. = Comment with the thread info. and  you can share up to 2 times each day. (up to 2 entries each day)

Few things say “home” like the classic taste of cinnamon and sugar. Just think of the many recipes you can make with this popular flavor pairing. Now Land O’Lakes makes it easier for you to spread a little sweetness with the new LAND O LAKES® Cinnamon Sugar Butter Spread.

There will be smiles around your table and will grow with every bite of this delightful butter added to your favorite breakfast foods and other dishes. It’s a simple way to get your kids to eat breakfast and start the day right when they can add a dollop of sweetness to their favorite foods.
LAND O LAKES® Cinnamon Sugar Butter Spread contains cinnamon and sugar swirled into creamy, all-natural butter. It has no artificial ingredients.

Made from simple ingredients, such as cream, sugar, canola oil and cinnamon, LAND O LAKES® Cinnamon Sugar Butter Spread can be used for spreading, topping, cooking and baking.

Tasty and versatile, LAND O LAKES® Cinnamon Sugar Butter Spread is great on toast, hot cereal, baked apples, vegetables, and much more.

Learn more about how you can add LAND O LAKES® Cinnamon Sugar Butter Spread to your favorite foods at www.LandoLakes.com or on Facebook. With a little bit of sugar, spice and everything nice, create new memories at home with sweet and wholesome breakfasts, savory dinner ideas, and twists on delicious sweet treats and desserts.

My family and I love eating cinnamon toast in the mornings, or even for a late night snack. We bought bread with it in it. Now all we have to do is buy plain bread and put on the new Cinnamon Sugar Spread. It makes more slices of bread and costs us less. That makes me happy when I save money and still get a great piece of nice toasty bread with the new butter.

I also love to cook with it. It is amazing how great your glazed carrots turn out when you melt this on top of them. I cannot wait to try it in other recipes too.

You can find out more by visiting LandoLakes.com you can also follow them on Twitter at : @LandOLakesKtchn .

Giveaway:

One (1) of my lucky readers can now win a prize pack from Land O’ Lakes! The details on entering are below :
This is the awesome Prize Pack you can win (pictured below) Winner’s prize pack will contain:

• One refrigerated sample of new LAND O LAKES^® Cinnamon Sugar Butter Spread******
• One VIP coupon good for the purchase of one package of new LAND O LAKES^® Cinnamon Sugar Butter Spread
• One porcelain spreader
• One spatula
• One mini waffle pan
• One heart shaped cookie cutter

• Follow me on Twitter, I am @plussizemommy = 1 entry (comment and tweet me, and tell me you are)
• Follow me over on Networked Blogs, look over in my right sidebar and just click follow = 1 entry (comment and let me know you are)
• Give this post a Stumble on StumbleUpon Here, all you have to do is click the “SU” Green and Blue button under “Bookmark Us”  section on my right sidebar, comment and let me know you have = 2 entries.
• Follow @LandOLakesKtchn on Twitter, Tweet them and let them know I sent you, leave me a comment with the tweet thread letting me know you did = 2 entries
• Link this post to a post on Your blog, comment with the link to the post = 5 entries.
• Share this Giveaway on Facebook, comment with the thread of where you shared it = 5 entries per share (up to 3 shares per day).
• Comment and tell me what recipe you would use this butter in/on, or how you would like to eat it = 1 entry

Whether you’re shopping for a summer barbeque or gearing up for back-to-school, Walmart makes it easier for you to find everything for every list. And while you stock up on your family’s favorites, don’t forget you can earn cash for the participating school of your choice with Box Tops for Education products.

Starting in mid July, head over to your local Walmart to find up to 70 participating products that each have 4 Box Tops!

Shop at Walmart to purchase products from your family’s favorite brands such as Nature Valley, Cheerios, and Yoplait, and earn more cash for the upcoming new school year!

To learn more about the Box Tops for Education program and how you can help contribute to your school, visit www.boxtops4education.com/.

You can look to see what products Walmart has by visiting : www.walmart.com

I know that my children’s school district collects Box Tops and they are wonderful. The school gets some really nice items for FREE by turning in Box Tops.

Now onto the Giveaway!

The giveaway winner’s prize pack will contain:

One $25 Walmart gift card ! (as shown above)

This can get you started on back to school items and a lot of products with the 4 Box Tops For Education!

Here is how to enter:

Follow me on Twitter @PlusSizeMommy , tweet me, leave me a comment on here telling me you did = 1 entry

Follow me over on my sidebar on Networked Blogs – Comment and tell me you are = 1 entry

Subscribe to The Plus Size Mommy (dot) com, comment and let me know you did = 3 entries (separate comments please)

“Like” my Facebook blog page (PlusSizeMommy) leave me a comment over on FB letting me know you did = 1 entry

Tweet the following ” Win a $25 Walmart Gift Card on @plussizemommy ‘s blog here http://bit.ly/oJ5se3 #MyBlogSpark ” : – you may tweet up to 3 times per day = possible of up to 15 entries (separate comments please)

Answer this Question: What must-have item will you be purchasing from Walmart for their children’s back-to-school needs? Leave me a comment = 1 entry

This giveaway is for 1 Walmart Gift Card as shown above, you will receive your prize pack directly from the company. This giveaway is for continental USA winners only. This giveaway starts NOW and ends on 7/20/2011 at 9 PM EST. Winners WILL NOT be notified. Winners will be chosen via random.org and then listed in a separate post (so please look for it on the 21st). Winner will have 48 hours to respond to claim their prize. Winners who do not reply within 48 hours of winner post will be disqualified and new winner will be chosen.

PLEASE LEAVE separate comments for each entry. Otherwise you will only receive entries based on how many comments you leave. I am not responsible for lost or damaged prizes.

Thank you for entering and GOOD LUCK!

Don’t Forget those Box Tops!

The Plus Size Mommy

Disclosure: The information and $25 gift card to Walmart has been provided by Walmart and General Mills through MyBlogSpark.

With the delicious taste of brownies “baked” into every bowl, Cocoa Puffs Brownie Crunch is a delicious chocolate-y cereal ready to be enjoyed for breakfast or as a satisfying snack on the go. You will be sure to get some brownie points as your family´s taste buds delight in the perfect balance of whole grain goodness and delicious chocolate flavor in every bite.

Cocoa Puffs Brownie Crunch has at least 8 grams of whole grain (48 grams recommended daily) and a good source of calcium and Vitamin D in every serving. For chocolate lovers everywhere, Cocoa Puffs Brownie Crunch is sure to become a choco-licious go-to!

Connect with them on: www.growupstrong.com | www.wholegrainnation.com to find out more info.

My son who is 14 absolutely loves chocolate, fudgey,brownies,ice cream, you name it, he LOVES it. He was Thrilled when we received this package in the mail, and he told me, “Can I be your taste tester on this cereal mom?” When I replied with a yes, he was happier than the cuckoo bird! He tried it and loved it. He ate the whole box (not in 1 day) so I didn’t get to try any, but I am sure we will be buying it again and maybe I will be lucky enough to get some next time.

How To Win : 1 very lucky winner will receive a prize pack from Cocoa Puffs and General Mills. Giveaway winner´s prize pack will contain (as shown below):
One box of the new Cocoa Puffs Brownie Crunch cereal;
Two cereal on-the-go containers;
And, a fun Cocoa Puffs frisbee

Your child(ren) and you will just love this new cereal. If you are a chocolate lover of any kind

Here is how to enter :

Follow me on Twitter @PlusSizeMommy , tweet me, leave me a comment on here telling me you did = 1 entry

Follow me over on my sidebar on Networked Blogs – Comment and tell me you are = 1 entry

Subscribe to The Plus Size Mommy (dot) com, comment and let me know you did = 3 entries (separate comments please)

“Like” my Facebook blog page (PlusSizeMommy) leave me a comment over on FB letting me know you did = 1 entry

Tweet the following ” Win a Cuckoo Cocoa Puffs Brownie Crunch Prize Pack on @plussizemommy ‘s blog here  http://bit.ly/mRuuUl “ #MyBlogSpark : – you may tweet up to 3 times per day = possible of up to 15 entries (separate comments please)

This giveaway is for 1 prize pack as shown above, you will receive your prize pack directly from the company. This giveaway is for continental USA winners only. This giveaway starts NOW and ends on 7/20/2011 at 9 PM EST. Winners WILL NOT be notified. Winners will be chosen via random.org and then listed in a separate post (so please look for it on the 21st). Winner will have 48 hours to respond to claim their prize. Winners who do not reply within 48 hours of winner post will be disqualified and new winner will be chosen.
PLEASE LEAVE separate comments for each entry. Otherwise you will only receive entries based on how many comments you leave. I am not responsible for lost or damaged prizes.

Thank you for entering and GOOD LUCK!

Cuckoo Cuckoo

The Plus Size Mommy

Disclosure: The Cocoa Puffs Brownie Crunch product, information, and giveaway have been provided by General Mills through MyBlogSpark.

On the Fourth of July this year, we decided to go and see the new Cars 2 movie with the kids. We have never went to the movies on a holiday before, so we (my husband and I) thought it would be a nice surprise for the kids. I pre-ordered our tickets using the Fandango Mobile App. on my iPhone. It was the first time I ever used this App. but it was really easy and kinda neat. I would love to share my experience with you. I did 2 step by step Intersectstories to show you how it works in case you would want to try it out.

Intersect Pt. 1 - http://intersect.com/stories/2BZgb1shptyR

Intersect Pt. 2 –  http://intersect.com/stories/1K8W4rPcbBR9

I hope this helps you to be able to pre-order your next movie tickets as well. It is a great idea to use it for popular movies such as the new Harry Potter movie (out July 15th), where you know the tickets will sell out fast and also you wont have to wait in long lines for your tickets. Also, using the App from your phone, makes it easy for last minute movie plans, or even if your out to dinner with the family and are out of knowing what to do to make the night complete, you can check out what movies are nearby (even if your out of state, like on vacation) and order your tickets right then and there, and they will be waiting for you at the kiosk in the theater.

You can visit  http://www.fandango.com to see other new releases coming soon to a theater near you.

Fandango Promotions: right now there is a promotion where if you purchase your movie tickets using Fandango, you will get a FREE iTunes download of the Tokyo Mater short film from Pixar ! Fandango always has something going on when you order tickets through them, so it gives the buyers a nice bonus.

Now for my families Cars 2 movie review

If your considering taking your kids to see Cars 2, I have 2 words for you, DO IT It is such a fun movie and keeps the whole family entertained. Lightening McQueen and (my favorite) Mater is back! I just love that Tow Mater, he is so cute and so dumb it is funny. This time around they go to Japan and Europe to compete in the World Grand Prix.  Mater ends up (without having a clue) getting involved with International Espionage while Lightening McQueen is trying to win races against the conceded car named  Francesco Bernoulli. My husband and older sons (ages 14 and 12) enjoyed the action packed into the movie. My girls (ages 3 and 5) enjoyed the races and “the girl cars” and they also love the funniness of Mater. I love the educational value this movie teaches children (in a fun way so they don’t even know it).  The movie’s overall message of being true to yourself (Dents and all) and being loyal to your friends is coupled with an overt call for alternative fuel and environmentalism.

Here is a Trailer link to the Cars 2 Movie :  Cars Trailer

Now as Promised I have a giveaway for my wonderful readers.

Here is how you can win!

Follow Fandango on Twitter, comment and let me know you did = 1 entry

Follow me on Twitter @PlusSizeMommy leave me a comment on here telling me you did = 1 entry

Follow me over on my sidebar on Networked Blogs – Comment and tell me you are = 1 entry

Subscribe to The Plus Size Mommy (dot) com, comment and let me know you did = 3 entries (separate comments please)

“Like” Fandango on Twitter and comment on Facebook letting them know what upcomingg movie you would like to see and that Plus Size Mommy sent you = 3 bonus entries (please leave separate comments for all 3 bonus entries).

“Like” my Facebook blog page (PlusSizeMommy) leave me a comment over on FB letting me know you did = 1 entry

Tweet the following ” Win a pair of movie tickets on @plussizemommy ‘s blog here   http://bit.ly/n2Egpl  “:  – you may tweet up to 3 times per day = possible of up to18 entries (separate comments please)

This giveaway is for 1 pair of tickets to a movie of your choice, you will receive a code via email to claim your tickets, This giveaway is for continental USA winners only. This giveaway starts NOW and ends on 7/13/2011 at 9 PM EST. Winners WILL NOT be notified. Winners will be chosen via random.org and then listed in a separate post (so please look for it on the 14th). Winner will have 48 hours to respond to claim their prize. Prize will then be emailed from the company directly. Winners who do not reply within 48 hours of winner post will be disqualified and new winner will be chosen.
PLEASE LEAVE separate comments for each entry. Otherwise you will only receive entries based on how many comments you leave.
Thank you for entering and GOOD LUCK!

Ka-Chow!

The Plus Size Mommy

Congrats to the following winner of the Donsuemor Madelines, the winner is = Tamara Bennington! Please email me at plussizemommy@gmail.com with your address and phone # (For shipping). You have 48 hours to claim your prize. Thank you for participating and for entering this contest. I appreciate it.

The Plus Size Mommy