The Small Town Chef

Bold flavors, simple prep—because Mondays deserve better. Ever have one of those Mondays? Gray, damp, misty...like something straight out of Stephen King’s The Fog . The kind of day that makes you want to roll over, cocoon yourself in blankets, and pretend the world doesn’t exist. But then reality hits, you’ve got five hungry mouths to feed, and takeout isn’t an option? That’s where this pork loin marinade comes in. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and just enough punch to wake up your taste buds (because let’s be honest, Mondays need all the help they can get). Orange juice and balsamic bring brightness, molasses and brown sugar add depth, and rosemary and garlic do what they do best, make everything smell and taste incredible. Throw it together in minutes, let the pork soak up the magic, and when dinnertime rolls around, all you have to do is sear, roast, or grill.   The Recipe: Sweet & Savory Pork Loin Marinade Ingredients: ¼ cup freshly squeezed orange juice (bloo...

Smoky, Savory, and Packed with Umami Let’s talk about quesadillas —because, honestly, who doesn’t love a crispy, golden tortilla stuffed with melty goodness? Especially on a busy weeknight! But here’s the thing: the secret to the perfect quesadilla isn’t just the cheese. It’s the chicken. And the secret to perfect chicken? The right spice blend.   There are as many spice blends in Mexico as there are cities—each with its own unique flavor profile. But this blend? It brings together the best of them. Think umami-packed tomato from Knorr Tomato Bouillon, smoky heat from chipotle powder, earthy warmth from cumin, and a little citrusy brightness from coriander—this mix unites the flavors of Mexico in one perfect seasoning. The Blend: 2 tsp Knorr Caldo de Tomate (umami bomb 💥) 1 tsp sea salt 1½ tsp cumin (earthy warmth) 1 tsp smoked paprika (smoky sweetness) 1 tsp coriander (bright citrusy note) 1 tsp garlic powder 1 tsp onion powder ½ tsp Mexican oregano (herbal depth) ½ tsp anc...