Iron Maiden

I've had a subscription MS Living since I was in my early 20's, which I know is not cool, but I've learned how to do grown up  things from the expert and it earned me the moniker "Martha Jr." Watch out, I'm coming for you lady. This month she has a spread on skillet meals.  I like the one pot idea and I love our perfectly seasoned cast iron skillet, which was found at the Alameda Flea Market. I decided to set my whole week up with recipes from this article and a few from our own kitchen.  We kicked it off last night with a deep dish pizza, but tonight has turned into a dinner that will unofficially celebrate the night before Jasper's first day of Kindergarten with some of his favorite things, I'll feature that skillet recipe below.

Sunday: Roast Pork with Carmelized Parsnips, Mashed Potatoes and Arugula Salad with cucumber, blueberries and pomegranate seeds.

Roast Pork with Carmelized Parsnips

(Adapted from MSL September 2011)

Coarsely ground salt and pepper

1 teaspoon whole fennel seeds

1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest

1 teaspoon coarsely chopped rosemary (plus one sprig)

1 boneless pork loin roast (2 1/2 lbs)tied with twine

1 1/2 lbs parsnips, peeled and cut into 3-by-1 inch pieces

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Preheat oven to 425 degrees

Coarsely grind the first 4 ingredients in a mini chopper or grinder.

Rub spice mix over pork, add rosemary sprig under twine.

Transfer to cast iron skillet.

Roast pork for 20 minutes.

Toss parsnips in olive oil and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.

Arrange parsnips around pork.

Roast for 20 minutes, then stir parnsips

Continue to roast until pork reaches 140 degrees, about 15 minutes.

Transfer to platter and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.