Today is one of those days where cooking anything beyond grilled cheese feels like a major accomplishment. But the pork is defrosted, and the show must go on!

This dish is inspired by an old recipe posted by the hilarious writer Ayun Halliday. I have made some major modifications, but the spirit remains the same. I can’t remember if the kids actually ate this or not, but at this point, there is no turning back.

Coconut Pork

1 to 2 pounds of boneless pork tenderloin, sliced in thin medallions

2 – 3 Tablespoons olive oil

1 red pepper, sliced in lengthwise strips

1 to 4 hot peppers, depending on your tolerance, chopped

2 cloves of garlic, chopped (not minced)

2 inch piece of ginger, cut into matchsticks (careful, this is tricky!)

1 teaspoon salt

1 Tablespoon sugar

1 Tablespoon soy sauce

1 can of coconut milk, and none of that low fat nonsense

1 can of Mandarin oranges, drained

Cilantro for garnish (optional)

Heat oil and saute peppers, garlic and ginger for two to three minutes. Add pork and cook until no longer pink, but do not overcook! Add salt, sugar, soy sauce and coconut milk, and simmer on low for 20 to 30 minutes. Before serving, stir in a small can of Mandarin oranges. This may or may not entice your children to try it. Garnish with cilantro, and serve over rice or rice noodles.