Monet Does Pork...and Sweet Potatoes

Last time I was home, my Mom gifted me with a lavender meat rub she could no longer use.  Normally, I wouldn't want her cast-offs - if it's not good enough for her kitchen, why would I want it?  I decided to accept the gift when she explained that although she thought it was delicious, my Daddy thought it was a little too sweet.  If one person in their two-person household won't eat something, you can't really cook it (also why my Mother has to go to a restaurant if she wants cauliflower).  When I took a whiff of the lavender and spices, I was transported to Provence in the Springtime - like a Monet painting for the nostrils.

Tonight, I decided to use the lavender spice mix with olive oil on a pork tenderloin.  For the vegetable, I made roasted broccoli that I dipped in a lemon paprika aioli.  Turns out the aioli wasn't fabulous - I've made much better dips, so I tossed it aside and ate the roasted broccoli on it's own because it was already super flavorful  For side dish number two, I made roasted sweet potatoes with cumin and chili powder and topped them with blue cheese and pecans for a little salty/sweet action.  This dish was the winner of the evening.  It was very easy to make and was about as Autumn as you can get.  This is one combo that's sure to keep your attention.