Florida Senator Thad Altman (District 24) helps Lori cook Parmesan Crusted Pork Tender Loins, Cheese Grits and Wilted Spinach while discussing his career, family and, of course, political food for thought.
Parmesan Crusted Pork Tenderloin with Cheese Grits and Wilted Spinach
Parmesan Crusted Pork Tenderloin
1 ½ -2 lb. pork tenderloin
1/3 cup mayo
¾ cup panko
¾ cup Parmesan cheese
Preheat oven to 375°. Mix all dry ingredients in a dipping container. Dry pork and spread thin layer of mayo over whole tenderloin. Roll pork in dry ingredient mixture, thoroughly coating it. Set aside, and let dry, 5-10 min. Place on baking pan, put in oven. Bake until thermometer reaches 165°.
Cheese Grits
1 tbls olive oil
1 cup yellow, stone-ground grits
2 cup whole milk
1 cup water
1 cup chicken broth
2 tbls butter
¾ cup Parmesan cheese
1 onion, grated
Heat oil in pan, add onion, and cook until translucent. Add milk, water, and broth. Bring to a boil. Add grits and stir. Cook, 45-55 min, whisking occasionally, until thick. Add cheese and butter.
Wilted Spinach
1 tbls olive oil
20 oz. of baby spinach, washed and dried
2 cloves garlic, minced
Juice of half a lemon
Salt
Pepper
Heat oil until shimmering in large pan. Add garlic, cooking until lightly browned. Add spinach, stirring constantly until completely wilted. Remove from heat and squeeze lemon before serving. Salt and pepper to taste.
Thad Altman, Florida Senator, District 24
Thad Altman, Republican, started his political career as Brevard County Commissioner from 1985 to 1992. He then went on to serve as a State Representative of District 30 from 2003 to 2008. During his time as State Representative he was Chair of the Education Innovation and Cancer Preparation Committee, member of the Environmental Protection and Financial Institutions Committee and was appointed by the House Speaker to the boards of Space Florida and Workforce Florida.
He has served as Florida Senator representing District 24 since 2008. In the 2012 Legislative session, Thad acted as Chairman of the Military Affairs and Domestic Security Committee and Vice Chairman of the Budget Subcommittee of Finance and Tax. He also served on the Budget Committee; Budget Subcommittee on Higher Education; Communication, Energy and Public Utilities Committee; Education Pre K – 12 Committee; Higher Education Committee; Reapportionment Committee and the Regulated Industries Committee.
The Altman Family
Altman lives with his wife Mary Pat, and three children McKenzie, Hunter and Sullivan in Rockledge.
Committee Membership
Natural Resources Appropriations Committee (Vice Chair)
Agriculture & Natural Resources Policy Committee
Economic Development Policy Committee
Elder & Family Services Policy Committee
Joint Committee on Public Counsel Oversight
Legislative Service
Elected to the House in 2008, reelected subsequently
Other Public Service
Brevard County Soil & Water Conservation, Supervisor 1998-2002
Affiliations
Orange County Delegation, Chair 2011
Brevard County Farm Bureau, Director 1996-2004, 2006-present and past President 2003-2005
Leadership Brevard, past graduate 1998, and past Program Committee member 1999-2000
Brevard Delegation, Chair
Highlights
Associated Industries of Florida, Champion for Business 2012
Associated Industries of Florida, “A” Rating 2011
Central Florida Hotel and Lodging Assoc., Public Servant of the Year Award 2011
Florida Cattlemen’s Association, Legislator of the Year 2011
Florida Chamber of Commerce, “A” Honor Roll, 2009-2011
Florida Chamber of Commerce, Distinguished Advocate, 2009-2011
Florida Farm Bureau, Distinguished Advocate Award 2011
Florida Farm Bureau, Legislator of the Year 2011
Florida Forestry Association, Legislator of the Year 2011
Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscapers Assoc., Legislator of the Year 2011
Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association, Legislative Award 2011
Foundation for Florida’s Future, “A” Rating 2010-2011
The American Conservative Union, “Defender of Liberty” Award 2011
Associated Industries of Florida, Champion for Business Award 2010
Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association, Legislator of the Year Award 2010
Florida Homebuilders Association, Friend of Housing 2010
Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association, Legislative Award 2010
LEAD Brevard, 4 Under 40 Award 2010
Associated Builders & Contractors, Friend of Free Enterprise, 2009-2010
Florida Farm Bureau, President’s Award 2005
