Simple Fried Pork Chops with Balsamic-Raspberry Glaze and Garlic Cauliflower Mashers

Yesterday was my Hubby's Birthday and I asked him what he would like for dinner.  We had just gone food shopping and had lots of choices....he wanted pork chops.  Now I love pork chops but am used to making them one way.  Breaded and fried with applesauce.  That was the way my Mom taught me.  I really love those but was in the mood for something different.  I glanced through a few recipes online and just decided to go with a simple fried pork chop.  I then thought the chops could use a nice sauce to go with.  The sauce is a tangy, sweet sauce which compliments the pork perfectly.  I could eat it all by itself.

My guy also wanted mashed cauliflower on the side.  So I agreed and made one of the quickest, tastiest and easiest sides to date.  This one is a keeper.

Simple Fried Pork Chops

Ingredients: (this recipe is more of a guideline.  I didn't measure, I just seasoned according to my taste.  You can do the same.)

Pork chops about 1 1/2 inches in width
Seasoned both sides with:
kosher salt
cayenne pepper
freshly ground black pepper
garlic powder
dried oregano

Directions:

You need to set a large frying pan over medium heat.  Add enough olive oil to cover the bottom of the pan and add about two tablespoons of butter.  Allow to bubble.

While the pan is waiting.  Take your seasoned pork chop and cover both sides with flour.  

Step 1: Season well

Step 2:  Cover both sides in flour

Step 3:  Add to hot pan 

Add the chop to the hot pan.  Allow to cook for 2-4 minutes or until nicely browned.  Flip and continue to cook for another 2-4 minutes.   

Transfer pan to a pre-heated 350 degree oven and allow to cook through.  I allowed the chops to cook for about 6 minutes. (I never use a thermometer but if you want to make sure yours are done, according to the USDA, they should be about a minimum of 145 degrees) I then removed them from the pan and allowed them to rest for about 5 minutes.   This allows the juices to redistribute and remain in the chop, keeping them nice and moist.

Balsamic-Raspberry Glaze

Ingredients:

1 onion, cut in half then cut thinly into slices
Olive oil
kosher salt
2 cloves garlic
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons mustard
3 large spoonfuls of favorite raspberry preserves.

Directions:

Add oil to pan and set to medium heat.  Add onions and kosher salt and allow to cook down until browned.  

Add balsamic vinegar and garlic and allow to reduce by half.  

Add mustard and raspberry preserves.  Stir to combine.  Once pork chops are out of the oven, add about 2 tablespoons worth of the pan drippings to sauce.  

Voila!  Awesome sauce.  Could be used for chicken too.  

Garlic Cauliflower Mashers
Recipe adapted from George Stella's "Mock Garlic Mashed Potatoes"

Ingredients:

1 head of cauliflower
3 oz. of cream cheese
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 to 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (to taste)
1-2 cloves of garlic, grated
kosher salt to taste
freshly ground black pepper to taste

Directions:

Clean your cauliflower and break into florets.  Place into boiling water and allow to cook for 6-8 minutes or until tender.  Drain and add back to the pot.  Add the cream cheese, butter, garlic, cheese, salt and pepper.  Use your immersion blender to mash.  Done....so easy and so good.

Hope you enjoy!!!!