Thyme for Cooking
Seasonal Weekly Menus & Shopping Lists
Healthy Food Fresh Ingredients Simple Recipes
Menu Plan for Winter I: Week 13, Day 5
Braised Savory Pork Chops
Oven Fries, Spicy
Broccoli Cheese
Cooking time: 40 minutes for menu Cooking schedule: see below for instructions
I'm starting to think 'summer barbecue'... The ingredients in this savory pork chop dish are very similar to marinades I use for grilling. Well, it is getting closer...
Braised Savory Pork Chops
Total time: 30 minutes
There are a lot of intense flavors in the sauce for these chops; best served with simple side dishes. The sauce is reduced at the end, to thicken slightly.
Ingredients:
- 2 - 4 pork chops, depending on size, 12oz (360gr) if boneless
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup (2oz, 60ml) sherry
- 3 tbs soy sauce
- 3 tbs ketchup
- 3 tbs orange marmalade
- 1/2 tsp dry mustard
Instructions:
- In a nonstick skillet large enough to hold the chops, heat the oil over medium-high heat.
- Add chops and brown, 3 minutes per side.
- Mince garlic, add to chops and sauté briefly.
- Mix remaining ingredients and pour over chops.
- Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer until pork chops are done and tender, about 20 minutes.
- When done, put chops on a small platter and cover with the pan lid.
- Increase heat under skillet and boil sauce for 2 - 3 minutes, to reduce slightly.
- Spoon sauce over chops and serve.
Oven Fries, Spicy
Total time: 40 minutes
I have never owned a deep-fat fryer and likely never will. I prefer the lower fat oven fries for 2 reasons: They're healthier and you can spice them up a bit!
Ingredients:
- 2 medium potatoes
- 1 tbs olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tsp Worcestershire Sauce
Instructions:
- Slice potatoes the long way into 8 wedges.
- Put remaining ingredients into a large bowl and mix well.
- Add potatoes and toss, coating thoroughly.
- Arrange potatoes on baking sheet with rim (I use my trusty, round pizza pan)
- Bake at 400F for 30 minutes.
- You can turn once if you like to fuss but I usually don't bother.
- When done remove from pan and serve. These will stay hot for awhile so a 5 or 10 minute delay is okay.
Broccoli Cheese
Total time: 30 minutes
This is based on the very popular British comfort food 'Cauliflower Cheese', but a bit lighter. Like some other cruciferous vegetables (Brussels Sprouts) broccoli is best if not overcooked.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 large head broccoli or 1 small one
- 2 tsp butter
- 2 tsp flour
- 1 tsp Dijon-style mustard
- 1/2 cup (4oz, 120ml) milk
- 3 tbs shredded cheese, white cheddar or Gruyère would be good
Instructions:
- Cut broccoli into bite size florets and stems.
- Put in steamer basket in saucepan with an inch of water in bottom.
- Put on medium heat and steam for 10 minutes or just until barely tender. Remove from pan and keep warm.
- In same pan, if not too large, or a small saucepan, melt butter.
- Add flour and cook, stirring with a whisk or fork.
- Slowly add milk, stirring constantly until you have a thick sauce.
- Stir in cheese and heat until just melted.
- Pour over broccoli and serve immediately.
- Or arrange broccoli in an oven-proof casserole or serving dish. Pour cheese sauce evenly over top and place in a warm oven for 10 - 15 minutes. (250F, 125C).
Cooking schedule: 40 minutes |
Put sauce ingredients for chops in small bowl, mix well |
Share this:
----------------------
Get 7 Dinner Menus, Recipes, Shopping List each Thursday by e-mail: Subscribe
