Modenese Pork Chops

I think this should be called "Mmmmmmmodenese Pork Chops". It is that good. I found this gem of a recipe when the store I shop at - had a sale on pork chops. Here I had some yummy looking pork chops, but no recipe to inspire me. Its not everyday that I buy pork chops so I wanted a recipe that will elevate this special occasion. What this recipe had done was made my husband and I a lover of pork chops. I've made this several times already and it is fast becoming a once a week meal.

Modenese Pork Chops

4 Tbsp butter
4 (1-inch thick) Pork Chops
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 tsp salt
1/8 tsp ground black pepper
1/2 tsp crushed dried rosemary
2 cloves garlic, minced

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Cook chops in butter, turning once to brown evenly.

Pour in wine, and season with salt, pepper, rosemary, and garlic. Simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes, or until chops are tender. Transfer pork chops to serving plates, and spoon sauce over the meat.

That is it! So simple and yet very, very delicious! 
I only use two pork chops - since there is only my husband and I, but even with just two pork chops, there is not a whole lot of sauce left since it reduces quite a bit. If you make four chops, I'm not sure if you'll have any sauce left in the pan. Also, my husband and I love garlic, so I tend to be heavy handed when I add it. ;)

If you try out this recipe, write me back and tell me just how delicious (and simple!) this dish really is. :) 

Pita Chips

First off, yes, I know these are bad for you. I only make these on occasions and learned how to make them in Culinary school. Nice, quick and very tasty snacks. They are great with dips or salsa - or just to eat alone.

Pita Chips
A package of pita bread
Canola oil for frying
kosher salt
seasoning of choice

Cut the pita bread in wedges (as shown) and separate each of the wedge to make two pieces. I normally use white pita bread, but wheat is just as good - maybe a little chewier.

Fry a few of the pita bread wedges until golden brown - it is very quick and only takes a minute - if that. Toss them onto paper towels to drain, sprinkle with salt and seasoning - and voila! Delicious crispy pita chips!

The next time I make these, I'll be trying a 'healthier' version by baking these in the oven. We'll just see how they'll turn out.
 

Jalapeno Bites

I was watching the food network (like I'm always doing) and one of the shows featured Jalapeno Bites. It looked so good and so easy to make that I thought I'd give it a try.

1 (8-oz pkg.) cream cheese, softened
8 oz. Parmesan cheese, grated (about 2 cups)
4 Tbsp. seeded and chopped jalapeno peppers
1 large egg, beaten
3 cups dry plain breadcrumbs

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Mix the cream cheese, Parmesan, jalapenos and egg to form a paste. Shape into balls using about 1/2 tablespoon of paste for each. Roll the balls in the breadcrumbs. Place on an un-greased baking sheet and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, until golden brown. Serve warm.

Notes: Instead of breadcrumbs, I used panko for a nice light crunch. Also I beat the eggs first before adding in the cream cheese, parmesan and jalapenos. I thought they were good but these have a very powerful Parmesan flavor. I really think it needed something to keep the flavor from getting too old. I think it might go really well with a marinara sauce for a dip.

For those who want to know where I got the original recipe - here it is...

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/trisha-yearwood/jalapeno-bites-recipe/index.html