Jerk Pork Chops

These were really as good as they looked!

I was in the grocers over the weekend and these 

chops looked so amazing I had to get them! 

They were calling me!

This jerk marinade is one I use for chicken, shrimp and now pork! 

The marinade is really easy to put together 

and the chops takes no time to cook!When I grill them, 

I reserve some of the marinade (before putting the 

raw meat/seafood in it) and brush it over as it cooks.

Jerk Pork Chops

What you need:

• 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and coarsely chopped
• Zest and juice of one lime 
• 2-3 large cloves garlic, coarsely chopped
• 2 Tbs. powdered ginger
• 2 Tbs. dried thyme
• 3/4 tsp. ground allspice
• 3/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1 small onion chopped
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (I used low sodium)
• 1-2 Tbs. brown sugar
• 4 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
• 4 bone-in center-cut pork chops, 3/4 inch thick
• salt and pepper to taste

What to do:

• In a blender or food processor, puree all of the ingredients except the pork chops, salt and pepper. Adjust flavor to your liking. The marinade will be a little thick
• Pour all of the marinade over the chops
• Marinate for at least 1 hour and up to 24 hours
• Preheat your oven to 450 degrees
• Remove chops from marinade and place on a shallow baking sheet. Sprinkle chops with salt and pepper (I always line my baking sheets with aluminum foil for easy cleanup!)
• Roast chops for about 7 minutes per side or until cooked through and lightly browned.
• Allow the chops to rest for several minutes before cutting

 

Browned Butter Brownies

Brownies, minus any types of nuts, are my oldest daughter's favorite.  Any time she is going to visit she makes a list of the food she'd like me to cook and this is always at the top of her list! Have these warm brownies along with some really good vanilla bean ice cream and some warm chocolate syrup and your life will be rightER.  Not even kidding!

Browned Butter Brownies
Adapted from Bon Appetit, February 2011


What you need:

• Nonstick vegetable oil spray
• 10 tablespoons (1 1/4 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 1/4 cups sugar
• 3/4 cup natural unsweetened cocoa powder (spooned into cup to measure, then leveled)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 cup walnut pieces, or nuts of your choice, optional

What to do:

• Position rack in bottom third of oven; preheat to 325°F. Line 8x8x2-inch baking pan with foil, pressing foil firmly against pan sides and leaving 2-inch overhang. Coat foil with nonstick spray.
• Melt butter in medium boiler over medium heat. Continue cooking until butter stops foaming and browned bits form at bottom of pan, stirring often, about 5-7 minutes.
• Remove from heat; immediately add sugar, cocoa, 2 teaspoons water, vanilla, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Stir to blend. Let cool 5 minutes (mixture will still be hot).
• Add eggs to hot mixture 1 at a time, beating vigorously to blend after each addition.
• When mixture looks thick and shiny, add flour and stir until blended.
• Stir in nuts. Transfer batter to prepared pan.
• Bake brownies until toothpick inserted into center comes out almost clean (with a few moist crumbs attached), about 25 minutes.
• Cool in pan on rack. Using foil overhang, lift brownies from pan.

Happy Monday

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Happy Monday

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The 40 Series #1: What I Know For Sure...About Me

This is a milestone birth year for me.  In December I will turn 40.  The halfway mark. The middle of the road of life.  It is exactly six months until I turn the big 4-0!

I've been mulling over doing this series for weeks.  I was going to do it during the forty days leading up to my big day but I fear I'd forget all of the profound stuff I want to say. Besides, there is something else I'm thinking about doing during those forty days.

Now, there won't be anything earth shattering it will simply be my truths, lessons I've learned, things I like, people I love, things I know for sure about me.

#The40Series

   

Now Churning: Salted Caramel Ice Cream

Recipe can be found here

Happy Monday!

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