Category: PORK

ROAST PORK with GARLIC ONION GRAVY

ROAST PORK with GARLIC ONION GRAVY

3-4 pound pork roast
1 bulb garlic, cloves peeled
3 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
1 tablespoon avocado oil
2 shallots, halved and sliced
2 carrots, halved and sliced thin
2 stalks celery, chopped
FRESH thyme sprigs
2+ cups chicken broth (preferably homemade and STRONG)
2 tablespoons Wondra flour
3 tablespoons cold water

  • Preheat oven to 325°.
  • Make as many slits in the roast as you have garlic cloves and insert 1 clove into each slit.
  • Rub roast with Cajun seasoning.
  • In a heavy skillet heat avocado oil.
  • Sear each side of roast until browned.
  • Remove roast from skillet adding to roasting pan.
  • Add carrots, onions and celery to skillet, sautéing 5-8 minutes until tender.
  • Arrange veggie mixture around roast.
  • Top with thyme sprigs.
  • Add 1 cup of the broth to roasting pan.
  • Cover loosely with foil.
  • Roast 45 minutes to an hour (145°).
  • Remove roast and arrange on platter, tenting with foil and let stand while you prepare the gravy.

  • Strain pan drippings through a sieve into a saucepan. Discard solids.
  • Add remaining broth to drippings.
  • Whisk together the cold water and Wondra flour.
  • Add flour mixture to pan drippings, whisking until smooth.
  • Cook over medium high heat 5 minutes until thickened to desired consistency.

CHICKEN BACON APPLE STRATA/BREAD PUDDING

This recipe is perfect for the FULL family weekend where you want to spend more time with the family than in the kitchen. This can be made well in advance and just be popped into the oven when needed. It’s the perfect recipe for either brunch OR supper! I adjusted the flavors from the original to our liking, but ALSO think that next time I will cut the bread into chucks and do it more like a bread pudding.

CHICKEN BACON APPLE STRATA
3/4 pound bacon, chopped
8 slices thick sandwich bread
2 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and sliced thin
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 1/2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
1 1/2 cups whole milk
4 large eggs
FRESH ground salt and pepper
3/4 teaspoon creamy horseradish
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • Cook bacon until crispy. Drain on paper toweling.
  • Spray a 10 inch spring form pan with non-stick cooking spray.
  • Arrange 4 slices of bread in the baking dish, cutting bread as necessary to form a single layer.
  • Arrange half the apples over the bread layer followed by the bacon pieces and cheddar cheese.
  • Top with chicken pieces in an even layer.
  • Top with remaining apples followed by the remaining.
  • Top with remaining bread slices.
  • Whisk together the milk, eggs, horseradish, salt and pepper. Pour over bread tops, pressing to submerge the bread into the egg mixture.
  • Cover with saran and refrigerate at LEAST 8 hours.

  • Preheat oven to 350°.
  • When ready to bake, top with the melted butter.
  • Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
  • Bake 45-60 minutes until strata is puffed and golden brown.

BAKED HAM with CHERRY SAUCE

BAKED HAM with CHERRY SAUCE

8-10 pound bone-in cooked ham
1 cup packed brown sugar
3 tablespoons PURE maple syrup
1 teaspoon creamy horseradish
1 LARGE orange
12 cloves
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup cold water
1 can undrained pitted dark sweet cherries
Juice of 1 LARGE lemon

  • Preheat oven to 325°.
  • Place the ham on a rack in a roasting pan.
  • Using a sharp knife score the ham in a diamond pattern 1/4 inch deep.
  • Mix together the brown sugar, maple syrup and creamy horseradish. Rub all over ham making sure to get it deep into the slits.
  • Push cloves into the orange rind and place orange in roaster next to ham.*
  • Bake covered and undisturbed for 2 hours (15 minutes per pound) until thermometer reads 140°.

NOTE:  Make sure it is a LARGE and JUICY orange.  This will help keep the ham moist.

  • In a small saucepan whisk together the cornstarch, sugar and water until smooth.
  • Stir in cherries and bring to a boil. Cook until thickened, 1-2 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice.
  • Serve over ham.

PORKY PIG FARMER’S MARKET SALAD

This light and bright salad is oomphed up by FRESH basil, FRESH parsley and FRESH lemon juice to make this a spring favorite!

PORKY PIG FARMER’S MARKET SALAD
8 ounces pasta, bowtie or campagnelle
1 cup FRESH chopped green beans
2 cups sliced cherry tomatoes
2 cups chopped seeded cucumber
1 cup chopped red pepper
2 cups chopped ham steak
1 1/2 cups mozzarella balls
1 small red onion, chopped
1/2 cup FRESH chopped basil
1/2 cup FRESH chopped parsley
1/2 cup Avocado oil
1/4 cup champagne vinegar
Juice of 2 lemons
1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
1 teaspoon lemon zest
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons roasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds

  • In a large saucepan bring salted water to a boil over high heat.
  • Add pasta and cook for 10 minutes.
  • At 10 minutes add green beans and bell pepper cooking for 2 more minutes.
  • Drain and rinse WELL with cold water.
  • Transfer to a large salad bowl.
  • Stir in tomatoes, cucumbers, ham, red onions and mozzarella balls.
  • In a small bowl combine lemon juice, sugar, lemon zest, shallot, salt and pepper. Let stand for 10 minutes.
  • In a small food processor add the lemon juice mixture, champagne vinegar, basil, parsley and oil, pulsing until well blended.
  • Pour over pasta mixture.  Toss to coat and set aside for 10 minutes.
  • Add pasta mixture to the veggie mixture, sprinkle with seeds and toss to mix.
  • Refrigerate 2 hours before serving.

FRENCH ONION MEATBALLS

FRENCH ONION MEATBALLS

GRUYERE cheese is the real star here that turns the flavor of French Onion soup into satisfying meatballs!

Yields: 4 servings Prep Time: 0 hours 15 mins Total Time: 1 hour 15 mins

MEATBALLS
2 tablespoons avocado oil
3/4 pound ground beef
1/4 pound ground pork
1/2 cup shredded Gruyère
1/4 cup bread crumbs 
2 tablespoons FRESH chopped parsley
1 LARGE egg, beaten
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon FRESH ground Himalayan sea salt
FRESH ground black pepper, to taste

  • Preheat oven to 425°.
  • Line a large baking sheet with foil and rub with oil. 

 

  • In a large bowl, combine ground meats, Gruyère, bread crumbs, parsley, egg, and garlic.
  • Season with salt and pepper.
  • Form 16 meatballs and place on baking sheet.
  • Bake until golden and cooked through, 25 minutes.

SAUCE
4 tablespoons butter
2 large onions, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups low-sodium beef broth
2 teaspoons FRESH chopped thyme, plus more for garnish 
1 teaspoon FRESH ground Himalayan sea salt
FRESH ground black pepper, to taste
1 1/2 cup shredded Gruyère

  • In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter.
  • Add onions and cook until very soft and golden, 25 minutes, stirring often.
  • Add garlic and cook until fragrant, 1 minute more.
  • Add broth and thyme and season with salt and pepper.
  • Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer until slightly thickened, 10 minutes. 
  • Add meatballs to skillet and sprinkle with Gruyère.
  • Cover and cook until meatballs are warmed through and cheese is melty, 5 minutes.
  • Serve warm, garnished with thyme.

NOTES:  Chicken can be substituted easily for the beef and pork

BUTTERMILK PORK CHOPS ala SLOW COOKER

This recipe is so SIMPLE, but leaves you with the satisfied feeling of having had a fine gourmet meal.  The pork chops turn out fork tender and the sauce blends to make its own gravy!  There is the added bonus of changing up the flavors by just changing the soup flavor 😀

BUTTERMILK PORK CHOPS ala SLOW COOKER
6 LARGE boneless pork loin chops
1/4 cup WONDRA
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
2 tablespoons avocado oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 pound mushrooms, thickly sliced
1 small bunch green onions, sliced
1/3 cup favorite white wine
1/4 cup chicken broth
1 can cream of ???? soup (today I use broccoli cheese to compliment the veggie of choice)
1 cup buttermilk
Prepared pasta

  • Spray slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray.
  • Generously season pork chops with FRESH ground salt and pepper.
  • Dredge pork chops in flour, shaking off excess.
  • Heat oil in large skillet.
  • Sear pork chops and transfer to slow cooker in a single layer if possible.
  • Add butter to skillet and when frothy add onions. Saute a minute or so.
  • Add mushrooms, sauteing and stirring 5 minutes or so until tender.
  • Add wine and loosen bits from the bottom of the pan.
  • Add chicken broth, stirring to blend.
  • Pour mushroom mixture over pork chops. Cover and set to low 3-4 hours.

 

  • Whisk together soup and buttermilk until smooth.
  • Pour over pork chops. Cover and cook another 30 minutes.
  • Remove pork chops to a platter.
  • Stir soup into mushrooms and onions to create a uniform sauce.
  • Season to taste.
  • Serve over egg noodles.

CREAM OF POTATO HAM SOUP

CREAM OF POTATO HAM SOUP
1 pound YUKON gold potatoes
1 cup chicken broth
1 ½ cup water
1 teaspoon FRESH ground Pink Himalayan salt
1 teaspoon FRESH ground tri-color peppercorns
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
3 tablespoons butter
1 large shallot, chopped
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons Wondra flour
1 1/2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 cups small diced ham steak
Grated sharp cheddar cheese for garnish

  • Bring water and chicken broth to a boil in a dutch oven.
  • Add potatoes and cook JUST until fork tender.
  • Remove potatoes and save 2 cups of the broth. Set aside.
  • When the potatoes are cool enough to handle, dice one third of the potatoes.
  • Toss the diced potatoes with a pinch of salt and set aside.
  • Mash two-thirds of the potatoes with 1 cup of the steaming broth, whisking until smooth.**
  • Melt butter in large sauce pan.
  • Add shallot, sauteing until soft.
  • Add the garlic, sauteing until fragrant.
  • Sprinkle in flour, stirring to blend until golden.
  • Slowly whisk in the whole milk, heavy cream and remaining 1 cup of broth.
  • Stir in Cream of Sherry and thyme.  Simmer 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until mixture thickens.
  • Stir in potato puree.
  • Season to taste.
  • Add ham pieces, cooking a few minutes until ham is heated through.
  • Top with grated cheese.
  • Serve immediately.

**NOTE: DO NOT use a food processor.  Your potatoes will become gummy.

SWEET GARLICKY PORK CHOPS

Honey or sugar based marinades are a WONDERFUL way to bring out the rich flavors of pork especially when they are coupled with citrus juices, Asian flavored oils and vinegars.

SWEET GARLICKY PORK CHOPS
4 1 inch thick pork chops
4 LARGE cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
1/3 cup Bragg’s Amino Acids
Juice of 1 LARGE tangerine
3 tablespoons honey
3 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
2 tablespoons sesame oil
3/4 tablespoon Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning
2 teaspoons FRESH ground sea salt
1 teaspoon FRESH ground black pepper
1 tablespoon PURE maple syrup
2 tablespoons apricot pineapple jam

  • Whisk all ingredients together.
  • Reserve 4 tablespoons for later.
  • Pour over pork chops and marinate, turning frequently, for 2-4 hours before grilling.

Another great grilled pork chop recipe is for these grilled chops with Raspberry chipotle BBQ sauce.

  • Preheat grill to medium high heat.
  • Oil the grate.
  • Arrange chops on grill sear 5-7 minutes per side.
  • Heat reserve marinade in a small sauce pan.
  • Brush chops on both sides with the hot marinade as you remove them from the grill and place them on the platter.
  • Serve immediately.

NOTES:

  • If you prefer a thinner chop, be sure and adjust the cooking times!  Thinner chops take considerably LESS cooking time, usually only 2 minutes per side!
  • This recipe is best with FRESH green vegetables like asparagus or broccolini, slaws or salads.  I also like to grill orange slices slathered in the sauce to go with the whole meal.

FARM STYLE MEATLOAF

FARM STYLE MEATLOAF is a recipe I adapted from Kevin Penner’s 1770 House Meatloaf recipe after watching an episode of Ina Garten‘s Barefoot Contessa.  I debated on what to name this dish after my changes.  I flip flopped between Greenhouse and Farm style before finally landing on farm style.  All of the different meats and FRESH herbs and vegetables influenced my final decision for naming it Farm Style.  Honestly, I may yet rename it as I think more.

It is similar, yet completely different from my normal meatloaf recipe that I’ve been using for eons!  We instantly fell in love with the earthiness of this meatloaf and the savory herb sauce was perfect with mashed potatoes too!   Hubby normally loves ketchup or BBQ sauce with meatloaf, but with this flavorful sauce he bypassed it completely!

The key to this recipe is using QUALITY ingredients! Preferably grass fed meats and very FRESH organic ingredients.

FARM STYLE MEATLOAF
1/3 pound ground veal or lamb
1/3 pound ground pork
1/3 pound ground beef
1 teaspoon chopped, FRESH chives
1 teaspoon chopped, FRESH thyme leaves
1 teaspoon chopped, FRESH Italian parsley
1 LARGE egg
scant 1/2 cup finely ground Panko crumbs
scant 1/4 cup whole milk
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Avocado oil
1 stalk of celery, finely diced
1 LARGE shallot, finely diced

  • Preheat the oven to 350°.
  • Place the veal, pork, beef, chives, thyme, parsley, eggs, Panko crumbs, milk, salt and pepper in a large mixing bowl. Set aside.
  • Heat a medium saute pan over medium-high heat and film it with avocado oil.
  • Add the celery and shallot to the pan, stirring, until softened.
  • Remove the celery and shallot from the pan and let cool.
  • When the mixture is cool, add it to the mixing bowl with the other ingredients.
  • Using gloved hands, mix the ingredients until well combined and everything is evenly distributed.
  • Place a LARGE piece of parchment paper on a sheet pan.
  • Place the meat on the sheet pan and pat it and punch it down to remove any air pockets shaping the meat into a loaf about 6 inches long x 2 inches high.
  • Place the sheet pan in the oven and bake 40 to 50 minutes or until a meat cooked through (155-160°).
  • Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes.

SAUCE
2/3 cup chicken or beef stock
1 tablespoon Marsala wine
3 cloves roasted garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon FRESH chopped chives
1/2 teaspoon FRESH chopped thyme leaves
1/2 teaspoon FRESH chopped Italian parsley
1 tablespoon butter, room temperature
1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional)

  • Combine the broth, Marsala wine, roasted garlic and butter over medium-high heat and simmer for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until lightly thickened.
  • Add the chopped thyme, chives and parsley.
  • Quickly whisk in the cornstarch if needed to thicken as necessary.
  • Slice the meatloaf into serving portions and spoon the hot sauce over the meatloaf and mashed potatoes.
  • Serve immediately.

NOTE: You can use a loaf pan if you prefer, but we like the firm crispy edges produced using this method.

FIRECRACKER PORK CHOPS

FIRECRACKER PORK CHOPS
4 bone in center cut pork chops
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste
1/3 cup buttermilk
1 tablespoon Mexican seasoning blend (see below)
1/4 cup avocado oil
1/4 cup coconut oil
1/2 cup Wondra flour
1 recipe RED HOT Aioli (see below)
1 scallion, finely chopped
Italian parsley, chopped for garnish

  • Whisk together the buttermilk and half the Mexican seasoning. Set aside.
  • Whisk together the flour with the other half of the Mexican seasoning.
  • Heat avocado oil in skillet over medium high heat.
  • Dredge the pork chops one at a time in the buttermilk mixture and then press into the flour mixture, shaking off excess before doing it ALL AGAIN to double coat each chop before adding to the skillet.
  • Sear pork chops 3-4 minutes per side.
  • Remove chops to a plate and immediately coat with the aioli, turning to coat both sides.
  • Sprinkle with scallions and parsley.

RED HOT AIOLI
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Frank’s Original hot sauce
1 1/2 teaspoon QUALITY honey
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
PINCH FRESH ground sea salt

  • Whisk ALL the ingredients until smooth.

MEXICAN SEASONING BLEND
4 tablespoons chile powder
2 tablespoons sweet paprika
2 tablespoons ground cumin
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon ground Mexican oregano
1 tablespoon ground red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

  • Blend together and store in an airtight bottle.

 

BAKED SOUTHWEST PORK CHOPS

BAKED SOUTHWEST PORK CHOPS
6 -8 boneless pork chops
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon avocado oil
1 small red onion (I use the purple because it gives it more flavor), halved and thinly sliced
1 can Campbell’s cream of sweet corn soup
1 small can green enchilada sauce
1 small can chopped green chiles, DRAINED WELL
1 can shoepeg corn, DRAINED WELL
4 ounces sour cream
1 package Laura Scudder’s green onion dip mix
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste
2 large white potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
sliced mini peppers

  • Generously season pork chops with FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper.
  • Melt butter and avocado oil in skillet over medium high heat.
  • Sear your pork chops in a skillet.
  • Preheat oven to 350°.
  • Spray baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
  • Whisk together the soup, sour cream and enchilada sauce.
  • Fold in the corn and green chilies.
  • Spread half the sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
  • Top with the potatoes slices.
  • Top with a thin layer of the sauce.
  • Place browned pork chops in the baking dish in a single layer on top.
  • Top with the sliced onions.
  • Pour remaining sauce over the top and spread even.
  • Top with sliced mini peppers.
  • Bake in the oven for about 60 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
  • Serve hot.

DINNER is meant to be DINNER, in a SINGLE pan when possible :D – PORK TENDERLOIN with GREEN BEANS & ROASTED PEARS

DINNER is meant to be enjoyed, and cooked in a SINGLE pan whenever possible 😀  I want to make JUST ONE  fantastic dish that is so flavorful and satisfying that it can stand alone or simply be paired with a salad or FRESH rolls.  Now to be honest this takes 2 pans UNLESS you use a LARGE cast iron skillet which is my weapon of choice 😀 or at least an ovenproof skillet of some sort.

PORK TENDERLOIN with GREEN BEANS & ROASTED PEARSserves 2-4
2 pound pork tenderloin
1/2 pound green beans, washed, trimmed and cut
1-2 BOSC pears, cored and sliced
1 shallot, chopped
5-6 large mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
FRESH thyme sprigs, trimmed and chopped
1/3 cup chicken broth
1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
1 tablespoon teriyaki sauce
1 tablespoon avocado oil
1+1 tablespoon butter

  • Preheat oven to 375°.
  • Spray sheet pan with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
  • Heat avocado oil and butter in a large skillet over medium high heat.
  • When sizzling, add shallots and green beans. Stir 3-4 minutes until beginning to soften and cghar.
  • Season with FRESH ground salt and pepper.
  • Add mushrooms and pears, sauteing 2-3 minutes more.
  • With slotted spoon transfer to sheet pan.

 

  • Pat tenderloin dry and generously season with FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper.
  • Add tenderloin to the still hot pan and quickly sear on all sides.
  • Transfer tenderloin to sheet pan. RESERVE PAN and EVERYTHING IN IT for sauce.
  • Roast 13-15 minutes (140°).
  • Remove from oven and tent with foil.
  • Rest 5 minutes.

  • Return pan to medium heat.
  • Add garlic and thyme, cooking until fragrant.
  • Whisk together the chicken broth and cornstarch until lump free.
  • Add teriyaki sauce and chicken broth to pan, simmering until begins to thicken.
  • Remove from heat and stir in 1 tablespoon of butter.
  • Season to taste.
  • Plate and ENJOY!