Sunday, March 2, 2008

Nice Weekend (BBQ Pork Chops and Cinnamon Apples)

Yesterday, it rained and snowed. Today, the sun is shining and the snow is melting. It might even be over 40 degrees out there! I took Ralfie on his first walk and he did pretty well. He didn't know what to think of the leash, but I think he'll get the hang of it with more practice. Right now he's pouting because Charlie is outside without him.

Mom, Dad and Ryan have moved in. Things are going great so far. No one is clashing for time in the bathroom and Ralfie is sleeping at night. It's been really fun cooking for 5 instead of two. Plus, leftovers don't last in the fridge for long. I've been making some of my favorites for them. Have you tried BBQ pork chops with cinnamon apples? It's really good.

Here's how you do it:
First, turn on your broiler. Then combine 1/4c. ketchup, 1/4c. packed brown sugar (or 2T. brown sugar substitute), 1T. Worcestershire sauce and 1T. low-sodium soy sauce. Place half in a separate bowl and set aside.

Combine 1t. dried thyme, 1t. garlic salt, and 1/4t. cayenne pepper and sprinkle evenly over both sides of 6 bone-in center-cut pork chops (about 1/2 inch thick, fat trimmed off). Coat a grill pan or broiler pan with nonstick cooking spray (I use Pam for grilling) and broil for 6 minutes on each side, using half of the sauce to brush the pork chops while cooking. Remove from the heat and allow to rest for at least 5 mintes. Spoon the reserved sauce over the top and serve.

For the apples, peel and cut up about 2 lbs. of granny smith apples into small chunks. Place 3T. butter in a skillet and melt over medium-high heat. Add the apples and saute until the apples are tender, 6 to 10 minutes. Add 1/2c. packed brown sugar and 1/8 t. ground cinnamon. Cook an additional minute or until the sugar melts. Delicious!

Well, I'm going to go back outside to enjoy the day. TTFN!