Strawberry Pork Chop Fiesta By Chef Guy Fieri Recipes

BRIE SMOTHERED PORK CHOPS

Steps:

• For the brine and pork chops: Combine 2 cups water, brown sugar, vinegar, 2 tablespoons salt, garlic, peppercorns, thyme, mustard powder and red pepper flakes in a large saucepan and set over high heat. Bring to a simmer and stir until the sugar has dissolved. Remove from the heat and add the ice cubes to bring down the temperature. Once cooled and the ice cubes have dissolved, add to a resealable plastic container (or a plastic bag) and add the pork chops. Place in the fridge for 1 hour.
• Tie each pork chop around the perimeter with a piece of kitchen twine. This will help the chop retain a nice, round shape while cooking.
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Remove the chops from the brine and pat dry with some paper towels (removing the excess moisture on the surface allows the pork chop to sear and caramelize). Sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper. Set a large cast-iron skillet over high heat. Coat the pan with oil and when the oil starts to smoke, add the pork chops to the pan. Cook over high heat until well browned, 8 to 10 minutes. Turn the chops over and reduce the heat slightly to allow the chops to cook through. Cook on the second side until golden brown, about 8 minutes. When done, remove the pork chops from the skillet and place onto a sheet tray. Divide the slices of the Brie between the chops and layer evenly on each so they are covered well. Place the sheet tray into the oven and cook until the Brie is just melted and the pork has cooked to 140 to 145 degrees F. Remove from the oven and transfer the chops to a plate to rest.
• For the pan sauce: Meanwhile, place the skillet back over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil and then add the apples and onions. Saute for 4 to 5 minutes, and then add the Calvados. Allow the alcohol to cook off (you can flambe at this stage if desired by igniting the Calvados in the pan). Once the Calvados has reduced, add the stock and simmer. Season with some salt and pepper. Allow to reduce for 2 to 3 minutes, and then remove from the heat and swirl in the cold butter cubes. This will thicken the sauce and give it a nice sheen. Serve the Brie-topped pork chops with the sauce.

STUFFED DOUBLE-CUT PORK LOIN CHOPS

Steps:

• For the brine: Rinse and pat the chops dry, slit a pocket into each chop about 3 to 4 inches long and as deep as the bone. Combine the remaining ingredients in a re-sealable bag, place in the refrigerator and brine for 1 to 2 hours.
• For the stuffing: In a saute pan over medium-high heat, add the oil and butter, and when the butter melts and foams, add the pancetta and cook until crispy. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the fat in the pan. Add the mushrooms, sprinkle with salt and pepper and cook over medium-high heat, stirring frequently for 6 minutes. Add the shallots, sage and 1/2 of the pancetta and cook for 3 minutes more. Remove to a plate to cool, spreading out evenly. Once cool, add the fontina cheese. Reserve the extra pancetta for service.
• Remove the chops from the brine and pat dry. Stuff with the cooled filling and secure the opening with toothpicks. Reserve any remaining filling for the sauce.
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• For the breading: In a shallow pan or bowl, add the Italian seasoning, pepper, panko and flour. Mix well. Add the eggs to a second shallow bowl and beat.
• Dredge the chops through the egg, then lay in the breading and press to adhere. Repeat with all the chops.
• In a large saute pan, add the oil and bacon fat and, when shimmering, add the pork chops, cooking until golden brown, about 5 minutes each side. Hold gently with tongs and cook the edges as well. Place on a baking pan fitted with a wire rack and place into the oven. Cook until the meat registers 135 degrees F on a thermometer, 10 to 15 minutes. Remove and lightly tent with foil.
• For the sauce: In the same pan that the chops were cooked in, add the shallots and any remaining mushroom filling and cook over medium-high heat for 4 to 5 minutes. Deglaze the pan with the stock and scrape any bits from the bottom. Whisk in the mustard and yogurt until well combined, and then add the lemon juice and salt.
• Remove the chops from the baking pan, remove the toothpicks and place on a serving platter. Top with the sauce. Garnish with the parsley and the remaining pancetta and serve immediately.

STRAWBERRY PORK CHOPS

Steps:

• In a small bowl, combine the vinaigrette, onion, brown sugar, paprika and Worcestershire sauce; set aside. Combine rosemary and pepper; rub over both sides of pork chops. , In a large skillet, cook chops in oil over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes on each side or until a thermometer reads 160°. Pour vinaigrette mixture over meat; cook 3-4 minutes longer or until pork juices run clear. , Remove chops and keep warm. Add strawberries to the cooking juices and toss to coat; serve with pork chops.