Don't Call Us, We'll Call You...

As some of you may already know from an earlier post, I occasionally tryout for cooking shows. The latest one was for Season 2 of  The Taste. Last time I prepared a chicken dish, Poulet a'la Diable. This time around I switched proteins and went with pork, Maple Glazed Pork Chops. Since the dish is suppose to be a representation of me and my cooking style, I decided to go with a Southern Comfort theme. So for the sides, I chose to serve Potato Salad with Bacon and Sautéed Green Beans (see recipes on July 15th entry). Now as anyone that knows me will tell you, I am anything but simple. So to give the dish more of that "early supper on the back porch" ambiance, I paired it with a mixed drink that I called Carolina Iced Tea. This was presented in a small glass pitcher and poured into mason jars for the judges. Okay mind you, all this had to be plated in three minutes and your home girl did it with time to spare. Who knew watching all those Quickfire Challenges would payoff?! Thank you, Top Chef! 

After the countless preparations, dry runs and use of friends as guinea pigs, I still didn't get "The Call". What does a girl have to do to be put on?! Oh well, there is always next time and other shows. Back to the kitchen to create the next big culinary sensation... However right now, I am all potato salad out. I don't think I could look at a potato... What am I going to eat with my barbeque now?!  

Maple Glazed Pork Chops

Ingredients  

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 loin pork chops
• kosher salt and pepper
• sage
• garlic powder
• 1 cup pure maple syrup Grade A
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon cider vinegar

Instructions

1. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. 
2. Wash pork chops; pat dry. Sprinkle chops to your taste with salt, pepper, garlic powder and sage.
3. Place them on the hot oil in skillet. Cook chops for about 2 minutes on each side, or until nicely browned, then remove them.
4. Whisk together remaining ingredients and add to the skillet. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes. 
5. Remove cover, add the chops back into the skillet and simmer for about 20 minutes longer, or until liquids are reduced and chops are glazed.  

Carolina Iced Tea
Serves 8

Ingredients:

• 3 cups Southern Comfort
• 1 cup Spiced rum
• 1 cup Peach schnapps
• 1 cup Vodka (or more to taste)
• 4-6 oz sweet Iced tea

Instructions:

1. Add all the alcohols together in the pitcher and stir lightly. 
2. Pour in iced tea. Stir a few more times 
3. Pour over a mason jar of ice and enjoy!

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