Pork Chop Redux

I created a pork chop recipe in Paris from flavors that I remembered sampling when I lived there several years ago. Since returning to the States, I have had occasion to refine the recipe. Since friends have been asking for it, I thought I would write it up with ingredient amounts and whatnot.

Pork Chops with Mushrooms and Creme Fraiche Sauce

5 pork chops, thin-sliced
salt and pepper
3 cloves chopped garlic
1/2 lb mushrooms, sliced (I usually use cremini, but you can really use anything)
1/4 cup white wine or vermouth
1 cup creme fraiche*

Preheat oven to 350. Sprinkle salt and pepper the pork chops. Heat up a cast iron skillet or heavy duty metal skillet until very hot. Sear the pork chops until brown on both sides. Take care not to cook them too long or they'll dry out, especially if you're using boneless. Take the pan off the heat. Remove the pork chops. Return pan to medium heat, add olive oil and chopped garlic. Saute until fragrant, then add the mushrooms. Cook them down until the is very little liquid. Add white wine and cook until the mixture reduces a little. Stir to deglaze the pan. Stir in the creme fraiche. Cook until it thickens. Add the pork chops for a couple of minutes turning to coat with sauce. Place the pan in the oven for 10 minutes to finish cooking the pork chops.

*Creme fraiche is really easy to make with a little time. You take two cups of heavy whipping cream and mix it with two tbs of buttermilk. Stir together. Cover the container and set at room temperature overnight until the mixture thickens to the consistency of sour cream. Then you can refrigerate and use. Alternatively, if you're strapped for time, or simple don't want to make creme fraiche, you can substitute sour cream in the recipe. It comes out a little more acidic that way.

Back home again

IMG_3976[1], originally uploaded by anna.purna.

So we're back in DC. I've been busy applying for jobs...or not so busy, depending on the day. I've been doing a lot of cooking and home projects. This is my latest one so far: a jewelry display for my necklaces. The patterns come from papers (bags, giftwrap, random scraps) that I've accumulated over the years. That was the most fun part. That and using the power tools to cut the dowels and drill the holes.