Geoffrey Zakarian Pork Chop Food

ALMOND-CRUSTED PORK CHOPS WITH APPLES

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 200 degrees F.
• To make the pork chops: In a food processor, pulse the almonds into crumbs. Mix the breadcrumbs and almonds in a shallow dish and stir in the orange zest. Season the mixture and the pork chops with salt and pepper. In another dish, mix the mustard and eggs together. Brush the chops with the mustard mixture and dredge all over in the crumbs.
• Heat a large ovenproof skillet over medium heat and add about 1/2 inch of the oil. When the oil is hot, brown the chops on both sides, about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Remove them to a baking sheet fitted with a wire rack and cook in the oven until they reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees F.
• To make the apples: Pour the fat out of the skillet, then wipe the skillet and set over medium heat. Melt the butter. Add the shallots, apples and rosemary, and toss until the apples begin to brown, about 3 minutes. Add the sugar, orange juice, stock, and some salt and pepper, and bring to a simmer. Cook just until the sauce comes together, about 15 minutes. Remove the pork chops from the oven and serve with the apples.

GRILLED PORK CHOPS WITH SPICY ZUCCHINI-PINEAPPLE SALSA

Steps:

• Place the pork chops into a glass baking dish or bowl and pour the chilled Base Brine over top. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight.
• About an hour before serving, make the salsa. Combine the pineapple, zucchini, mint, olive oil, chardonnay, shallots, jalapenos, ginger and some salt and pepper in a mixing bowl. Let marinate 1 hour. (This is best if allowed to marinate for 1 hour, but you can also serve it straight away if necessary.)
• When ready to cook the pork, prepare a grill for medium-high heat. Remove the pork chops from the brine, pat dry and allow to sit out while the grill is preheating.
• Season the pork chops on all sides with salt and pepper. Place onto the hot grill and cook until the internal temperature registers 145 degrees F on a meat thermometer, 7 to 8 minutes per side for medium. Allow the pork chops to rest for 5 minutes before serving topped with the salsa.
• Combine the brown sugar, salt, peppercorns, garlic, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf and 8 cups (2 quarts) water in a large stockpot and heat just to dissolve the salt and sugar. Chill thoroughly before using.