Pork Chops With Caramelized Onions And Smoked Gouda Food

PORK CHOPS STUFFED WITH SMOKED GOUDA AND BACON

Steps:

• Preheat an outdoor grill for medium heat.
• In a small bowl, combine the cheese, bacon, parsley, and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper.
• Lay the chop flat on cutting board, and with a sharp knife held parallel to the board, cut a pocket into the pork, going all the way to the bone, but leaving the sides intact. Stuff cheese mixture into pocket, and close with a wooden toothpick. Brush meat with oil, and season with salt and more black pepper.
• Lightly oil the grill grate. Grill over medium heat for 5 to 8 minutes on each side, or until pork is done. Careful not to overcook!

PORK CHOPS SMOTHERED IN CARAMELIZED ONIONS

Steps:

• Season both sides of pork chops with garlic powder, sage, thyme, salt and pepper.
• Melt 2 tbs. butter in a large skillet over medium heat, evenly coating the bottom of the skillet.
• Increase heat to medium-high. Cook both sides of chops for 10-15 minutes until lightly browned. (Note: It is okay if the chops are not completely done, as there is more cooking time to come.).
• Push chops to outside edges of skillet. Melt the remaining 1 tbs. butter in the center of the skillet and add onions to the center of the skillet, sprinkling with sugar.
• Replace skillet cover and cook for 10 minutes, frequently tossing and stirring onions with a spatula. Onions are caramelized when tender and medium-brown in color. My husband prefers cooking them until slightly burned, as the flavor intensifies. (Note: Don't forget to watch your chops to make sure they don't burn.).
• Check chops for doneness before serving. They will be done when a fork piercing the thickest part of the chop draws clear juice. If the juice is pink, cook chops a bit longer until done. (Note: Make sure to watch onions, so they don't burn.).
• Serve pork chops with caramelized onions piled on top.

PORK CHOPS WITH CARAMELIZED ONIONS AND SMOKED GOUDA

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350ºF. Heat 3 tablespoons oil in heavy large skillet over high heat. Season pork with salt and pepper. Dredge in 1 cup flour; shake off excess. Working in batches, add pork to skillets and saute until brown, about 3 minutes per side. Arrange pork in single layer in 15x10x2-inch glass baking dish. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon paprika over pork.
• Discard contents of skillet; wipe clean. Add 3 tablespoons oil; heat over medium-high heat. Add onions; sprinkle with sugar and saute until well browned, stirring often, about 20 minutes. Add garlic; saute 1 minute. Add 1 tablespoon paprika. Place onions over pork. Pour enough broth over so that chops are almost covered. Cover with foil. Bake until pork is tender, about 45 minutes.
• (Can be made 1 day ahead. Uncover; cool slightly. Cover; chill. Rewarm covered pork in 350ºF oven, about 20 minutes).
• Reduce oven temperature to 200ºF. Using tongs, transfer pork to large bowl, leaving onion mixture in baking dish. Pour contents of baking dish into strainer set over medium bowl. Return onion mixture to same baking dish, spreading evenly (reserve cooking liquid). Arrange pork atop onions; sprinkle with cheese. Cover dish with foil; set in oven to keep warm.
• Melt butter in heavy large saucepan over medium heat. Add 5 tablespoons flour. Cook until mixture just begins to color, whisking often (mixture will be dry and crumbly), about 4 minutes. Gradually whisk in reserved cooking liquid. Bring sauce to boil, whisking constantly. Boil until thickened, whisking often, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
• Transfer pork and onions to plates. Spoon sauce around pork and serve.

QUESADILLAS WITH SMOKED GOUDA AND CARAMELIZED ONION

Steps:

• Melt 2 tablespoons butter in heavy medium skillet over medium heat.
• Add onion and sauté until onion is golden brown, stirring frequently, about 25 minutes.
• Season with freshly cracked pepper.
• Remove from heat. Cool to room temperature.
• Brush heavy large skillet with remaining butter. Place over medium-high heat. Working in batches, Sprinkle cheese, prosciutto and sautéed onion on tortilla, dividing equally, top with another tortilla making a sandwich. Cook quesadillas just until brown spots appear, brushing skillet with butter between batches, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer quesadillas to cutting board. Cut each into 6 triangles. Arrange on platter and serve hot or at room temperature.
• I usually serve with sour cream mixed with mango chutney and Tabasco, and lime wedges.