Sweet Tea Marinated Pork Chop Sandwich Food

SWEET TEA-BRINED PORK CHOPS WITH PEPPER RELISH

Steps:

• Make the brine: Bring 6 cups water to a boil in a large pot. Turn off the heat, add the tea bags and let steep 10 minutes. Discard the tea bags. Stir in 3/4 cup sugar, 1/2 cup salt, the bay leaves and coriander seeds. Cook over low heat, stirring, until the sugar and salt are dissolved, about 3 minutes. Remove from the heat, pour into a large heatproof pitcher (reserve the pot) and let cool to room temperature, about 30 minutes. Refrigerate the brine until very cold, at least 1 hour. Pour the brine into the reserved pot and add the pork chops. Cover and refrigerate 8 hours or overnight.
• Meanwhile, make the pepper relish: Put the bell peppers, onion and chiles in a food processor and pulse 2 or 3 times until slightly broken down but not pureed. Transfer to a small saucepan and add the vinegar, preserves, remaining 1/4 cup sugar and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer until slightly reduced but still juicy, about 10 minutes. Remove from the heat, transfer to a serving bowl and refrigerate until ready to serve. (You can make the relish up to 1 day ahead.)
• Preheat a grill to medium. Oil the grill grates. Remove the pork chops from the brine and pat dry. Season the chops with salt and pepper. Grill, covered, until well-marked, 14 to 16 minutes (rotate the chops 90 degrees if they get too dark). Flip the chops and cook, covered, until well-marked on the other side and a thermometer inserted sideways into the center registers 145 degrees F, 14 to 16 more minutes. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest about 10 minutes. Serve with the relish.

MARINATED SALUMI SANDWICH

Steps:

• Make the pesto: Place the almonds and garlic in a food processor. Pulse to roughly chop. Add the basil, lemon zest and parmigiano and pulse to combine. Add the olive oil and 1/2 teaspoon salt and puree until a smooth paste forms.
• Make the sandwich: Open the loaf of bread and pull out some of the excess bread from the inside, leaving a slightly hollowed-out loaf. Spread the pesto evenly over the inside of the bread. Layer the coppa, finocchiona and mozzarella on the bottom half of the bread. Toss together the arugula, fennel, lemon juice and olive oil in a small bowl. Place the salad on top of the meats and cheese. Top with the remaining half of the bread and press together. Wrap the sandwich tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate at least 1 hour or overnight before slicing and serving.