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I am a mom to twin boys, full-time employee of a telecommunications company and wife to a professional musician. I work, do yoga, cook and try to squeeze in DIY projects and spending time with friends.

Saturday, October 29, 2011

Pork Chops with Thyme and Oranges

I tend not to cook main courses with fruit, as Mr. Unwired usually doesn't like them.  But this one was different... not too sweet or fruity; instead, the oranges were firm and flavorful in the sauce.  Besides, the texture of the thyme and mustard seeds against the crisp color of the sauce was lovely!

This recipe was inspired by this one in Real Simple. http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/pork_pineapple_skillet_supper.html   I didn't have pineapple, and then didn't follow the directions very well.  Sometimes, mistakes are fortuitous!

Pork Chops with Thyme and Oranges
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 Tbsp butter
1 lb boneless pork chops, about 1/2 inch thick
2 tsp thyme, divided
salt and pepper to taste
1/3 cup white wine
3 Tbsp apricot jam
3 Tbsp orange juice
2 tsp Dijon mustard (whole grain if you can get it- mine is from Trader Joes)
1/2 tsp minced ginger
1/2 tsp curry powder
1  orange (peeled, seeded and sectioned, with each section cut in half)

1. Over medium heat, warm butter and olive oil in a skillet.  Sprinkle each side of the pork chops with salt, pepper and a total of 1 tsp thyme.  In a small bowl, mix wine, jam, orange juice, mustard, curry and ginger and set aside.

2. When oil/butter is hot, add pork chops and brown each side, about 4 minutes each side.  When second side is browned, add the wine mixture and turn chops to coat.   Lower heat slightly to cook the meat without evaporating the liquid.  Cook until the chops are just pink in the middle, another five minutes or so.  Remove to a plate and cover to keep warm.


Kinda pretty, for once!


3. Back in the pan, add the oranges and remaining thyme to the sauce.  Cook for five minutes over medium heat, which allows the oranges to soften and the sauce to thicken.

4. Serve to the table with the sauce spooned over the pork.  A side that absorbs the sauce would add to the meal.... Mashed potatoes?  Brown rice?  Yum.

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