blackened pork chops with red gravy + creamy cheddar polenta

We've felt like spring in Virginia since, oh, February 1st. Despite the incredible temperatures, it was just last week that suddenly, happily, grilling season hit me hard. I'm not sure if it was the trees pushing open tiny buds of vivid green amongst blossoms in bright white and rosy pink, or the craving for rosé and sauvignon blanc in place of sultry red wines, or the backyard grass growing a foot overnight. Whatever the trigger, the need to add a smokey layer to the hyacinth-scented air is suddenly foremost on my mind. I am ready for charred burgers, and grilled pizzas, and sizzling bratwursts. Or, these blackened porkchops with red gravy. They, too, would satisfy my cravings.

These 'chops were prepared after a quick trip to Richmond in February, which always involves a stop at Belmont Butchery. Along with lamb bacon (a necessity, truly) and a beautiful pork shoulder, I brought home these cut-to-order, 1.5-inch thick, local porkchops for Brian. He was thrilled. The quickest way to my carniverous husband's heart is to present him with a lovely cut of pig. He immediately pulled out his favorite cookbooks, searching for a quick but worthy preparation. The Big Green Egg was fired up (another sure way to put a smile on B's face), the cast iron pan heated to 600°, and a shimmering pool of melted butter added. The sizzle and pop of meat followed and dinner was served just 15 minutes later. Oh, Spring. Welcome; please stay awhile, won't you?

Blackened Pork Chops with Red Gravy

adapted from Weber's Big Book of Grilling

serves 2

• 2 bone-in, center-cut pork chops, 1-1.5 inches thick each
• 4 tbsp butter, melted

for the sauce:

• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion
• 1/4 cup finely chopped red bell peppers
• 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
• 1 tsp minced garlic
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/8 tsp cayenne
• 1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup dry red wine
• 1 can (14.5oz) chopped tomatoes
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt

for the rub:

• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp ground oregano
• 1/2 tsp dried onion powder
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp cayenne

method:

1. First, make the sauce. In a medium sauté pan over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add the onion, bell pepper, celery, garlic, thyme, paprika, cayenne, and pepper. Stir occasionally until the vegetables are brown, 4-5 minutes. Add the red wine and cook until all the liquid is evaporated. Add the tomatoes and salt. Stir and simmer for about 5 minutes. Transfer to a food processor and purée. Return the mixture to the sauté pan and simmer until smooth. Set aside.
2. Second, make the rub. In a small bowl combine the rub ingredients. Season the pork chops evenly with the rub and let stand at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before grilling.
3. Start your grill, heating it to as hot as it will go. Add a large cast iron pan and let heat until white ash starts to form across the inside bottom of the pan. Pour in the melted butter and immediately add the chops, which will sizzle and pop and smoke. Close the lid of the grill and let the chops sear for about 3 minutes per side, then continue to cook until the juices run clear when the chops are sliced into, another 4-6 minutes. 
4. Warm the sauce over medium heat.  Serve the chops over a bed of polenta with a generous helping of sauce over top.

Creamy Cheddar Polenta

adapted from Emeril Lagasse

serves 4

ingredients: 

• 4 cups water
• 4 cups heavy cream
• 3 tbsp butter
• 2 tsp salt
• 2 cups polenta (corn grits)
• 1/2 cup high-quality cheddar cheese, grated

method:

1. In a large saucepan bring the water, cream, and butter to a boil. Add the salt to the liquid and whisk in the polenta, whisking constantly for the first 3-4 minutes to prevent clumps. Lower the heat and simmer for 45 minutes, partially covered and stirring every 10 minutes, until the polenta is thick, smooth, and creamy. Add additional cream or water if needed. Add the cheese and stir until melted and smooth. Salt and pepper to taste.  Polenta should be served within 20 minutes of preparation. To reheat leftovers, add additional cream or water to a pan with polenta and stir over heat until creamy.

spicy cheese straws

I love finding quick, delicious, impressive snacks to make on a whim. It can be dangerous, sure, to have an arsenal of last minute recipes from which to choose whenever the mood strikes you for a salty or sweet treat. But, you'll never regret having those favorites when you recieve an impromptu invitation to dinner at a friend's abode. I've got quite a few on the 'sweet' side of the list, but the salty side was lacking until I found these spicy cheese straws over at Smitten Kitchen. I've made them twice in the two weeks since seeking out the recipe for an editorial assignment, and have no doubt they'll make an appearance many more times in the coming weeks. I even discovered that the dough makes an excellent cracker, especially when paired with sweet/tart apples and a little bubbly champagne. And maybe a little Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone with a girlfriend on a Monday evening. Hey, who said Mondays had to be dreary? These fiery cheese straws/crackers will certainly help to spice things up. Har-de-har. 

Cheese Straws or Crackers

from Smitten Kitchen

Ingredients

• 1-1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• 3/4 cup flour, plus more for dusting
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 tbsp milk

Method

1. Preheat oven to 350℉.
2. In a food processor, combine the cheese, butter, flour, salt, and pepper, pulsing until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the milk and process until the dough forms a ball.
3. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to an 8x10 rectangle about 1/8-inch thick. Cut the dough into 1/4-inch wide strips, or 1-inch crackers. (I used a pizza cutter and a pastry cutter to make easy work of this.) Gently transfer the strips or crackers to an ungreased cookie sheet, spacing 1/4-inch apart. You can twist the straws as I did, if you like.
4. Bake the straws/crackers in the middle rack of the oven...about 12 minutes for the straws and 15-18 for the crackers, until they turn golden brown.  Remove from oven and transfer to cooling rack.
5. Straws/crackers will keep in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 2 days.  I highly suggest multiplying this recipe for a party, as two people can easily finish these off as a meal. It may have happened at our house...