Meals that Asher Likes

This is the first in my series called Meals That Asher Likes. As you may have guessed, they are meals that are allergen-free that Asher actually likes (because they are unfortunately plenty that I try that he doesn't like). This distinction is mostly for the grandmas but might be interesting for everyone else (especially since some of them are just plain good anyway).

Maple-Glazed Pork Chops
from Rachael Ray

4 boneless pork chops
salt and black pepper
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 cup chicken stock (check label for dairy)
6 fresh thyme sprigs
1/4 cup maple syrup (use 100% pure maple syrup, as imitation has caramel color in it)
zest and juice of 1 lemon

1. Season the pork chops with salt and pepper. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high to high heat with olive oil. When the oil begins to ripple, add the pork chops and sear for 2 minutes on each side, then turn heat down to medium and cook for 5 to 6 minutes.


2. Transfer chops to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm. Add chicken stock, thyme, maple syrup, 2 tsp of the lemon zest, and the lemon juice to the skillet. Bring up to a bubble and simmer until lightly thickened, a couple of minutes.


3. Return pork chops to the pan with the glaze and flip around to coat them well. Place chops on dinner plates and drizzle with any remaining glaze from the skillet.

Serves 4.

I don't have any process shots but here's the finished product. It's quite delicious. Maple and pork just go so well together. Honestly, Asher would prefer the pork chop plain but the glaze makes it extra yummy for everyone else too. A few points on this recipe:

1. I always use dried thyme because that's what I have around. I just eyeball it.


2. The glaze takes a lot longer than a couple of minutes to thicken up. It's more like 10-15 minutes to get it to the right consistency.


3. I serve this with mashed potatoes (mashed with chicken stock and green onions instead of milk and butter).

Enjoy!