Bourbon

By now I probably have you convinced that the only meat we eat in our house is chicken. I swear it’s not! We really do eat a diverse selection of meat. I just find that those are some of my more creative recipes that are fun to share. Well I’m breaking the chicken trend and sharing a fabulous pork recipe. This is a super decadent way to enjoy a very simple cut of meat. The creamy mushrooms are rich and completely addictive. I thought they went wonderfully with some mashed potatoes. This is one of those recipes that completely knocked my hubby’s socks off. One of those meals where there is minimal dinner conversation because you are just taking bite after bite, and moaning every few minutes because you are full but you just can’t stop eating. If you are looking for one of those kinds of dinners, this is it.

INGREDIENTS
1 egg
2 tbsp water
4 boneless pork chops
salt and pepper
paprika
1/2 c flour
2 c bread crumbs
6 tbsp olive oil, divided
1/4 c yellow onion, chopped
2 tsp garlic, minced
1 lb white mushrooms, sliced
1/2 c white wine
1 c chicken broth
1/4 c bourbon
1/2 c heavy cream
salt and pepper
2 tbsp fresh basil, minced

STEPS

In a shallow bowl whisk together egg and water.
Season both sides of the pork chops with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Dip the pork shops in the flour being sure they are coated evenly.
Then dip the chops in the egg wash and breadcrumbs, coating completely.
Set the breaded pork chops aside.
Heat 2 tbsp of the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat.
Sauté the onions, garlic, and mushrooms until browned, about 10–15 minutes.
Add the wine and increase the heat to high.
Boil the wine down until all the liquid is reduced to almost a glaze, about 4 minutes.
Add the chicken broth and the bourbon and simmer until reduced by two thirds.
Add the cream and simmer several more minutes, reduce heat to low.
Preheat oven to 400º.
In a large skillet heat the remaining four tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat.
Add the pork chops and cook 4 minutes per side or until they reach a nice golden brown.
Transfer the pork chops to a baking dish and cook for another 8–10 minutes or until cooked through.
Remove the pork chops from the oven and allow to sit for a minute.
While the pork chops are resting turn up the heat on the mushrooms and add the chopped basil.
Season with salt and pepper and spoon over the cooked pork chop.

Recipe adapted from Simply Recipes.

Usually when we have steak in our house my hubby does his magic on the grille. The other weekend he was taking his first of many architectural exams. I wanted to surprise him with a nice steak fit for a king to reward him for all his hard work, without having him fire up the barbie. These really turned out to be some great skillet cooked steaks. The sauce was rich and creamy and really dresses up what is already a fabulous cut of meat. This recipe is perfect for a romantic dinner in or a special indulgence.

STEAK INGREDIENTS
2 New York steaks, rib eyes, or filets
1/2 tbsp kosher salt
1 tbsp fresh ground pepper
2 tbsp olive oil

SAUCE INGREDIENTS
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic, minced
1 tbsp yellow onion, minced
1 tsp peppercorns
2 tbsp bourbon
1/2 c beef broth
1/2 c heavy whipping cream

STEAK STEPS

Season both sides of the steaks with salt and pepper making sure to rub it in.
Heat a medium sized skillet over medium-high heat.
Add olive oil to the pan and heat.
Carefully add the steaks to the pan and cook for 4–5 minutes.
Reduce the heat to medium and flip the steaks.
Cook the steaks for another 4–5 minutes.
Transfer the steaks to a large plate and cover with foil.

SAUCE STEPS

Add oil to the skillet the steaks were cooked in.
Add garlic, onions, and peppercorns to the skillet and cook over medium heat until onions are translucent.
Carefully add the bourbon to the pan to deglaze. It may ignite so stand back and poor in slowly.
Use a whisk to stir and break up all the bits in the bottom of the pan.
Add the beef broth and the heavy cream to the pan and bring to a gentle boil.
Turn heat to low and simmer.
Cook sauce for 3–5 minutes until it begins to thicken, stirring occasionally.
Plate the steaks and pour the sauce over the top of them.