I pretty much love pork any way you can make it. I don’t know how else to put it, other than its probably my favorite meat. For me, I raised eating a lot of pork, in many different preparations. I loved nothing more than coming home when I was a little girl to the smell of Pork chops cooking in the pan. As I got older I grew to appreciate other pork cuts. I come from generations of farmers. We raised pigs, and I can remember as a little girl feeding those pigs and watching the sow as she nursed her piglets. I also remember the stench of pigs. LOL. I put my wellies on and went outside to feed my friends. Pigs are loud when they eat! I loved being on the farm, and I love the fact that I knew where our food was coming from.
I live in Cincinnati now, and I am very happy to learn about Ohio Pork Council. It’s an organization that was started in 1968 to help bring awareness to the pork industry in Ohio. It began with 800 farmers coming together to promote their product. The council has now grown to over 2500 members and offers even more services to its members. Take a look at their website and you will have access to wealth of knowledge about Pig farming. They have recipe ideas, videos to watch and lots of things you can learn about what it takes to be an Ohio Pig Farmer. Check it out here: http://www.ohiopork.org/about-us.aspx
Fast forward a little and I like to get into the kitchen to experiment. I still love my pan fried pork chops, but being a little bit of a foodie I want to try the new things I saw at Spice Kitchen + Bar. I really like a good combination of salty, sour, sweet and spicy. Pork is just the kind of meat that lends itself to those big flavor profiles. The meat is rich enough to handle any kind of big spice you put on it. Tonight I decided to try out some big bold flavors and break out the seldom used balsamic vinegar. Its a robust ingredient that can really make your dish soar.
I grabbed my Ohio Pork out of the fridge and I gathered all the simple ingredients together. I started by taking my herbs and chopping them, and adding the balsamic, honey and spices to the pan and reduced it for 3-4 minutes. I then placed my pork in a searing hot pan and put salt and pepper on both sides. This dish finishes in the oven and its so simple to make and cook. I really loved the fully body flavor of this dish.
Take time out and learn more about the Ohio Pork Council. While you’re over there enter their giveaway for the chance to enter and win a Le Cruset Dutch Oven!
- ½ cup of balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- Half teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Four garlic cloves
- 1 Teaspoon of fresh oregano
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp of fresh thyme
- 4-5 fresh basil leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Combine all ingredients into a sauce pan and allow to cook for 3-4 minutes then remove from heat.
- 3-4 Ohio Pork chops
- salt and pepper
- balsamic glaze
- 1 tbs of olive oil
- Salt and Pepper both sides of pork.
- In a large skillet place the oil in skillet over medium high heat.
- Allow the skillet to heat up for 4-5 minutes.
- Add in pork chops and cook 3-4 minutes per side.
- Then place glaze on top of each chop and place in a 400 degree oven for 12-15 minutes.
- Enjoy!
“This post is sponsored by the Ohio Pork Council, all opinions are my own.”
Wow Nate! These looks great!
Thanks so much!!