Breaded Pork Chops

Pork chops are a standby at my house at least once per week. I get a good deal at them at Costco, come home, package those 1 1/2-2" thick boneless chops 2/bag, and freeze. After much complaining from the bf, I started cutting them in half so we would get 4 3/4-1" thick chops. I'm constantly trying new recipes to find what we like. This one fell a little short, but was still worth a post! Once again, I took a recipe and changed it to what I thought would make it better :)

The original recipe:

Ingredients

• 3 cups crushed saltine crackers
• 2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon Italian-style seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 cup butter, melted
• 6 pork chops

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
2. In a medium bowl, combine the crushed saltines, Parmesan cheese, Italian-style seasoning and garlic powder and mix together well.
3. Dip the chops in the melted butter and then dredge each chop in the cracker mixture, coating all sides thoroughly. Place the chops in a 9x13 inch baking dish.
4. Bake at 425 degrees F (220 degrees C) for 30 to 40 minutes, or until internal pork temperature reaches 160 degrees F (70 degrees C). 

**I cut the recipe by 1/2, but had 4 pork chops. After coating the chops, I pan-fried the chops 3 minutes per side to brown coating. I cut cooking time down to 25 minutes.**

My review: Pan-frying added the crunch I was looking for, but the flavor was still a little dry. The original recipe called for too much cracker. I served pork chops with mixed veggies and garlic toast (not pictured).

Italian Breaded Pork Chops & an Ultrasound!

Last night I finally felt well enough to get out of the house! So I went grocery shopping :/ I used my coupons and saved 52% :) Of course, the cashier hated me, but oh well. It's her job.

I raced home and made dinner for the first time in awhile (well unless you count the microwave meals). It was super simple and Mr. P loved it. Enjoy!

Ingredients

    * 3 eggs, lightly beaten
    * 3 tablespoons milk
    * 1 1/2 cups Italian seasoned bread crumbs
    * 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
    * 2 tablespoons dried parsley
    * 2 tablespoons olive oil
    * 4 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped
    * 4 pork chops

   1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
   2. In a small bowl, beat together the eggs and milk. In a separate small bowl, mix the bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, and parsley.
   3. Heat the olive oil in a large, oven-proof skillet over medium heat. Stir in the garlic, and cook until lightly browned. Remove garlic, reserving for other uses.
   4. Dip each pork chop into the egg mixture, then into the bread crumb mixture, coating evenly. Place coated pork chops in the skillet, and brown abut 5 minutes on each side.
   5. Place the skillet and pork chops in the preheated oven, and cook 25 minutes, or to an internal temperature of 160 degrees F (70 degrees C).

 Credit

And this is what you get!

I made a side of sweet potatoes and garlic butter crescent rolls. I usually make a green veg, but Mr. P was so glad to see home cooking, he didn't mind.
I'm leaving work early for my ultrasound, I can't wait so hopefully they can come up with a plan of action. Wish me luck!