Stuffed pork chops

Holy Moly. In response to my sister, Rachel, no, I have not made the enchiladas yet. But, I want to. Christmas is just really busy and well, cooking? It's out the window right now.

Anyways, I am putting some other fun recipes on the blog site so I can get them later.

I used to go to this fancy restaurant in Springfield, Missouri during college that had the most amazing pork chops. I mean given the choice between steak and these thick chops, I chose the chops everytime.

Since then I have been meaning to find a good recipe. I am going to try these out next week. yum.

Also, there is grilled polenta that goes with it. Okay. I need to eat...now.

Okay. Yes, polenta. Don't be afraid, it's just corn ground fine and it's like the Italian version of mashed potatoes. It's so yummy it makes my mouth water. If you are amish or mennonite, you make it, chill it and then fry it and pour syrup all over it. You can order it at the Der Dutchmen and it's amazing.


Fontina and Prosciutto Stuffed Pork Chops with Grilled Polenta Squares and Roasted California Grapes
Recipe courtesy Tyler Florence
Prep Time:
45 min
Inactive Prep Time:
3 hr 0 min
Cook Time:
50 min
Level:
Intermediate
Serves:
4 servings
Ingredients
4 bone-in pork chops, about 1 1/2 inches thick
2 quarts water
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup kosher salt
4 fresh thyme sprigs
10 cloves
6 allspice berries
8 slices (about 3 ounces) prosciutto
4 slices (about 3 ounces) fontina
1/2 cup chicken stock
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, chilled
4 sprigs flat-leaf parsley, for garnish
1 pound California red grapes, on the vine and cut into 4 smaller clusters/bunches
Extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Grilled Polenta Squares, recipe follows
Directions
Prepare the pork chops. Make a brine by combining the water, sugar, salt, thyme sprigs, clove and all-spice berries in a re-sealable bag. Add the pork chops, seal up the bag and put in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
Drain the pork chops and pat dry. Using a paring knife, make a horizontal cut into the center of each chop to make a pocket. Stuff a slice of fontina and prosciutto inside each pocket and secure with a toothpick. Set 2 large cast iron skillets over medium-high heat and add a 2-count of extra-virgin olive oil to each skillet. Add 2 chops to each of the skillets and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until golden. Turn chops, push to 1 side and set grape clusters in pan. Drizzle with a little olive oil and season with salt and pepper before putting the pans in the oven. Roast chops for 5 to 7 minutes until cooked through and cheese has melted. Remove from oven when done and set chops and clusters of roasted grapes aside on a plate - keep warm.
Consolidate juices into 1 pan and set over medium heat. Add a splash of chicken stock to the pan, scraping the bottom to extract all the flavors. Fold in cold butter while whisking to thicken sauce. Season with salt and pepper. To serve, set 1 pork chop on each plate on top of a Grilled Polenta Square, garnish with a cluster of roasted grapes and drizzle with pan sauce. Set a stack of hydroponic watercress to 1 side and serve.
Grilled Polenta Squares:
8 cups water
1 teaspoon kosher salt
2 cups polenta/yellow cornmeal
1/4 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
Fresh cracked black pepper
Extra-virgin olive oil
Bring water and salt to a boil in a large saucepan. Gradually whisk in the cornmeal in a slow steady stream. Lower heat and continue to whisk until the polenta is thick and smooth, about 20 minutes. Add the cream and butter and continue to stir until incorporated. Remove from heat; fold in Parmesan and black pepper. Pour the polenta into a buttered 9 by 13-inch shallow baking dish and spread evenly with a spatula. Cover and chill a few hours. Cut the polenta into squares. Brush both sides with olive oil and transfer to a hot grill. Grill on both sides until golden brown.