“It takes a village…” I have said this countless times. I am usually referring to the way in which my wonderful friends help to raise my three kids. In truth, my Village People, as I like to call them, are also a major influence on ME as I navigate my life. They ensure that I am well fed, properly dressed, and adequately socialized. They share with me hobbies, books, coupons, clothes, drinks, ingredients, stories, disappointments, and achievements. And, they are the first ones to respond when I need help.
I am lucky to have Shanna, today’s guest blogger, in my Village. Earlier this week, I complained via Facebook that my to-do list was making me wish for a 27-hour day. Never mind the pile of laundry, lack of a dinner plan, and a kitchen floor desperate for a broom, I had multiple work-related deadlines looming. Shanna immediately replied and said, “What can I do to help?” A few emails later, she had whipped up this delicious meal, sent the recipe AND photos.
Everybody needs a village. Who are your Village People?
Sweet and Sour Pork Chops (Adapted from The One-Armed Cook)
Serves 4-5
Shanna says: I found this book while shopping in Babies R Us after having my 3rd child and dinner time seemed almost non-existent. This recipe is super easy and all the kids love it! If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, balsamic is equally yummy. I served mine last night with rice pilaf and green beans!
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 – 5 center cut pork chops
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 cup apple juice
2 tablespoon light brown sugar
2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1) Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
2) Salt and pepper the chops and cook 4 min on each side.
3) In a small bowl, whisk together juice, brown sugar, vinegar and dry mustard.
4) Add to the skillet, bring to a boil and cook for 5 minutes.
5) Transfer chops to a plate and continue cooking sauce for 5 minutes, whisking it often to scrape any bits from the bottom of the skillet.
6) Add chops back in and continue to cook for 5 more minutes. Sauce should be thickened.
Heidi Keyho says
Oh, and I substituted orange juice for apple juice (I didn’t have any) and the pork chops came out really moist-even the hubster commented!
Juggling With Julia says
Great!! I haven’t done pork chops in a long time because I didn’t have a recipe I liked. I will be trying these, so thanks for the feedback.
Heidi Keyho says
I am making this right now. I had 4 cutlets and had no recipe in mind. Thanks for the inspiration! 🙂
Maria says
No dinner plan? Check out Menu Masters! http://www.menu-masters.com. They do they meal planning for you! They ROCK!
Shirl says
sounds delish – LOVE the guest blogger idea!! (but – never a replacement for you Jules!)
Juggling With Julia says
Thanks, Shirl, but you know I will be asking you eventually 🙂
Shanna Pagliuca says
so glad I could be of some help! Love being part of you village! xoxo