Since we don't eat seafood, except for an occasional shrimp dish for the hubby and kids, my main meat is either chicken, turkey or center cut pork chops, so I'm always trying to think up new and interesting ways to prepare them. Hubby and I were having an argument discussion last week about why I always put the majority of the whole fruit I buy each week into the refrigerator instead of putting it all in the basket I have on the kitchen counter. I KNOW you're supposed to keep it out; however, when I do, it doesn't get eaten quick enough and it starts to bruise and turn bad.
So toprove my point compromise, I put some of the pears I had recently purchased in the basket and waited. Two days, that's all it took and they started to soften so I had to make something with them quick or they would be trash. I had recently seen a recipe for a pear compote in a magazine and decided to cut them up, mix them with some rosemary and a lone pomegranate that had yet to be eaten and voila! This salsa was EXCELLENT on the seared pork chops. They were light, refreshing and not overly sweet. And the little crunch of the pomegranate seeds gave the meal a nice texture as well. This Pear & Pomegranate Salsa would also pair nicely over grilled chicken or fish too!
So to
4-4oz. Boneless Center Cut Pork Loin Chops, fat trimmed
1 tbsp. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 tbsp. Fresh Rosemary, chopped
Prepared Pear and Pomegranate Salsa, recipe below
Directions:
1. Heat a nonstick large saute pan over medium heat and add the oil.
2. Pat some of the fresh rosemary on each pork chop, then add to the pan.
3. Cook 5-7 minutes per side, depending on the thickness so that they get a caramelized color.
5. Top with prepared salsa. Serves 4.
*Nutritional Information per Serving: Calories 331, Carbs 21g, Fat 11.3g, Protein 36g, Fiber 2.8g, Sugar 15.6g
*Calculations based on ingredients entered into CalorieCount and may not be 100% accurate.
That the pomegranate was considered the symbol of married love in ancient Greece? According to Greek mythology, Aphrodite planted a pomegranate tree and it was expected to be a gift received from guests to your new home. Since Aphrodite was the symbol of love, giving a pomegranate still is given as an ideal wedding gift today.
2 Bosc Pears, peeled, seeded and diced small
1 Pomegranate, seeds only
1/2 Lemon, juice only
1 tbsp. Shallots, minced
1 tsp. Granulated Sugar
2 tsp. Rosemary, chopped
1/2 tsp. Kosher Salt
Directions:
1. Mix all ingredients together in a bowl.
Serves 4.
*Nutritional Information per Serving: Calories 81, Carbs 21g, Fat .2g, Protein .7g, Fiber 2.8g, Sugar 15.6g
*Calculations based on ingredients entered into CalorieCount and may not be 100% accurate.
Enjoy!
On another note...Did you get your March newsletter?
It went out yesterday so check your spam folder just to be sure. If you're not signed up, you can still do so by entering your email address into the box to the right over here on the right side of this page (well, you have to be reading this from my actual blog!) >>>>.
You don't want to miss out! The Newsletter only comes out once a month and I will not sell your information to any 3rd parties. This months' newsletter contains:
- Upcoming interviews, events and reviews
- How to Make the Perfect Holiday Roast
- A recipe for Baby Fruit Punch (perfect for all of those upcoming baby showers!) and Irish Soda Bread; not to mention the Top 5 Most Viewed Recipes last month
- AND...I'm giving away 10 copies of Carrie's Experimental Kitchen eCookbook (you have to be a newsletter subscriber!)
