Thursday, October 27, 2011

Stuffed Pork Chops - Exercise can be hazardous to your health


I know what you are thinking, that's a pretty harsh statement.  Well there is a good reason I don't go on and on about my exercise skills on this blog.  I decided maybe it's time that I change that. My daughter convinced me we should go hiking, sounded like such a good idea.

Exercise in general is a great thing except when you fall into the "Three Strikes" category like I do; Old, Overweight, and Out of Shape.

Old became immediately apparent when I realized I couldn't read the map they had provided at the entrance because I didn't have my readers.  I used my superior deductive skills, which landed us on a trail that ended up being 6 miles, 5 1/2 of them were up hill.

Overweight, well I get to experience that one first hand everyone morning when I try to fit in my jeans.  But who'd of thought how much harder it would be to navigate hills when you are lugging around some extra luggage.

The Out of Shape part, well on that hike my daughter and I were having a little fun making a video diary and when Dionne - Try Anything Once commented on one of my videos on You Tube, I couldn't help chuckle thinking about the one we made on our little hike.

Cranberry-Orange Stuffed Pork Chops
4 - Thick cut pork chops, bone-in (1 1/2" - 2" thick)
1 cup fresh sourdough breadcrumbs
2 ounces craisins (or dried cranberries)
1 tsp. orange zest
3 tbsp. orange juice
2 tbsp. shallots, minced
2 tsp. olive oil
Salt
Freshly ground black pepper

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

Combine the breadcrumbs, craisins, orange zest, orange juice, shallots, olive oil and salt and pepper in a bowl and set aside.

Cut a pocket in the pork chops, insert the tip of a knife in the center of the chop, cut a 2" slit and work your way in until close to the bone and wiggle it around to the sides until you form a pocket. Stuff the stuffing in with your fingers and coat the chops with a little olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Heat an oven proof skillet on medium high heat, place the pork chops in the skillet and cook for 2 minutes on each side.  Place the skillet in the oven for 15-20 minutes.

While the chops are cooking, julienne a couple of zucchini and place them in a skillet heated on medium, add a little olive oil.  Toss until wilted, only takes one minute or so.  Sprinkle with a little salt and pepper.

Serves 4.


As healthy as I feel at the moment, I couldn't help but shed a tear when I saw the Macarons Azmina - Lawyer Loves Lunch posted.  I think those cookies were mocking me, you know you want me, you know you really, really want me!

Enjoy,

Gina

22 comments:

  1. :D Your video is too funny!! And I'm sorry to say that I can really empathize with you. At least you went on the hike!

    But what I really want to say is this: That is the most beautiful pork chop I've seen in a long time! Gorgeous!

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  2. Gina you crazy woman, did you bring your hair and makeup guy with you on your hike? Your hair looks gorgeous, that's all I can think of! I was actually looking forward to that acorn bread recipe, and I knew you could pull it off too :-).

    Women like us all suffer from the three Os, especially driven by our baking addiction. Wouldn't you rather be a fabulous Ms. O than a regular Ms. B (for Boring)? Oh, and I love how you turned the idea of sweet muffins into savory chops...that, my friend, is genius!

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  3. Gina- Your video is so funny. At least you were able to find water. You must have recuperated from the hike, because your pork chops kook soo good, and healthy!

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  4. I love your pork chops, they look so delicate but yet too hard to resist.

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  5. Thanks everyone.
    Yes, Maya, you know how us Diva's do it, my hair and make-up people were in tow, lol.

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  6. Hilarious video! You sound so convincing! Your dinner looks delish - I love the pork chops but also those lovely veggies!

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  7. Bwa ha! The idea of you baking bread with your acorn flour cracked-me-up! Love the video. And these pork chops! So damn yummy :)

    Buzzed!

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  8. I'll pass on the exercise, but I'll have some pork chops, please :) These stuffed pork chops look mouthwatering!

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  9. What a great combination of ingredients Gina; I know this would be a hit with my husband.
    Rita

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  10. These pork chops will blow my hubby away! They look wonderful!
    And who said you were old? Age is just a number =)

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  11. You. are. hilarious. What a riot that video was. SO glad you are still with us.

    I am so impressed that you turned a craving for muffins in to such amazing pork chops. They look wonderful.

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  12. Love the video.... I don't look that pulled together on a hike lol and my hair is usually a frizzy disaster and you look perfect. I think looking amazing counts way more than the actual hike LOL! The pork chops look fantastic as well...although I haven't had one in ages as the last time I did my tummy hurt and I swore I'd never eat one again only to find out I was in LABOR LOL!!! It was an unfair judgement against the pork chop in hindsight. :) I'll have to give yours a try.

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  13. LOL Seriously I love your long silky black hair! And you look gorgeous with that super-star styled sunglass!
    Porkchop looks lipsmackingly delicious!

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  14. HA!!! Love the video! I need to take you on my next hike for comic relief!
    I love pork chops, these sound wonderful with the orange and cranberry!

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  15. there are great healthier food replacement for fried greasy ones..my family likes hiking too,it's really delightful to get relaxing breath and fabulous view
    romwe streetfashion blog, pay a visit? kisses

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  16. You are too funny, Gina! What a great video, you look so beautiful w/o a hair out of place, and fresh lipstick applied...LOL, it's more of a good drama scene, with a touch of comedy, added!

    Love your stuffed pork chop, so inviting and delicious. A true comfort food for the fall season!
    Hugs,

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  17. This sounds way too tasty to be true!! :)
    Found you through YBR, lovely recipes you share here!

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  18. LMAO! Oh, Gina, I fit the same three criteria!! Love the recipe :-) Kate @ kateiscooking

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  19. you are so funny!!!! no such thing as old, only vintage beauty who's priceless!!! these chops look AH mazing...truly....yum

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  20. Looks good and what a great idea to stuff it with dried craisins!

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  21. Gina you are hilarious! I can't stop laughing :) The pork chops look so perfect, like out of an expensive restaurant. My hubby would love them.

    Thanks for participating in the YBR!

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  22. You are so funny girl :) The video cracked me up...love the recipe and I have not make pork chops for my guys in such a long time, these look fantastic!

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