Easy Italian Spiced Pork
Pillsbury Good For You Copyright 2006
1 package (.6 oz) Italian dressing mix
¼ cup balsamic vinegar
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil or canola oil
4 boneless pork loin chops, ¾ inch thick
Paprika I forgot this
1. In a small bowl, beat dressing mix, vinegar, Italian seasoning and red pepper with wire whisk until mix is dissolved. Beat in oil until well blended.
2. In a shallow glass baking dish, arrange pork chops in a single layer. Spread oil mixture over both sides of pork. Let stand at room temperature 15 minutes to marinate. I marinaded these all day long.
3. Meanwhile, heat gas or charcoal grill.
4. When grill is heated, remove pork from marinade; discard marinade. Place pork on gas grill over medium-high heat or on charcoal grill over medium-high coals. Sprinkle pork with paprika. I forgot the paprika and I didn't miss it. Cook uncovered 4 minutes. Turn pork; sprinkle with paprika. Cook uncovered 3 to 6 minutes longer or until slightly pink in center and thermometer inserted into center of pork reads 160 degrees.
4 servings.
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Were these pork chops ever yummy! This recipe is definitely a keeper. Although it's very important that you use a good balsamic - not expensive, but good. I found a good store brand one that comes in a fancy bottle but it's only between $3-$4. It's very mellow and flavorful. I've tried brands like Progresso that are just too acidic and don't have much flavor. Just find one you like - your taste might be more expensive than mine or maybe you happen to like the Progresso brand.
I opted to marinade these all day long, instead of just 15 minutes so I can't vouch for the 15-minute marinade. I recommend the longer marinade. These chops were from the same package of chops I used for the Mustard-Glazed Pork Chops last week but these were so much more flavorful and tender. I can't let the recipe take all of the credit - I grilled these perfectly, if I do say so myself.
Speaking of grilling, I really don't like my grill anymore. The heat seems so uneven. It's been so long since I used it regularly, I don't know if that's normal or not (for this grill). Or maybe this is a symptom that the propane tank is finally near empty? I really want a nicer grill but this one is only four years old. Somebody talk me down.
Question of the Day: What kind of outdoor grill do you have?
3 comments:
YUM! These look great and like something my family would eat! I'll have to get some of the italian dressing mix and try them! I agree, sometimes cooking ingredients that are expensive are not always as good just because they cost more $$$$! I have a store brand red wine vinegar that I love and I also have an expensive brand that I almost threw out until I realised I could use it in marinades etc. instead of in salad dressings like I tried first.
On to the BBQ question - I bought DH a big, stainless steel model this year for his birthday. Up until this purchase we were using hand-me-down Q's from family and friends! I love the ceramic grills and other than it seems like such a waste to fire up this great big thing for a couple of sausages we love it...oh yea, our Q is hooked directly into the larger tank in the backyard as we also have a gas cooktop, clothes dryer and hot water tank. No little cylinders around here! Can you tell we live in the country?
I posted an answer to your question but will answer here as well. I don't think it would be redundant with snickerdoodles to make the cinnamon roll cookies. They obviously look different, have a different texture, and I think have a little more of a cinnamon taste because there is actually cinnamon in the dough! Mmmm.
As to the outdoor grill...I don't have one. My dad has a charcoal burning one. One of the old-school tri-pod standing ones. We also have a smoker that I LOVE to have turkey on!
I will be making this recipe this weekend. DH loves pork chops and I know he will like this. Yummm.
I had to go see what kind of grill we have. We bought one of those big stainless steel models last year. It's a Commercial Series Char-Broil we got at Lowe's. It's fast, cooks evenly and has a burner on the side. DH cooks bacon and fish out there so the house doesn't smell forever. (I think that's my favorite thing!)
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