Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops

Parmesan Crusted Pork ChopI love a good pork chop. I love an easy recipe. Giada provided a great recipe – thank you, you hot Italian mama!

Serves: 4

Ingredients
    • 2 large eggs
    • 1 cup dried Italian-style bread crumbs (Jen’s Note: Only need 1/2 cup)
    • 3/4 cups freshly grated Parmesan (Jen’s Note: Only need 1/2 cup)
    • 4 (1/2 to 3/4-inch thick) center-cut pork loin chops (each about 10 to 12 ounces) (Jen’s Note: I had some really think pork chops from Costco, so I filleted them and am glad I did because the thinner chop allowed for a juicier and more tender dish)
    • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
    • 6 tablespoons olive oil
    • Lemon wedges, for serving
Directions
  • Whisk the eggs in a pie plate to blend. Place the bread crumbs in another pie plate. Place the cheese in a third pie plate. Sprinkle the pork chops generously with salt and pepper. Coat the chops completely with the cheese, patting to adhere. Dip the chops into the eggs, then coat completely with the bread crumbs, patting to adhere. (Jen’s Note: If you
  • Heat 3 tablespoons of oil in a very large skillet over medium heat. Add pork chops, in batches if necessary, and cook until golden brown and the center reaches 150 degrees, about 6 minutes per side. Transfer the chops to plates and serve with lemon wedges.

Jen’s Additional Notes:

1. You HAVE to serve with lemon. The burst of citrus is what really makes this dish. And don’t just supply a tiny little lemon wedge, trust me that you’re going to want to squeeze a healthy size lemon wedge on your pork chop – my husband was dying over how flavorful it was too!

2. Recommend that you serve with mashed potatoes. Rice just doesn’t cut it for this recipe… you really want to serve with mashed potatoes and no gravy needed, just a pad of butter. I’m a salad fanatic too, so I loved this with a big cesar salad with fresh croutons.

I’ll see you at the table!

Restaurant Review: Em’s with friends

Introducing friends to a great restaurant is one of my favorite outings. I first went to Em’s with Marilyn – it was her birthday dinner choice. I’d hadn’t heard of Em’s before – but now after going and mentioning it to others – I find that few people know of this gem. In a way, that is good because the busier Em’s becomes, the harder it is to get a reservation.

For appetizer we enjoyed the heavenly smoked salmon and crab rolls. You MUST try these. Wow. Our friends even ordered another serving to go. Yeah, it’s that good.

Salads were fresh and light. A nice way to clear the palate before the entrées.

I had the lobster and prawn Brazilian gumbo. The coconut milk was a surprising under lying flavor to the seasonings.

Bruce had the pork chop. I didn’t try a bite, but it looked really tender and juicy. Might have to try myself next time.

Carolyn had the salmon with creamed cabbage. I had to taste her cabbage – it was like butter. Devine.

Klint had the short rib. Fall-off-the-fork goodness. Might have been the best entrée of the night.

When you plan to attend Em’s, make sure to call for a reservation a few days in advance. Typically you’ll leave a voicemail and then they’ll call you back.

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