Winter-Fruit Pork Chops Recipe ๐ฝ๏ธ
Overview:
Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of Winter-Fruit Pork Chops, a dish perfect for both cozy family dinners and festive gatherings during the holiday season. With a delightful blend of succulent pork chops, zesty oranges, tart cranberries, and a hint of sweetness from brown sugar, this recipe promises to be a hit at your table. Let’s dive into the details!
Cooking Times:
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Ingredients:
- 6 pork chops
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 3 oranges
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 5 ounces fresh cranberries
- 1/3 cup diced celery
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (for stuffing)
- 1/4 cup orange juice (plus 3 tablespoons)
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 446.7
- Fat: 18.8g
- Saturated Fat: 6.1g
- Cholesterol: 137.3mg
- Sodium: 510.5mg
- Carbohydrates: 23.8g
- Fiber: 3.1g
- Sugar: 11.4g
- Protein: 43.7g
Instructions:
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Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). In a heavy skillet, brown the pork chops in a small amount of butter or oil over medium-high heat until they achieve a golden hue. Once browned, remove the chops from the skillet and transfer them to a casserole dish, arranging them in a single layer. Season both sides of the chops with salt and pepper to taste.
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Prepare the Oranges: Cut 6 slices from the middle of the oranges, setting them aside for later use. Squeeze the juice from the remaining orange pieces, ensuring you have 1/2 cup of orange juice plus an additional 3 tablespoons. Reserve the 3 tablespoons of juice for later use.
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Create the Glaze: In a small bowl, mix together the 1/2 cup of orange juice with the brown sugar until the sugar is fully dissolved. Pour this flavorful mixture over the browned pork chops in the casserole dish, ensuring each chop is evenly coated.
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Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake the pork chops for 45 minutes. This allows the chops to cook through while absorbing the delicious flavors of the orange glaze.
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Prepare the Stuffing: While the chops are baking, prepare the cranberry stuffing. In a separate bowl, combine the diced bread, fresh cranberries, diced celery, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and the reserved 3 tablespoons of orange juice. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
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Assemble and Finish: After 45 minutes of baking, remove the casserole dish from the oven. Place one orange slice on top of each pork chop and generously mound each chop with the prepared cranberry stuffing mixture. Spoon some of the juices from the pan over the stuffing for added flavor.
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Final Bake: Return the casserole dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes. This final bake allows the flavors to meld together while ensuring the pork chops are tender and juicy.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once fully cooked, remove the Winter-Fruit Pork Chops from the oven and serve them hot. The aroma of citrusy oranges and tangy cranberries will fill the air, enticing everyone to gather around the table and savor this delectable dish. Serve alongside your favorite sides for a complete meal that’s sure to delight your taste buds.
Keywords:
Meat, Pork, Winter, Christmas, Weeknight, Oven, Less than 4 Hours
Recipe Yield:
- Servings: 6
Notes:
- For a twist on the recipe, consider adding soy sauce and pineapple to the glaze for a unique flavor profile.
- Ensure the pork chops are cooked to an internal temperature of 145ยฐF (63ยฐC) for optimal safety and flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Prepare to impress your loved ones with this mouthwatering Winter-Fruit Pork Chops recipe, blending the warmth of the winter season with the succulence of perfectly cooked pork. ๐โจ Enjoy the cozy comfort and delicious flavors with every bite!