Ingredients with Measurements:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (1 inch thick)
- 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Special equipment needed:
- Grill or grill pan
- Small saucepan
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a small saucepan, combine mascarpone cheese, balsamic vinegar, honey, garlic, and thyme. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until mixture is smooth and heated through.
3. Season pork chops with salt and pepper on both sides.
4. Brush both sides of pork chops with olive oil.
5. Grill pork chops for 4-5 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 145°F.
6. Brush glaze onto pork chops during the last 2 minutes of grilling on each side.
7. Remove pork chops from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Temperature:
Grill or grill pan: medium-high heat
Internal temperature of pork chops: 145°F
Serving size:
4 servings
Nutritional information:
Per serving:
- Calories: 410
- Fat: 27g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Protein: 32g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Pork chops can be substituted with chicken breasts or thighs.
- Mascarpone cheese can be substituted with cream cheese or goat cheese.
- Balsamic vinegar can be substituted with red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
- Honey can be substituted with maple syrup or agave nectar.
- Dried thyme can be substituted with dried rosemary or dried oregano.
Variations:
- Add chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, to the glaze for extra flavor.
- Use the glaze as a marinade for the pork chops before grilling.
- Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a salad.
Tips and tricks:
- Let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork chops are cooked to the correct temperature.
- Brush the glaze onto the pork chops during the last 2 minutes of grilling to prevent burning.
Storage instructions:
Leftover pork chops can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat pork chops in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve pork chops on a platter with a drizzle of extra glaze and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
Garnishes:
Garnish with chopped fresh herbs or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
Pairings:
Pair with a glass of red wine, such as Pinot Noir or Merlot.
Suggested side dishes:
Serve with a side of roasted vegetables, such as asparagus or Brussels sprouts, or a salad.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the glaze is too thick, add a splash of water to thin it out.
- If the pork chops are not cooked through, continue grilling until internal temperature reaches 145°F.
Food safety advice:
- Always wash your hands and surfaces before and after handling raw meat.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork chops are cooked to the correct temperature.
- Store leftover pork chops in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Food history:
Mascarpone cheese is a soft, creamy cheese that originated in Italy. Balsamic vinegar is also from Italy and is made from grapes that are aged in wooden barrels.
Flavor profiles:
The mascarpone and balsamic glaze adds a sweet and tangy flavor to the pork chops.
Serving suggestions:
Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a salad.
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Region: Italian