Honey-Rosemary Pork Chops

I thought I’d share my husband’s favorite dish. He’d make these sweet and succulent pork chops every night if I’d let him!

Sometimes the best food really is the simplest. Over the years, I have tried many marinades and seasoning blends on my pork chops, but the recipe we always come back to is this simple preparation.

Honey and rosemary are a delicious pairing. I find that the honey adds flavor as well as moisture.

For everyday dinners, I like to buy boneless pork chops, because they cook quicker than bone-in chops. Look for chops that are about 3/4 – to 1-inch thick. Chops that are thinner than that tend to dry out too quickly on the grill. A meat thermometer is the best way to tell if your pork chops are ready. For a juicy, perfectly cooked pork chop, pull it off the grill when it is 160 degrees.

This sweet glaze works well whether you are grilling outdoors or cooking your chops inside on a grill pan or skillet.

Honey-Rosemary Pork Chops

Vegetable oil, for the grates
1/4 cup honey
4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary leaves
4 boneless pork chops, each about 3/4 -inch thick
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Preheat a clean grill to medium-high with the lid closed for 8 to 10 minutes. Lightly brush the grates with oil.

In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, 2 tablespoons of the olive oil, and rosemary. Transfer half to a small bowl to glaze the pork chops. Reserve the remaining glaze to brush on the cooked chops.

Lightly brush the pork chops with the remaining olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Lightly brush the honey-rosemary glaze on both sides of each chop.

Place the chops on the grill. Close the lid and cook until golden brown and slightly charred, about 5 to 6 minutes. Turn the chops over and lightly brush with additional glaze. Continue cooking for 6 to 8 more minutes for medium. Remove the chops from the heat, brush with the reserved glaze, and set aside to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Serves 4.

Cooking tip: If you like the sweetness of the honey-rosemary glaze, feel free to drizzle a little more over the pork chops just before serving.

From “Simply Grilling” (Thomas Nelson, April 2012) by Jennifer Chandler

The photo was taken by the talented Justin Fox Burks.

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Chicken Satays with Peanut Sauce

This quick and easy appetizer is sure to be favorite at your next party!

If you have my cookbook Simply Salads, you may recognize the Peanut Sauce.  In Simply Salads, it is a dressing served with dishes such as my Chinese Chicken Salad and my Asian Noodle Salad.  I always joke that it is so good that you will want to drink it!

I have found that this yummy sauce made from Peanut Butter makes an equally delicious dipping sauce for satays (chicken or beef) or spring rolls.

For parties, satays are a great idea because they are simple to prepare yet make a dramatic presentation.  (Plus I don’t think I have ever found a food on a stick I didn’t love!)

Enjoy!

Chicken Satays with Peanut Sauce

Recipe adapted from Simply Salads by Jennifer Chandler

For the Chicken Satays:
2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
4 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon finely grated fresh peeled ginger
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 1/2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into strips
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

For the Peanut Sauce:
1/4 cup rice wine vinegar
2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
1 teaspoon finely grated fresh peeled ginger
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon honey
2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
1/2 cup canola oil
A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1/4 cup chopped peanuts, for garnish

To prepare the Chicken Satays: In a shallow mixing bowl, combine the sesame oil, soy sauce, vegetable oil, garlic, ginger and red pepper flakes. Place the chicken strips in the marinade and gently toss until well coated. Cover and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at up to 1 hour.

To prepare the Peanut Sauce: In a small bowl whisk together the vinegar, peanut butter, ginger, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, canola oil, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Pour the sauce into a nice serving bowl and garnish with the chopped peanuts.

To finish the Chicken Satays: Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Thread each chicken strip lengthwise onto a skewer.

Place a grill pan over medium heat and brush it with oil to prevent the meat from sticking. Grill the chicken satays for 3 to 5 minutes on each side, until nicely seared and cooked through. Serve the satays with a small bowl of peanut sauce on the side.

Serves 8

Cooking Tips:

Be sure you soak your wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes prior to cooking to prevent burning.

This dish can also be prepared on an outside grill.

Potato Chip Chicken Fingers

Old-fashioned fried chicken is good, but I think my version raises the bar.

What’s not to love about the marriage of potato chips and fried chicken tenders?!

This recipe was one of the most popular dishes at my old restaurant Cheffie’s Market & More. We couldn’t keep them in stock.

When I was writing my cook book Simply Suppers: Comfort Food Your Whole Family Will Love, I knew I had to include a fried chicken recipe.   Mashed potatoes, mac-n-cheese, meatloaf, apple pie and fried chicken … all prerequisite recipes for a “Comfort Food” book.

I have to admit classic Southern Fried Chicken is not a dish that was in my everyday repertoire.  We all have those foods that we consider just easier to have someone else make … for me that was fried chicken. I start playing around with recipes and really wasn’t 100% happy with my results.  They were good … but not over the top.

Then I had one of those “A – Ha!” moments!  Why was I messing around with buttermilk marinades, when I already had a super-duper fried chicken finger recipe?! 

This recipe is so easy. I take the guess work out frying by having you just brown then chicken in the oil … and then finish cooking the tenders in the oven.  That way you have perfectly cooked chicken tenders every time.

I can guarantee this recipe will be a hit for your friends and family!

Enjoy!

Potato Chip Chicken Tenders
From Simply Suppers by Jennifer Chandler

1/2 cup all-purpose flour
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 bag (11-ounce) Lay’s® potato chips, crushed
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 11/2 pounds)
Vegetable oil, for frying

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Place the flour in a shallow bowl and season generously with salt and pepper. Place the beaten egg in another shallow bowl. Leave the crushed potato chips in the bag. (This way you don’t dirty another dish!)

Rinse the chicken and pat dry with paper towels. Slice each chicken breast lengthwise into 4 or 5 strips. Generously season the chicken with salt and pepper. Working in small batches, lightly dredge both sides of the chicken in the seasoned flour, shaking off the excess. Next dip the chicken in the egg wash to coat completely, letting the excess drip off. Then dredge the chicken through the crushed potato chips, evenly coating on all sides. Place the prepared chicken on a baking sheet or cutting board.

In a large stockpot or Dutch oven pour enough oil so that there is an approximately a 1-inch layer of oil. Over medium-high heat, warm the oil until a few droplets of water sizzle when carefully sprinkled in the pot. In batches so as not to over crowd the pot, cook the chicken until golden brown, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer the chicken to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Transfer to the oven and bake until the chicken is cooked through, about 15 to 20 minutes. Serve warm.

Serves 4 to 6.

Cooking Tip: I like to serve this with my homemade honey mustard sauce.  Just whisk together equal amounts French’s® yellow mustard, whole-grain Dijon mustard, and mayonnaise. Add honey to taste.

Freezes well: The prepared but uncooked chicken fingers freeze well. To prevent sticking, freeze the chicken fingers in a single layer on a baking sheet before placing them in a container or freezer bag. When you are ready to cook the chicken fingers, no need to thaw. You can fry them frozen.

 

Honey-Lime Corn Slaw

This is one of my favorite go-to summer slaws.  The sweet corn paired with the honey lime vinaigrette makes for a light and refreshing side. 

If fresh corn is not available, substitute frozen corn kernels.  Frozen corn kernels have a fresher taste and crunchier texture than the canned variety.

Enjoy!

Honey-Lime Corn Slaw
From Simply Salads by Jennifer Chandler

This light and piquant slaw is the perfect accompaniment for Southwest-flavored chicken and meats.  I also like to use it to garnish fish tacos.

For the Honey-Lime Vinaigrette:
1/3 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
2 tablespoons honey
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

For the salad:
1 bag (10 ounce) Angel Hair Cole Slaw
3 ears fresh corn, shucked
1 red bell pepper, seeded and thinly sliced
2 scallions, thinly sliced
1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, coarsely chopped
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

For the Honey-Lime Vinaigrette:
In a small bowl whisk together the lime juice, honey, and oil until well combined.  Season with salt and pepper to taste.

For the salad:
Place ears of corn in a medium-size pot of boiling salted water.  Cook until tender, about 5 to 6 minutes.  Drain, rinse with cold water to stop cooking, and set aside until cool enough to handle.  Using a small knife, carefully slice kernels off the cob; discard cobs.  Place kernels in a large salad bowl.

Add the slaw, red bell peppers, scallions, and cilantro and toss.

Add the honey-lime dressing to taste and toss to coat.  Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Makes 6 side salads

Cooking Tip: To avoid flying kernels, stand cob upright in the bottom of a deep bowl.  Carefully slice corn off into the bowl.

Chinese Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing

I love peanut butter!

Whether in a dessert, paired with chocolate (Mr. Reese’s was  genius in my book), in a PB & J sandwich, I just can’t resist it. (I have to admit most often I just eat it by the spoonful straight from the jar!)

When most people think of peanut butter, they think of dessert or the classic children’s sandwich, but did you know that peanut butter is absolutely wonderful in savory dishes?

When I was writing my book Simply Salads, one of the first dressings that came to mind was a peanut dressing I had once enjoyed at a restaurant.  

The cloyingly sweet peanut butter makes a delicious sauce when paired with Asian-cuisine staples such soy sauce, sesame oil, rice wine vinegar, and fresh ginger. 

Peanut sauce is also very versatile. In addition to a salad dressing, I often use it as a marinade for grilled chicken or shrimp, or as a dipping sauce for veggies, spring rolls or chicken satays.

Which peanut butter to use?  I developed this recipe using good old Jiff creamy peanut butter. Crunchy peanut butter works fine as well; the sauce will just not be as smooth. If you want to use natural or freshly-ground peanut butter, you may want to add a little extra honey.

So … Peanut butter lovers beware.  The dressing in this colorful and tasty salad is addictive.

Enjoy!

Chinese Chicken Salad with Peanut Butter Dressing
From Simpy Salads by Jennifer Chandler

For the Peanut Dressing:
1/4 cup rice wine vinegar
2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
1 teaspoon finely grated fresh peeled ginger
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon honey
2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
1/2 cup canola oil
A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

For the salad:
1/2 cup Peanut Dressing
1/2 cup fresh snow peas
1 bag (5 ounces) Spring Mix salad blend
2 cups shredded cooked chicken
2 carrots, peeled and shredded on the large holes of a traditional grater
1/4 cup thinly sliced scallions
1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
1/2 cup chopped roasted peanuts
2 limes, quartered, for garnish

For the Peanut Dressing:
In a small bowl whisk together the vinegar, peanut butter, ginger, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, canola oil, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

For the salad:
Bring salted water to a boil in a medium pot. Add snow peas and cook until vibrant green and crisp tender, 1 to 1 1/2 minutes. Drain the peas and immerse in an ice water bath to stop the cooking process. Drain again and place in a large salad bowl.

Add the salad blend, chicken, carrots, scallions, cilantro, and peanuts and toss. Add the dressing to taste and gently toss to coat. Garnish with lime wedges.  Serve immediately.

Tip: To save time, pick up a roasted rotisserie chicken at your local grocery for this recipe. The meat will be fresh, juicy, and flavorful. 

Makes 4 dinner salads

Grilled Peaches and Pound Cake

Serves 4

4 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
1 store-bought pound cake, sliced 3/4 inch thick
4 tbsp. unsalted butter, melted
1 pint vanilla ice cream
4 tsp. honey

Heat grill to medium.

Transfer the peaches to the grill, cut-side down, and cook until grill marks appear, about 3 minutes. Turn and grill until the skin starts to shrivel and the peach softens, 4 minutes more. Remove the peaches from the grill.

Brush the pound cake slices with the melted butter. Grill until the cake is toasted, about 2 minutes on each side. Place 2 cake slices on each plate, spoon on grilled peaches, top with ice cream and drizzle with the honey.  Serve warm.

Honey Mustard Salmon

Serves 4

¼ cup honey
¼ cup whole grain mustard
4 salmon fillets
2 tbsp. olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

Heat a clean grill to medium-high.

In a small bowl, whisk together the honey and mustard.  Set aside.

Brush salmon with 2 tbsp. olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste. 

Place salmon on the grill, flesh side down, and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes.  Flip the salmon over and brush with the honey-mustard sauce.  Grill for 4 more minutes, or until medium.

Blueberry Waffles with Blueberry Sauce

Serves 4

For the waffles:

2 cups cake flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
4 large eggs, separated
2 tbsp. sugar
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
4 tbsp. unsalted butter, melted
2 cups milk
2/3 cup blueberries

For the blueberry sauce:

1 1/2 cups blueberries
3 tbsp. honey
1/2 cup orange juice
1 tbsp. cornstarch

Preheat the waffle iron.

In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

In a second bowl, beat together the egg yolks and sugar until the sugar is completely dissolved and the eggs have turned a pale yellow. Add the vanilla extract, melted butter, and milk to the eggs and whisk to combine. Combine the egg-milk mixture with the flour mixture and whisk just until blended. Do not over mix.

In third bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer until soft peaks form, about 1 minute. Using the rubber spatula, gently fold the egg whites into the waffle batter, being careful not over mix.  Gently fold in the blueberries. 

Cook waffles according to manufacturer’s instructions.

To prepare the sauce, in a medium saucepan over medium heat, mix the blueberries, honey and 1/4 cup orange juice. Bring to a boil. Mix remaining orange juice and cornstarch in a small bowl, and stir into the blueberry mixture. Stir constantly until thickened. Serve warm over waffles.