Ideas for pork chops that won't dry them out

Hi all,

I have some beautiful pork chops from a local farmer in my area, but I confess to being a little intimidated by them. My attempts at grilling or broiling chops in the past have always yielded dry meat, because of the internal temperature recommendations.

I would love some suggestions either for recipes or for technique that will do them justice (and spare my teeth. )

I find that when I brine meats of any sort they tend to stay a lot moister during the cooking process.

[Robin Garr]

Heather, the secret to tender pork is really, "Don't overcook." No, you don't want pork to be blood rare in the center, but a blush of pink at the middle is perfectly okay. Watch your time and consider using a meat thermometer, and don't leave them on too long.

Note also that natural, pastured pork may not be quite as soft as industrial pork, simply because the animal ran around and used those muscles. But from the standpoint of both taste and humaneness, there's no contest.

Throw them in an iron pot with some sauerkraut and a few caraway seeds in oven at 350 for about 1 1/2 hours.

GG

Yum. That sounds great, Gary!

Salt and Pepper. Sear in EVOO. Then pop in a 325 degree oven until internal temp is 135. Let rest for 5 minutes... Delicious every time!

Sear in EVOO.

Yummo! (sorry, I couldn't resist)

Sear in EVOO.

Yummo! (sorry, I couldn't resist)

How good does that look?!?! I know who were are NOT talking about here and I love her.

Try putting a layer of pork chops on the bottom of a dutch oven. Then a layer of yellow onions sliced about 1/2" thick. Then a layer of fresh apples sliced and cored. Then one and a half cans of sauerkraut. (I use Bavarian Style)Then do it all again. Put the dutch oven on your large burner on med high until you hear the bottom layer of pork chops start to sizzle. Put the lid on and turn the burner to med low for about two hours. The sweetness of the onions and the apples combined with the sauerkraut give a wonderful sweet and sour flavor that is unbelievable. Make a big pot of mashed potatoes and that's all you need. Great cold weather food.

Thank you all! This is great. We have enough chops that I can try out a few of these suggestions.

I think I'll give Steve's a try first. I remember my mom doing pork roast with apples and kraut when I was little; I don't know why it didn't occur to me to try it with chops. It's definitely been a week for cold weather comfort food!