Pork Chops with Cider Bacon Sauce

Have you ever come across recipes that sound so much better than they really are? This was one such recipe. Larry picked this one out, thinking it sounded so good. I mean after all, it has bacon in the sauce, so it’s got to be good right? MMMM, not so much. When I read the ingredients, before even making it, I shrugged my shoulders and said ‘Meh”. It sounded really boring to me, but Larry is so good and lets me experiment all the time, I really had to give it a shot.

This recipe was very tender and juicy, but other than that, I wasn’t all that impressed with it. I mean, it was good, but as predicted, boring. I liked my side dishes much better than I liked the pork recipe. I used the rest of my gnocchi, which wasn’t much, topped with marinara sauce and green beans with tomatoes, garlic and mushrooms. But here is the recipe for the pork. I will let you decide what you think about it. I would love to hear your thoughts too.

Pork Chops with Bacon Cider Sauce

4 slices bacon, crumbled

3 TBSP butter

1 1/-2 lbs pork chops

salt & pepper to taste

1/2 cup shallots, sliced very thin

1 cup apple cider, plus more for marinating the pork

1/2 cup chicken broth

Add salt & pepper to the pork chops and marinate in some of the apple cider for at least 2 hours before cooking. This will add some flavor and will help tenderize the meat.

Cook the crumbled bacon in a hot skillet until it is crispy.

Once the bacon is cooked, remove it and let it drain on a paper towel. Add the butter to the pan. Then add the pork chops and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the chops, or until they are browned on both sides. Once they are browned, remove and set aside.

Add the shallots to the pan and cook for about 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Add the broth and the bacon to the skillet and continue to cook for about 5-7 minutes or until most of the liquid has evaporated.

Re-add the pork chops and continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat the pork chops thoroughly. Then serve, adding the sauce on top of the pork chops.

I am cooking up the whole, colorful meal on top of the stove.

There was certainly nothing wrong with this recipe, but it needed a lot more pizzazz and flavor. I just thought it was really kind of bland and boring. I LOVE big, bold flavors. None of this bland stuff for me. No, no. But, you decide and please share your thoughts.

Stay safe and stay well Everyone. ‘Til next time.