Friday Night Meat and Potatoes

So even thought it's a Friday night and the thought of stepping away from my little kitchen and going out on the town for some overpriced grub and booze does seem appealing, I thought a night in with some pork chops and mashed potatoes would hit the comfort food spot. Thinking about it, spending money these days isn't such an attractive option. I say learn to cook ladies and gentlemen and then you will know what you are eating and if you are a newbie to food may I suggest my fool proof Pan seared pork chops and yukon gold mashed potatoes. It will hit the spot.

Ingredients:
3 thin cut center pork chops boneless
1 1/2 pound of baby yukon gold potatoes
1 clove garlic
1 sprig of thyme (invest in fresh)
1 cup Panko bread crumbs or regular unflavored bread crumbs
1 egg lightly beaten with some water
1 cup flour
1/4 cup cream
3 tbsp of butter (salted or unsalted)
*I don't like margarine. (i don't know what's in it!)
Salt and pepper to taste

In a large with the potatoes and garlic add water to cover place lid over medium flame. Season the pork chops with salt and pepper add some thyme leaves if desired. Place your flour, egg and panko in an assembly line and dredge each pork chop in that order Heat a large skillet with oil of choice, I use vegetable oil and sear each chop for 3 minutes on each side.

For the potatoes check for doneness use a small knife and pierce one to see if it goes through cleanly. Take the potatoes and after dumping the water put back in the same hot pot and mash them as desired. Add the cream salt and pepper and butter. (add a little more of each if you are feeling like it)

And Viola! delicious meal in under 30 minutes! Make a cocktail and invite a neighbor or friend over for a fun dinner.  Enjoy!

Attempting authentic Indian or Thai? cuisine

So I decided that after watching Rachel Ray that I would attempt my own version of coconut curry noodles. So after going into my pantry and looking at my ingredients realized, I think I can make this happen. I think it came out pretty tasty and for those wanting to limit their carbs sub,  the spaghetti with spaghetti squash a delicious alternative. Although I would not sub the coconut milk!

So I grabbed a box of thin spaghetti (its what i had)
1 can coconut milk unsweetened (sorry it's a must)
2 tbsp of yellow curry powder  (get a small bottle you'll love it)
1 1/4 tsp of cumin (same as above)
1 shallot or small diced onion
1 clove garlic diced (please use the fresh)
1 tbsp Olive Oil (Colavita is a fave)
Red pepper flakes (to taste)
Serrano chili pepper diced (optional)

In a medium to large skillet I heated to Olive Oil in a medium heat. I filled a large pot with water for the pasta. I then added the shallot, garlic and chili pepper and cooked them until softened. I then add the cumin and curry powder and cook them for 2 minutes. I then added the coconut milk and reduced the heat to low. Stirring occasionally. Now I wanted to bump up the protein so I added some lump crab meat, its pricey but I got it on sale so its what I used. Some grilled chicken would be great or fish.
Add salt to the boiling water for the pasta and cook according to the directions. When done I just grab tongs and put it into the skillet with the coconut curry and stir to combine for a few minutes. When done I added some basil but parsley would be good and some peanuts. I found it to be delicious and filling and  kept the leftovers for lunch the next day.