Monroe County-Style Pork Chops

I' had no idea that September 22nd was such a significant day until I did some research.  Turns out, there are several significant things that we celebrate every year on this day. 
Today is

• National Centenarian’s Day
• National White Chocolate Day
• AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day
• American Business Women’s Day
• Car Free Day
• Dear Diary Day
• Elephant Appreciation Day
• Hobbit Day
• National Ice Cream Cone Day
• International Day of Radiant Peace
• National Voter Registration Day

I don't know about you but, but just knowing that there is a National Elephant appreciation day makes me smile.   I also love the fact that I've got a perfectly good excuse to eat an ice cream cone after dinner tonight too.  On the dinner menu tonight - Monroe County Pork Chops, steamed broccoli, a whole wheat roll and of course, an ice cream cone for dessert.

Monroe County- Style Pork Chops
2 Tablespoons kosher salt
2 Tablespoon pepper
1 Tablespoon paprika
3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 Tablespoon cornstarch
8 bone-in pork chops
8 Tablespoons butter
1/2 cup white vinegar

Combine salt, pepper, paprika and cayenne. 

Transfer 2 Tablespoons of mixture to a separate bowl and stir in cornstarch.

Snip interior portion of fat around loin muscle. 

Season chops with cornstarch mixture.

Heat butter in saucepan until browned.  Add reserved spice mixture and cook until fragrant.  

Add vinegar and bring to a simmer.  Remove from heat and cool.

Grill pork chops.

Pour sauce over chops, flipping evenly to coat.  Tent with foil and let rest 5 minutes.

So, enjoy your Tuesday friends and for pete's sake - show some elephant appreciation today. 

Ciao!

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