Pork Cordon Bleu

I had no idea that there were so many traditions involving New Years Day feasts.  When I was a kid, I could count on my mom making a giant batch of pork and sauerkraut for our family every year and I just assumed that that's what everyone else was eating on New Years Day as well. 🤷🏻‍♀️
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After a little research, I discovered that there are all sorts of "lucky" foods to eat to kick off a brand new year.  What you choose to eat to commemorate this special day depends greatly on the place in the world that you call home.  Topping the list of New Years Day foods that are believed to bring you luck and prosperity for the upcoming year: 

1. Black-Eyed Peas, Greens, and Cornbread
2. Pork
3. Grapes
4. Pomegranates
5. Fish
6. Noodles and Rice
7. Cakes

I'm not a believer in "luck" by any means but I love the tradition of starting a brand New Year with a special meal.  I tend to lean towards the pork tradition because I grew up in Northeast Ohio.  (and that's what my mom made)   I usually opt for black eyed peas as a side instead of the sauerkraut though.  (A homage to my current Southern residence.)  And, not that I know that cake is a traditional New Years Day dessert though - I'm on board.  (Surprised?)  😂🍰

I'm fairly certain that I could include all 7 of the top "lucky" foods in a New Year's Day menu.  Again - not because I think it will bring me good fortune in the coming year but simply because I love a good food challenge.   That actually sounds like a delicious way to start 2021.  

Chances are, Pork Cordon Bleu was not your first thought when planning a New Year's Day feast but maybe I can convince you that it's the perfect choice.  This elegant looking pork dish is not only easy to prepare but it's also delicious.  Your family and friends will be wowed by the beautiful presentation and amazing flavor combination, but you'll be the only one to know how simple it was to prepare.  Throw in a side of black eyed peas or collards and you've got yourself a very good meal that might just bring you good luck in this new year.  

Pork Cordon Bleu
Mustard Sauce
3/4 cup sour cream
1/4 cup dijon mustard
2 Tablespoons fresh chives, minced
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper

Pork
1/4 cup flour
2 eggs
1 Tablespoon dijon mustard
1 1/2 cups panko 
1 pork tenderloin
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup oil
8 thin slices deli black forest ham
1 cup Gruyere cheese, shredded

Stir together sauce ingredients. 

Cut tenderloin into four pieces.

Place plastic wrap on top and pound to 1/4" thickness.  

Pat dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper. 

Place flour in a shallow dish.  Dredge cutlets in flour. 

Whisk eggs in shallow bowl.  Dip cutlets in egg to coat. 

Place panko in another bowl.  Coat cutlets with panko and press to adhere.

Set wire rack in baking sheet.  Heat oil in skillet to 350.

Fry cutlets, 2 at a time, until golden brown.  Flip and brown on other side. 

Move pork chops to rack and repeat with remaining cutlets.

Spread 2 T. sauce over each cutlet. 

Place 2 slices ham on top of sauce. 

Sprinkle with 1/4 c. Gruyere.  

Place under broiler until cheese is melted and browned.  

What did you eat on New Years Day?  This inquiring mind wants to know.

​Ciao!

Click here for a printable version of this recipe