Pork chops with Blackberry Wine Reduction Sauce

I absolutely love this sauce recipe. You can make it using almost any combination of ingredients.

I've used strawberries, cherries, dried cranberries, and apricots, but so far, blackberries are my favorite.

Blackberries aren't exactly in season, but I've found that frozen works just fine because they are just as nutritious and they are cheaper.

Don't be scared by the reduction. It isn't some fancy schmancy Le Cordon Bleu gourmet trick that only Julia Childs can master. It's actually pretty simple. Reduction is simply the process of reducing (and thickening) liquids using heat to make a more concentrated sauce. It sounds pretty hard core, but trust me, it isn't. Make this for your next dinner party, and it'll surely be a hit.  

You can add a reduction sauce to any sort of protein, but if you live in Iowa it would be dumb not to go with pork.  Fairway has never let me down in this department. I prefer bone-in chops because I think they are easier to cook, and in my opinion, tastier.

I don't trim the visible fat with pork chops like I do with all other meats because I feel that the fat helps it cook and stay nice and moist. I do however, make sure I trim all the fat after it is cooked. I'm probably adding some unnecessary calories here, but I don't care.  Sometimes taste is more important. I'll do some extra sit-ups next time I think about it, okay?

This dish has a hefty dose of protein and the berries make it a great source of Vitamin C and antioxidants.

Good luck and enjoy!

Ingredients
Pork Chops

• 2 bone-in pork chops (3/4-1 inch thick)
• 2 TB olive oil

Sauce

• 1 container of blackberries (about two cups)
• 1/2 cup red wine (I used Cabernet Sauvignon)
• 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1 TB honey
• 1/2 tsp brown sugar

Sauce Directions

• Add all ingredients to a medium sauce pan.
• Cook on high until the sauce comes to a boil.
• Reduce the temperature to medium heat.
• Stir occasionally to prevent burning and cool until the sauce thickens and reduces by half (about 15 minutes).

Pork Chop Directions

• Preheat oven to 400.
• Add olive oil to large oven safe pan (if handle isn't oven safe, wrap it with foil).  
• Bring to high heat.
• Arrange chops in the large pan-be careful as there might be some oil spattering
• Cook for about two minutes. 
• Flip chops over and cook for one minute (chops should be lightly browned). 
• Pour 1/4 of the blackberry sauce over the chops. 
• Transfer the whole pan to the oven and cook for eight to 10 minutes. 
• Add another 1/4 of the sauce halfway through cooking. 
• They are done when they reach an internal temperature of 150. 
• Serve with remaining blackberry sauce. 

Serves 2

Calories: 415.5

Total Fat: 19.3

Saturated Fat: 3.8

Cholesterol: 45.6

Sodium: 61.5

Potassium: 562.8

Total Carbohydrate: 36

Dietary Fiber 7.7

Sugars: 8.6

Protein: 17.1

Vitamin C: 51.5%

New Year's Eve Citrus Pomegranate Sangria

This is a fun spin on sangria that uses white wine instead of red, and adds champagne.

Pomegranates are plentiful this time of year. Don't be intimidated by them. They are surprisingly good and full of nutrients and antioxidants. Plus, a new study shows that they may help in fighting off breast cancer. They are a versatile fruit and can be enjoyed in salads, soups, and desserts.

I've avoided them for some time because the tart little seeds are annoying to get to. But, with YouTube to the rescue, I've found a great tutorial to explain how to better remove the seeds without the fuss and mess.

The combination of citrus and pomegranates gives this fruity cocktail a tarty, colorful kick and jam packs it with Vitamin C, which helps ward off colds, stroke, and helps with skin aging. Who wouldn't like that?

I hope you enjoy this drink. We had it over New Years and it was quite the hit. Keep in mind that this recipe makes a large batch, so make sure you share it with plenty of friends. TRUST ME.

Alcohol isn't really the healthiest beverage you can consume for obvious reasons, but when consumed in moderation it can be okay. In fact, some research shows that one glass of wine a day is actually a good thing. So, make sure you share.  Enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 2 limes (sliced)
• Juice from 1 lime
• 1/2 orange (sliced)
• Juice from 1/2 orange
• 1/2 lemon (sliced)
• Juice from 1/2 lemon
• 1/2 pomegranate
• 1/2 cup of brandy
• 1 bottle of champagne
• 1 bottle of chardonnay
• 1/2 Splenda (or other sugar substitute)
• 1 cup of club soda
• 1 large glass pitcher
• Ice
• Garnish with mint (optional)

Directions:

• Fill the pitcher with plenty of ice (about halfway)
• Slice the lime, lemon and orange halves and place them in the bottom of the glass pitcher.
• Remove the seeds from the pomegranate half and place them in the bottom of the pitcher.
• Pour the juice of the lime and lemon and orange halves into the pitcher.
• Gently pour the champagne, chardonnay and brandy into the pitcher.
• In a separate bowl, mix the club soda and Splenda until the sugar substitute is completely dissolved.
• Pour the mixture into the pitcher.

• Gently stir and serve!

Serves 8

Nutritional Information:
Calories: 164.4
Total Fat: 0
Cholesterol: 0
Sodium: 14mg
Potassium: 103.7
Total Carbs: 7.3
Dietary Fiber: 0.1g
Sugars: 0.5g
Protein: 0.2g
Vitamin C: 16.3%
Manganese: 21.6%