Baked Pork Chops and Chunky Apple Sauce

With Roasted Root Vegetables and Kale Salad

An American classic. George Washington and apples just seem to go hand in hand. The fabled story of young Washington cutting down an apple, or perhaps a cherry tree, was to illustrate his honesty and integrity as a young boy. He could not lie to his father. I think its these little, big things that made him a great leader.

While the colonial Americans cooked up pork chops differently, perhaps in scrapple or in a rich stew, today many chose to make it with the familiar "shake n bake" packaged seasoning. Its easy and fun. But, who knows what they put in there! I made a really quick and simple (6 ingredients) shake and bake recipe so you don't need to grab for the prepared box of seasoning.

I served it with a homemade chunky apple sauce, some roasted root vegetables and a kale salad. All the ingredients screamed out America! to me. Happy Birthday to Lincoln and Washington this month, and cheers to all our American presidents!

Pork Chop

Ingredients:

• 4 thin (1/4 inch thick) pork loin chops (approximately 4 ounces each, boneless or bone in)
• 2 Tablespoons whole wheat flour
• 2 Tablespoons cornmeal (not coarse)
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon sage
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (or dried onion)
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 cup skim milk

1. Preheat the oven to 425 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a large sealable plastic bag add the whole wheat flour, cornmeal, salt, sage, onion powder, and paprika. Mix up and set aside.

3. Place the milk in a small bowl.

4. Dip the pork chops in the milk, drain off the excess, then place in the bag with the spices. Squeeze the bag and shake it up! Then, place the chop on the baking sheet.

5. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or cooked through. If they are very thin, then 12 minutes is sufficient. The internal temperature of the chop should be 145 F.

Chunky Apple Sauce

Ingredients

• 4 medium green apples (Granny Smith)
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 Tablespoons packed brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg

1. Peel the apples and cut into fourths, or sixths, depending on how chunky you want it. Place the slices in a small pot with the water. Bring to a boil, then simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes, or until apples begin to break down.

2. Add the sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir in and heat until sugar dissolves.

Pork Chops with roasted vegetables (purple potatoes & beets, carrots and parsnips), and applesauce

For Nutrition Facts on Baked Pork Chops and Chunky Apple Sauce, please visit Shape Up America!

Comment with Facebook