Pork Chops and Mashed Potatoes

So tonight is the first night in over 2 1/2 months that all 5 family members have sat down at the kitchen table for a family dinner. I asked E what she wanted for dinner. Pork chops. Yes, sounds delish…how about I add a side of mashed potatoes? She asked for gravy. Yes, I can def. make that happen for you…I can make anything happen for you!

My little E has Cancer. For the last 4 years, she has undergone every scan, test, chemo, and other medicines one would never wish on their worst enemy. She has taken it all with stride; she has been brave; she deserves all that she wants in life, just like any other kiddo out there who has gone through such a terrible fate. Well, her last scans were clear! Awesome news; but then she came down with a nasty lung infection, and we were not sure she would make it out of the hospital. Well, E was not going to let a little lung fungus get in her way of living life, so she beat it and is now home!

Of course I will make her and let her eat pretty much everything she likes. She has asked for 5 Guys, cheese ravioli, Sloppy Joe’s, and shells and cheese. Ok, I can make all that happen. Tonight it is pork chops and mashed potatoes and gravy.

I took some pork chops, that just happen to be on sale at Publix, put them in some olive oil and salt and pepper. Then I warmed up 2 cast iron skillets and placed the chops in them. Do not crowd your pans. You need to have plenty of room for them to brown and get a nice crust; about 10 minutes on the first side and 8 minutes on the second side.

Mashed potatoes are easy. Boil your potatoes until fork tender, about 12 minutes or so. Drain and put them in your mixer. I add about 1 stick of butter, a couple splashes of heavy cream, and a couple splashes of milk. Mix until your desired consistency.

Gravy? Take out the pork chops as soon as the time is up and let them rest for about 5-10 minutes. They will cook a little more and retain their juices. Do not cut into them yet. Put all the pork chop juices in one of your pans. Heat it up and add 2 tablespoons of butter and flour. Whisk together until you have a bit of a “wet sand” look. I add a little chicken stock at a time until the back of your spoon is coated without being to runny. You could add milk, for milk gravy. That is yummy, too.