Apple Almond and Sage Stuffed Pork Chops

Apple Almond and Sage Stuffed Pork Chops

Spring has been a reluctant visitor here in Newfoundland this year. Even here in the far North East it has been colder than usual and now the seasonal rain, drizzle and fog seems to have settled in to keep company with the frigid temperatures...sigh. These butterflied pork chops were originally destined for the back yard grill but the cold and rain forced me to make other plans.

Embracing the make lemonade from lemons philosophy, I set out to make a comfort food meal to make myself feel a bit better about our hesitant spring which I hope we now bypass in favor of a straight jump into summer.

Unwilling to set out for a supermarket run in the rain, I took stock of what was on hand to work with. Some leftover toasted almonds that were sprinkled on a recent salad, some leftover fresh sage that I'd used in a recent roast chicken and a big bag of apples provided the inspiration for the stuffing in these chops. The combination of sweet apples, crunchy nuts and fragrant, earthy sage was fantastic and all complimented the pork beautifully.

To keep the pork from drying out, I used the pan rushing method where the chops are seared in a hot pan and then roasted in a hot oven to finish off the cooking. It worked perfectly and to complete the meal, we served the chops with some steamed, buttered asparagus and just to remind me that there was still still hope for a BBQ season, these Barbeque Spiced Roasted Potato Nuggets rounded out a perfect family dinner.

Apple Almond and Sage Stuffed Pork Chops

Recipe by Barry C. Parsons

An old fashioned baked cornbread stuffing, with the added deliciousness of thyme, pecans and apples.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: About 1 hour including baking time for the cornbread.
Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: About 8-10 servings
Ingredients

• 4 large butterfly cut pork loin chops 
• 2 cups crusty bread cubes
• 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable stock
• 1 egg
• 2 small diced apples
• 3 tbsp melted butter
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh sage
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 1 small onion, diced small
• 1 stalk celery, diced small (optional)
• 1/3 cup chopped toasted almonds
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• pinch salt

Cooking Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Heat the olive oil in a saute pan and add the garlic, onions and celery. Cook just until the onions have softened but not browned.
3. Toss the cooked onion mixture with the bread cubes, apples, sage, salt, pepper and melted butter.
4. Whisk together the eggs and chicken or vegetable stock well and pour evenly over the stuffing mixture.
5. Add the toasted almonds and toss well to combine.
6. Season the inside and outside of the butterflied chops with salt and pepper. Divide the stuffing between the 4 chops and press tightly into the butterfly cut.
7. Add a little oil to a large, oven safe cast iron or heavy bottom frying pan and heat over medium high heat. When the pan is hot, sear the chops for a couple of minutes on each side to brown them.
8. Place the frying pan directly into the hot oven for about 20 minutes or until a meat thermometer registers 160 degrees at the center of the meat and stuffing. 
9. Let the chops rest for 5 minutes before serving. 

NEW VIDEO RECIPE: Sundried Tomato and Almond Pesto

Sundried Tomato and Almond Pesto

Our latest video recipe in cooperation with CBC Newfoundland and Labrador is this beautiful and very versatile pesto. Simply toss it with your favorite cooked pasta for a quick and easy workday meal. It's a great vegetarian dish or you can add some simple grilled chicken or sauteed garlic shrimp to make it a more substantial meal for meat eaters. These simple additions make it ideal to serve at a dinner party where you can serve it both ways.

You can adjust the amount of oil in this pesto to suit your taste and purpose. Make it with less oil as a spread for crostini or add it to strained yogurt for a delicious veggie dip; two great ideas for entertaining.

If you make your own pasta, a thick version of this pesto also makes a delicious filling for ravioli, especially when served with alfredo sauce.

Find the full recipe by clicking here.

For mobile users, if the video does not load below, try this alternative link.

Easy Cherry Almond Macaroons

For over 175 more tried and tested cookie recipes be sure to browse our 

Pinterest Cookie Board 

Easy Cherry Almond Macaroons

Growing up, while other kids my age turned up their noses at many coconut cookies during the Holidays, I was an obvious exception. Coconut covered snowballs, Partridgeberry Coconut Meringue Squares and Coconut (Macaroon) Haystacks with a bright red glace cherry on top were among my favorites.

This recipe was inspired by those coconut haystacks, often formed by using a boiled egg cup to make the shape. I always wanted to pick all the cherries off the tops of those cookies when I was a kid, so rather than do that, I thought I'd just add more to the recipe. Cherries and almonds are a natural flavor combination so some toasted ground almonds make a delicious addition to these quick and easy cookies too. These are so easy to make and since there will always be some coconut lovers in any group, so why not add these to your Holiday baking list?

Easy Cherry Almond Macaroons

Recipe by Barry C. Parsons

A very simple, easy coconut macaroon recipe with the added flavors of cherries and almonds. These freeze well making them another great choice for the Holiday freezer.

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Yield: 3 dozen cookies

Ingredients

• 4 cups sweetened dried coconut
• 1 1/2 cups toasted ground almonds
• 1 cup glace cherries, cut in quarters (Maraschino or dried cherries can also be used)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp almond extract
• pinch salt
• 1 can (300 ml) sweetened condensed milk
• 2 large egg whites

Directions

1. Toast almonds at 350 degrees F in a single layer on a baking sheet for about 5-7 minutes. Cool completely before grinding them in a food processor or blender.
2. Mix the almonds with all of the other ingredients except the egg whites, stirring well to combine.
3. Whip the egg whites to soft peaks and fold them gently through the coconut, cherry almond mixture.
4. Drop the dough by rounded teaspoonfuls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone liner. These WILL stick to a regular greased baking sheet.
5. Bake at 325 degrees F until lightly golden brown at the edges, about 20-23 minutes. Do not over bake.
6. Cool completely on the baking sheet before removing the cookies.
7. Store in airtight containers.

Cranberry Almond Orange Cookies

 

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Cranberry Almond Orange Cookies

These inviting cookies just say festive holiday baking to me. With familiar flavors of dried fruit and nuts plus a bold citrus taste, they evoke memories of Christmases past in a taste combination that's absolutely delectable. Sit down and enjoy these with a steaming hot coffee or even a tall glass of cold milk. I'm sure Santa wouldn't take too much convincing to gobble down a couple on Christmas Eve either.

The royal icing on top hardens completely and holds up well to freezing. I think it adds a nice decorative touch but it is of course optional if you'd rather not do this additional last step.

Cranberry Almond Orange Cookies

Recipe by Barry C. Parsons

Cranberry Almond Orange Cookies - a delicious festive collision of flavors that can be enjoyed at any time of the year.

Prep time: Approximately 20 minutes
Cook time: 12-14 minutes
Total time: About 30 minutes not including chilling time for the cookie dough.
Yield: About 1 1/2 dozen cookies

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• 1 1/4 flour
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp baking powder
• zest of one orange orange, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup tiasted slivered almonds
• FOR THE ROYAL ICING
• 1 large egg white
• About 1 1/4 cups icing sugar (powdered sugar)
• pinch cream of tartar

Directions

1. Sift together the flour, salt and baking powder and set aside.
2. Cream the butter, sugar and vanilla well.
3. Beat in the egg.
4. Fold in the flour until a dough begins to form.
5. When the flour is almost incorporated into the dough add the cranberries, orange zest and almonds and fold in completely.Don't overwork the dough, or it will get tough.
6. Form the dough into a log about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for an hour or two. (Note: This dough can be kept in the fridge for a few days, allowing you to bake off a few at a time if you like, to enjoy oven fresh cookies at any time. You can also freeze the dough log and thaw it in the fridge overnight to bake your cookies the next day.)
7. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
8. With a very sharp knife, cut the cookie dough in 1/4 inch slices and place a couple of inches apart on a parchment lined baking sheet.
9. Bake for about 12 minutes or until they begin to brown at the edges. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Drizzle with royal icing (optional).
11. TO MAKE THE ROYAL ICING beat together the egg white, cream of tartar and about 1 cup of the icing sugar until light and fluffy.
12. Beat in the remaining icing sugar a tablespoon at a time until the icing reaches a spreadable consistency.
13. Use a piping bag or a Ziploc bag with the corner snipped off to drizzle the icing over the surface of the cookie or just spread it on thinly with a small spatula if you prefer.

Pear Almond Baklava Roll

Pear Almond Baklava Roll

This was a real clean-out-the-fridge dessert idea that I came up with last week when I needed dessert at the last minute and decided just to use what was on hand. There were several very ripe pears on the counter which needed to be consumed ASAP plus a half package of phyllo pastry already thawed. It also needed to be used quickly before it dried out. There was also a surplus of almonds thanks to a giant bag from Costco that I'm trying to use up.

I often make quick desserts by wrapping different fruits in phyllo pastry, so that would work for the pears that needed to be put to good use. Of course, phyllo pastry immediately makes me think of baklava which everyone at our house loves. Olivia recently brought home some rolled almond baklava from a vendor at the St. John's Farmers Market so that was also partly the inspiration for this dessert. Why not combine my phyllo wrapped fruit bundles and baklava? It came together very quickly, baked up to a beautiful golden brown and helped along by  honey with the toasted ground almonds between the layers, was absolutely delicious. I think an apple and walnut version can't be far behind.

Pear Almond Baklava Roll

Recipe by Barry C. Parsons

A delicious dessert fusion that's a cross between almond honey baklava and a pear phyllo pastry bundle.

Prep time: Aproximately 20 minutes
Cook time: 40 minute
Total time: 1 hour
Yield: 4 - 6 servings
Ingredients

• 8 large sheets phyllo pastry (I used 12 x18 inch sheets)
• 3 large ripe pears, unpeeled, cored and sliced
• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 1/2 tsp Chinese 5 spice powder (or cinnamon)
• 2 tsp corn starch
• 1/4 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
• 1 cup toasted ground almonds
• About 1/4 cup honey 1/4 cup honey
• 1/2 cup melted butter

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Core and slice pears.
3. Mix together the sugar, spices and corn starch and toss well with the sliced pears.
4. On a clean counter top lay down the first sheet of phyllo pastry and brush it with melted butter. Add the second layer of phyllo.
5. For the next 4 layers of phyllo pastry, brush each later with butter, sprinkle on 1/4 cup ground almonds and drizzle with a honey. A squeeze bottle is best for drizzling the honey.
6. After those 4 layers finish with the remaining two sheets of phyllo pastry but these should only be brushed with butter.
7. Pile the prepared pears in a straight line on the shorter side of the pastry a couple of inches from the sides.
8. Fold the pastry a couple of inches over the ends of the line of pears to help seal the ends of the roll.
9. Roll the pastry up as tightly as possible.
10. Transfer the roll to a parchment lined baking sheet, making sure that the seam side of the pastry is on the bottom.
11. Brush the pastry with melted butter and bake for 30-40 minutes until golden brown.
12. Let the roll rest for 15-20 minutes before cutting and serving warm.
13. Delicious served with ice cream or warm custard too.

Sunken Grape Almond Cake

Sunken Grape Almond Cake

I saw this idea on an Italian cooking show some years ago where they made a grape cake to celebrate the beginning of the harvest. It came to mind this week when I saw some sweet and tart little Coronation grapes from southern Ontario which are in season right now. They are related to Concord grapes which, like any small grape variety could be easily substituted.

I decided to use an almond cake recipe that I really like but unfortunately the batter was too light, rose too much and then sank in the center. It tasted delicious but looked a complete disaster. Back to the drawing board. Spouse's mom, Violet was here at the time and happily took the delicious but rough looking first attempt home to enjoy.  In contradiction to the popular phrase, I guess that ill wind actually did blow her some good. She seemed delighted to have it.

Sunken Grape Almond Cake

I still had plenty of those tasty little grapes left over, so the next day, attempt number two got underway. I tweaked the amount of flour and baking powder in the recipe and within the first 20 minutes in the oven, it was clear this attempt was at least going to be a visual success. The proof was still in the tasting, of course and it turns out I had nothing to worry about on that count either; tender, buttery, nutty and with sweet and tart pops of flavor from the tiny grapes that had sunk into the center, it was perfectly delicious and just how I had imagined it would taste.

It would be perfect at a weekend brunch or even as dessert at a special dinner. Like in my Pear and Almond Cake, this dessert would no doubt be excellent served with Creme Anglais or any good custard.

Sunken Grape Almond Cake

Serves about 12

Grease a 10 inch spring form pan and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy release of the cake after it is baked. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
Sift together and set aside:

• 1 cup toasted ground almonds
• 1 1/4 cups sifted all purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• pinch salt

I toast whole almonds in a preheated 350 degree oven for 5-8 minutes on a cookie sheet. tossing them at least once. I then grind them very finely in a food processor. Be sure to lightly pack the ground almonds into the measuring cup.

Cream together until light and fluffy:

• 1 cup butter
• 1 1/3 cups sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp almond extract

Beat in, one at a time:

• 3 eggs

Stir in:

• zest of one small lemon, finely chopped

Mix in the dry ingredients until smooth and spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Place small grapes all over the surface of the batter about a 1/4 inch (6mm) apart. Any variety of small grape will work or you can use small pitted cherries or large blueberries instead. Do not push them into the batter just drop them onto the surface. Bake for about 50-60 minutes or until evenly brown on top and a wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 20 minutes before releasing the cake and cooling on a wire rack. If you are serving the cake warm, you should still wait the 20  minutes to allow it to settle before cutting.

Sunken Grape Almond Cake

Pear and Ginger Coffee Cake with Almond Shortbread Crumble Topping

This delicious coffee cake was born of the necessity to put to good use some of the large bag of pears we bought last weekend. Pears are Spouse's favourite fruit so I decided to "pair" them with ginger, which is probably Spouses favourite spice. I added a little of my favourite Chinese five spice to the mix and since the almond shortbread crumble topping was such a success on our Cherry Swirl Almond Crumble Coffee Cake I decided to add it to this one as well. My willing taste-testers at the office had this moist, delicious coffee cake reduced to crumbs in minutes.

Coffee Cake

Sift together and set aside:

2 2/3 cups flour
3 tsp baking powder

3 tsp powdered ginger

1 tsp Chinese five spice powder

In the bowl of a stand mixer with the whisk attachment in place, whisk together on high speed until foamy and slightly stiffened.

2 eggs
1 1/4 cups sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract

½ tsp almond extract (optional)

Mix together in a measuring cup with a spout:

1/4 cup melted butter
1/4 cup vegetable oil

Slowly add the oil and butter mixture to the egg mixture in a slow stream as the mixer continues to whisk.

Mix together

1/2 cup whipping cream

1/2 cup milk

2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Add slowly to the mixing bowl continuing to mix but at a reduced speed. Stir in:

2 tbsp very finely grated fresh ginger

Fold in the dry ingredients by hand with a rubber spatula being careful not to over mix. Don't worry about small lumps in the batter, they are fine. When the flour is almost incorporated, fold in:

2 large or 3 small pears, peeled and diced (about a half inch dice is fine)

Pour the batter into a greased and floured 10 inch spring form pan.

Almond Shortbread Crumble

1/3 cup ground almonds
2/3 cup flour
1/3 cup butter
½ tsp vanilla extract

Pulse together in a food processor or rub the butter into the flour with your hands until fully incorporated.

Add the crumble topping by squeezing together handfuls of the crumb mixture and breaking off small pieces, which get scattered all over the surface of the batter.  You can also add in some slivered almonds and a few extra cherry pieces with the crumble for an extra flourish of garnish. 

Bake for 50-60 minutes at 350 degrees F or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The toothpick test is definitely the best way to ensure that this cake is fully baked. Cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before moving to a wire rack to cool completely or serve while still warm.

Orange Almond Cookie Bars

Orange Almond Cookie Bars

These soft, tender cookie bars are part orange cookie, part shortbread and part almond filled cookie. The collision of flavors and textures is just excellent. They would make great lunchbox cookies or a great take-along treat to a summer picnic. Either way, they are sure to be a hit.

These also freeze quite well, making them ideal for Holiday baking too.

In a food processor pulse together until well combined and small pieces of butter are still visible:

• 2 2/3 cups flour
• 2/3 cup white sugar
• 2/3 cup brown sugar
• 1 1/4 cups cold butter

Whisk together:

• 1 large egg
• 2 tsp vanilla extract

Add to the flour and butter mixture and pulse until a dough forms. Press half of the dough into a well greased 9x13 inch baking pan. Roll the remaining dough into approximately a 9x13 inch rectangle and set aside.

Filling:

• 1 cup finely chopped almonds
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• zest of one large orange, finely minced
• 1 beaten egg

Mix together well and spread evenly over the bottom crust. Place the second layer of pastry over the filling and using a small juice glass, roll the dough gently until it fits into the corners and completely covers the filling. Press whole almonds into the center of where the bars will be cut for garnish if desired.

Bake 325 degrees F for approximately 40 - 45 minutes. Cool completely before cutting into bars.

Cherry Swirl Almond Crumble Coffee Cake

Cherry Swirl Almond Crumble Coffee Cake

Here's another flavor combination in our growing collection of coffee cakes. This delicious almond and vanilla flavored cake gets a swirl of sweet cherry compote through  the cake before being topped by a buttery almond shortbread crumble. This is one more addition to the many brunch ideas on Rock Recipes. Check out our Pinterest board of Best Brunch Ideas for more ways to make a favorite weekend meal truly special.

Cherry Compote

2 cups pitted cherries

½ cup sugar

3 tbsp water

Simmer together for only a few minutes.

Stir together:

1 ounce water

1 rounded tbsp corn starch

Add quickly to the simmering cherries stirring constantly. Cook for only a minute before taking off the heat and allowing it to cool to almost room temperature.

 
Coffee Cake

Sift together and set aside:

2 2/3 cups flour
3 tsp baking powder

In the bowl of a stand mixer with the whisk attachment in place, whisk together on high speed until foamy and slightly stiffened.

2 eggs
1 1/4 cups sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract

½ tsp almond extract (optional)

Mix together in a measuring cup with a spout:

1/4 cup melted butter
1/4 cup vegetable oil

Slowly add the oil and butter mixture to the egg mixture in a slow stream as the mixer continues to whisk.

Mix together

1/2 cup whipping cream

1/2 cup milk

2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Add slowly to the mixing bowl continuing to mix but at a reduced speed.

Fold in the dry ingredients by hand with a rubber spatula being careful not to over mix. Don't worry about lumps in the batter, they are fine.

Pour the batter into a greased and floured 10 inch springform pan. Dot the surface of the batter, a heaping tablespoon at a time with

1 1/2 cups Cherry Compote

using the handle of a wooden spoon, swirl the cherry compote through the batter. 

Almond Shortbread Crumble

1/3 cup ground almonds
2/3 cup flour
1/3 cup butter
½ tsp vanilla extract

Pulse together in a food processor or rub the butter into the flour with your hands until fully incorporated.

Add the crumble topping by squeezing together handfuls of the crumb mixture and breaking off small pieces, which get scattered all over the surface of the batter.  You can also add in some slivered almonds and a few extra cherry pieces with the crumble for an extra flourish of garnish. 

Bake for 50-60 minutes at 350 degrees F or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The toothpick test is definitely the best way to ensure that this cake is fully baked. Cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before moving to a wire rack to cool completely.