Gun Powder Chops with Rustic Red Mashed Potatoes and Sauteed Asparagus
The perfect date night is typically a whole ordeal, including an expensive $100 dinner while wearing fancy, uncomfortable clothes and a $50 movie in a theater that doesn’t allow you to cuddle. In my opinion, that doesn’t sound so perfect. I feel that a perfect date night doesn’t require a fancy 4- or 5-star restaurant, especially when you can whip up a meal for your favorite someone right at home.
I have written up a few recipes for an elegant meal that’s both sophisticated and filling. What more perfect way to spend time with your significant other than cuddling on the couch after an amazing meal like this, especially being that this month is indeed the month of love.
Chops Ingredients
2 tbsp gun powder seasoning
2 tbsp onion powder
½ tsp white pepper
1 tbsp garlic powder
3 tbsp unsalted butter
2 pork chops (bone in, 1-inch thick)
Chops Directions
1) Heat cast iron skillet on medium high heat.
2) While the skillet is heating, combine all seasonings in a bowl and apply the seasoning liberally to the chops.
3) Once the skillet is heated (you’ll see a little white smoke), add the pork chops to the skillet.
4) Lightly press down the chop and cook for 2 minutes. Flip. Repeat.
5) Cook the sides of the chops so that the fat renders.
6) Turn heat down to medium heat and flip every minute for 4-6 minutes or until the chops are 135 degrees internally.
7) Turn off the heat. Add butter to the skillet and baste the chops well.
8) Allow chops to rest for at least 5 minutes before serving.
9) Be sure to keep the browned butter drippings for the plating.
Mashed Potato Ingredients
6 large red potatoes
½ cup sour cream
3 tbsp butter
Pink Himalayan salt
Pepper
splash of milk (add more as needed)
Mashed Potato Directions
1) Quarter the red potatoes.
2) In a large pot, add potatoes and cover with water. Sprinkle salt in the pot.
3) Bring water to a boil and allow to boil until the potatoes become fork tender.
4) Drain potatoes and add them to a mixing bowl.
5) Smash the potatoes with a potato smasher then add butter and sour cream.
6) Mix well. Add enough milk to get the consistency you desire.
7) Season with salt and pepper.
Asparagus Ingredients
1 bunch asparagus
3 tbsp butter
Pink Himalayan salt
Pepper
Onion Powder
Asparagus Directions
1) In a medium heated non-stick skillet add asparagus. Cook for a few minutes before adding butter.
2) Allow asparagus to cook until al dente. Depending on the size it could take 5-10 minutes.
3) Season asparagus with salt, pepper, and onion powder. Delicately tossing asparagus so that all the pieces are seasoned well.
4) Serve.
Chelsea Gieselmann is a mom, photographer, columnist, food blogger, and home-cook. Cooking has been a passion of hers since she was old enough to cut out biscuits with the mouth of a mason jar. Her great-grandmother taught her the basics and she is ever so grateful to have been able to learn from her. Since then, she has honed in her craft a great deal and continues to.
