Smoky Pork Chops with Fresh Corn and Fire-Roasted Hatch Chile, Pickled Okra

Smoky Pork Chops with Fresh Corn and Roasted Chiles, Pickled Okra

Pork Chops Rubbed with Smoked Paprika, Cumin, Dry Mustard
Over Fresh Corn & Fire-Roasted Hatch Chile
Pickled Okra Garnish

Growers say that the intense sunlight and cool nights in this valley result in a uniquely flavored chile. They have been roasting up a storm in Hatch, New Mexico. Unlike other chiles, those grown in Hatch are only available for about 6 weeks each year during the months of August and September, and only as long as the fresh chile supply holds out. Hatch chiles range in spiciness from mild to very hot, choose the type that suits your palate!

Since we are sadly at the tail end of the Hatch season this year you’ve got to hurry to make smoky pork chops with fresh Hatch chiles. Luckily Anaheim, New Mexico, poblano chiles or even frozen Hatch chiles can be substituted in this recipe. But try remember to look for Hatch chiles next growing season, their flavor is really extraordinary…

Smoky Pork Chops Recipe

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Lobster & Okra Fettuccine, Spicy Gumbo Sauce

Lobster & Okra Fettuccine, Gumbo Sauce
Maine Lobster & Homemade Pickled Okra
Tossed with Fresh Fettuccine
Spicy Gumbo Sauce
Ground Sassafras & Celery Leaf Garnish

Lobster & Okra Fettuccine, Gumbo Sauce
Will you be entertaining anytime soon? May I suggest this dish as a pasta or main course, it’s a show stopper. A twist on Louisiana’s gumbo, but with fettuccine and pickled okra. The depth and complexity of the gumbo sauce made from a golden brown roux will WOW your guests, as, of course, will generous morsels of fresh Maine lobster. Pickled okra counterbalances with a refreshing zing. Those not too fond of okra will be impressed, there is none of that usual slipperiness.

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Farmers’ Market Fantasy

farmers market basket
before

You’ve heard the expression “like a kid in a candy store?” Well that kid was me this past weekend at the Farmers’ Market in Palos Verdes. If it looked tasty, I bought it. No restraint whatsoever. From Japanese eggplant to okra to heirloom tomatoes. And asatsuki, carrots, red serranos, beets, patty pan squash, spinach, garlic, Anaheim chiles, Thai basil, mitsuba…I had no plan, no recipe in mind. I was simply vegetable-crazy.

vegetable stack
after

8-layer farmers’ market fantasy
curried fresh carrot juice sauce with blanched okra & mitsuba
grilled green & yellow patty pan squash
sautéed spinach with sesame, garlic, soy sauce
crispy polenta cake
fire-roasted anaheim chile
fresh goat cheese & asatsuki
cumin dusted grilled beet
spicy smoky heirloom tomato & thai basil
roasted japanese eggplant, maldon smoked sea salt flakes

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