Pork Chops with Blueberry-Balsamic Sauce

Grilled pork chops topped with a sweet and tangy blueberry and balsamic reduction

My recent trip to Minnesota was filled with long, lazy days on the lake. Food wasn't always a priority during the day since different groups of us were reading, boating, or golfing, but everyone met back up at night for dinner together. I had a tough time choosing a recipe that would be easy enough to prepare in the cabin's kitchen but was still impressive enough to serve to my husband's family. I finally settled on grilled pork chops with a balsamic-blueberry sauce, a unique summer dish that is quick and easy to make. The sauce was adapted from a recipe I found in Bon Appetit last year, which I made on the stove while my husband grilled the chops. It turned out perfectly and I can't wait to make it again back in L.A.


More Pork Recipes:
- Pork Chops with Apple-Onion Reduction
- Pork Carnitas
- Grilled Pork Chops & Peaches


Grilled Pork Chops with Blueberry Sauce:
For Blueberry Sauce

• Heat 1 tbsp. olive oil in a large saucepan.
• Add 2 chopped shallots and cook until translucent, 5-6 minutes.
• Add in 2 garlic cloves, 1 tsp. fresh thyme leaves, 2 c. fresh blueberries, 1/2 c. water, and 2 tbsp. balsamic vinegar.
• Cook berries for 5-7 minutes, or until starting to burst.
• Mash with a potato masher and thicken for 1-2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

For Pork Chops

• Season both sides of 6 bone-in pork rib chops* with salt and pepper.
• Grill over high heat for 4 minutes per side, or until just cooked through.
• Let pork rest for 5-10 minutes.
• Pour sauce over pork and serve.

Serves six 
*About 1 inch thick.

Weekend Review: Minnesota

112 Eatery's "Short Rib Chili" - Braised Beef Short rib, Tomatillo Sauce, Creme Fraiche, Parmesan Cornbread

I just got back from visiting my boyfriend's family in Minnesota, on a (much-needed) nine day vacation. The state isn't known for its exceptional food scene, especially outside of the twin cities, but we enjoyed several good meals out. We spent most of our time on Lake Sylvan, where our favorite local place is The Classic, a small restaurant located inside a golf clubhouse that features delicious dishes from a knock-out chef. We had a much tougher time deciding where to eat in Minneapolis, as wide array of award-winning restaurants have sprung up there in recent years, but we ended up settling on 112 Eatery, whose chef Isaac Becker won this year's James Beard award for "Best Chef Midwest".

The Classic's "Seafood Platter for Two" - Crab Stuffed Shrimp, Broiled Walleye, Panko Crusted Grouper, Sea Scallops

112's Sweet & Sour Crab Salad

112's Fresh Ricotta & Truffle Honey

112's Tagliatelle with Foie Gras Meatballs

112's Tres Leches Cake

Kitties' Birthday Party

Huckleberry's Strawberry & Carrot Cake Cupcakes

Anyone who knows me will tell you that I am in love with my two kitties, Chip and Ralphie, a brother and sister pair that I found on Craigslist a couple years ago. To celebrate their second birthday, I treated them to grilled shrimp and a slew of new toys. For the humans, I got cupcakes from Huckleberry (previously reviewed here). It was such a fun night, and a great way to celebrate the love and joy that they've brought me these past two years.

Perfectly Grilled Shrimp:

• Toss 3/4 lb. peeled and de-veined shrimp with 1 tbsp. olive oil, sea salt, and pepper.*
• Cook over a hot grill for 2-3 minutes per side, or until shrimp turn opaque.
• Let rest for 5 minutes before eating.**

Serves two
*If making food for your pets, do not add seasoning, this can upset their stomachs.
**If feeding to pets, cut into very small pieces, and limit the portion to 1 shrimp per cat.

Ralphie (left) & Chip (right)