Let's get southern.

So I started a new job today. Unemployed was harsh so why doesn't working make me feel better? I'll tell you what does make me feel better. A little Fat Tuesday Zydeco music, and some serious southern cooking.



Just go with it kids. I now it's not rock. I know it's not current. Did you ever notice how when you are at a party where people are really enjoying themselves you love whatever music is playing? Think about weddings, Mambo #5, The Electric Slide, The Chicken Dance? To really enjoy music  is just like really enjoying anything; you just have to be open to it. Clifton Chenier is an American icon and Zydeco is great party music. Go with it gall-darn-it!

Smothered pork chops, smothered anything, is about as dixie as you can get. So for Fat Tuesday Smothered pork chops is my first choice. It's a 2 step process, sear and braise, which can be adapted to an infinite number of pork chops. It's all process, amounts are for sissies.

1. Buy Double thick bone in pork chops. There is a lot of flavor in bones.
2. Salt them. Pepper them. Sear them in hot oil in a cast iron skillet.
3. Both sides.
4. Butter, Mmmm butter, a pan that will hold the chops in one layer.
5. Slice an onion into thin rings, slice a pepper into thin rings, julianne some celery. Add more or skip it altogether, what ever amount you like.
6. Put the Vegetables in the pan. Salt and pepper them. 
7. Layer the cops on top.
8. Deglaze the frying pan with some white wine. Get all the brown bits.
9. Pour the pan juice over the chops. 
10. Throw in 3 or 4 sprigs of thyme and some chopped sage. Skip it if you don't have any, or use dry.
11. Seal the pan with foil. 300 degrees for 2.5 hours.
12. Make a roux in a sauce pan. Equal parts flour and butter, Mmmm Butter, stirred on the heat for just a couple of minutes after they combine.
13. Remove everything from the pan to a platter. Cover with the foil
14. Pour the juices on top of the roux, blast the heat, stirring until the gravy comes together.
15. If you need more gravy add some chicken broth, I didn't see you use canned, and stir. 
16. Pour the gravy over the chops. 
17. Sprinkle with chopped parley or sliced green onion.
18. Mashed potatoes would be nice.