Garlic Butter Baked Pork Chops with 2 sides

Garlic Butter Baked Pork chops are juicy, tender, and super flavorful thanks to the amazing butter sauce.

INGREDIENTS
2 medium sized Pork Chops
kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
4 Tablespoons butter - melted
1 Tablespoon fresh thyme - chopped
2 cloves garlic - minced
1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 375 F.
2. Season the pork chops with salt and pepper, and set aside.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the butter, thyme, and garlic.  Set aside.
4. In a cast iron skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
5. When the skillet is really hot, add the pork chops.  Sear until golden, about 2 minutes per side.
6. Pour garlic butter mixture over the pork chops.
7. Place the skillet in the oven, and cook until the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145 F, about 10-12 minutes.  The time depends on the thickness of the pork chops.*
8. Remove from the oven.  Using a spoon, pour some of the butter sauce left in the skillet onto the pork chops before serving.

*  Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the pork chop.

CRISPY ROASTED GREEN BEANS

INGREDIENTS
2 pounds green beans - trimmed
4 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
salt and fresh ground pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 425 F
2. Place a baking sheet in the oven for 10 minutes
3. In a medium bowl, place the green beans and all the remaining ingredients.
4. Mix well.
5. Arrange the seasoned green beans in a single layer on the preheated baking sheet.
6. Bake for about 8 minutes or until crisp tender.

ROASTED BUTTERNUT SQUASH MASH

INGREDIENTS
1 butternut squash
2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
3 gloves garlic - minced
4 Tablespoons butter
Salt and black pepper
cayenne pepper for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 400 F
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.  Set aside
3. Wash and cut the butternut squash in half lengthwise.  Using a spoon, scoop out the seeds.
4. Place both halves face up on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and garlic.
6. Roast in the oven for 45 - 60 minutes until fork tender.
7. Remove the squash from the oven, and let cool for about 5 minutes.
8. Using a large spoon, remove all of the squash flesh from the skin, and place it into a bowl for mashing.
9. Add the butter, sea salt and pepper, and mash well until fluffy and smooth.  I like to use a hand mixer.
10. Sprinkle with cayenne pepper and butter for extra flavor before serving.

Shelly's New Year's Eve Meal

I am planning a small gathering for New Year's Eve this year, 
4 couples.  I can't wait.

We will dine.  (I plan to show off my culinary skills.)

Then we will move the furniture and dance, 

before we ring in the new year with Champagne.  

 APPETIZERS  

Roasted Garlic, Goat Cheese, 
and Minced Olives
on a crusty bread.

Bacon Wrapped Scallops with Brown Sugar

 

Goat Cheese, Stuffed Dates wrapped in Bacon

SALAD

Blue Cheese Salad Wedge

MAIN MEAL

Beef Tenderloin

prepared in the oven

Herb Lemon Butter Peas
and Little Potatoes

Sweet and Savory Green Beans

ROLLS WITH 
Garlic Herb and Parmesan Butter 

DESSERT

Amaretto Cheesecake
with Almonds and a shot of Amaretto

CHAMPAGNE