Pork: It's What's For Lunch During Ramadan: Chicken-Fried Pork Chops with Andouille-Milk Gravy over Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes

(Quick and dirty repost of last year's recipe 'cause I'm tired and almost forgot about how hungry our 'slim friends will be at lunch time. So fix extra and share with Abdul at lunch.)


Well kiddies, it's that time of year again, 13 Sept 2007 is the first day of the Pisslamic holiday Ramadan. From 13 Sept until 12 Oct one of the things the muslim hordes will do to celebrate Ramalamadingdong is observing a sunup to sundown fast.

(From factmonster.com)

Fasting serves many purposes. While they are hungry and thirsty, Muslims are reminded of the suffering of the poor. Fasting is also an opportunity to practice self-control and to cleanse the body and mind. And in this most sacred month, fasting helps Muslims feel the peace that comes from spiritual devotion as well as kinship with fellow believers.

Mebbe a mushroom cloud over mecca would remind these goat-raping, camel-piss drinking backwards-assed primitive motherfuckers of the suffering of the poor families of the folks they've beheaded on camera while practicing their self-control...

Well, because I hate (muslims) to see anybody going hungry, I've decided to post a daily, delicious pork recipe that you can prepare and share with your muslim friends for lunch. So let's get the party started with some yummy pork chops...

Chicken-Fried Pork Chops with Andouille-Milk Gravy over Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes

22 saltine crackers, finely crushed
3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons flour
1 teaspoon salt, divided, plus more for seasoning
3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided, plus more for seasoning
3/4 teaspoon Emeril's Original Essence, recipe follows
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
2 large eggs
3 cups plus 1/3 cup whole milk
8 boneless breakfast pork chops (small, thin cuts, about 1/4-inch thick each)
2 to 2 1/2 cups vegetable oil
8 ounces cooked and crumbled andouille sausage
Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes, recipe follows

In a shallow bowl combine the crushed crackers, 3/4 cup of flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, Essence, and baking powder.

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the eggs and 1/3 cup of milk.

Season pork chops lightly with salt and freshly ground pepper on both sides. Dust pork chops, one at a time, with the cracker-flour mixture and then dip in the egg mixture. Dredge pork chops with the cracker-flour mixture a second time, pressing to coat, and shaking off any excess flour.

Heat the oil to 375 degrees F in a large skillet with 2-inch deep sides. (The oil should be about 1/4-inch deep.) Add the pork chops to the preheated oil, being careful not to over-crowd the pan. Pan-fry the chops for 2 minutes, or until golden brown. Turn the pork chops and cook an additional 2 to 3 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Place the pork chops on a paper towel-lined plate and keep warm while you make the gravy.

Carefully discard most of the oil from the pork chops, reserving 2 tablespoons plus any browned bits in the bottom of the skillet. Heat the oil over medium-low and add the andouille sausage, stirring until warmed through and fragrant. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of the flour to the oil-sausage mixture, stirring constantly to keep from burning, about 2 minutes. In a slow, steady stream, add the remaining 3 cups of milk, 1/2 cup at a time, whisking continuously. Bring the gravy mixture to a simmer, and cook 8 to 10 minutes, or until slightly thickened. Season the gravy with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt and remaining 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Serve immediately over chicken fried pork chops and buttermilk mashed potatoes.

Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes

2 pounds Idaho potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
1 1/4 cups buttermilk
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Place the potatoes in a medium pot and cover with cold water by 1-inch. Bring to a boil, and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer, uncovered, until the potatoes are fork tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Drain potatoes in a colander.

Return the potatoes to the cooking pot and add the buttermilk, butter, salt, and black pepper. Mash with a potato masher or heavy fork until fluffy, about 4 minutes. Adjust seasonings with salt and pepper, to taste. Place potatoes in an ovenproof dish and cover with aluminum foil. Place mashed potatoes in a low (275 degree F) oven to keep warm until ready to serve with the pork chops.

Emeril's ESSENCE Creole Seasoning (also referred to as Bayou Blast)

2 1/2 tablespoons paprika
2 tablespoons salt
2 tablespoons garlic powder
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon dried thyme

Combine all ingredients thoroughly.

Yield: 2/3 cup

Pork: It's What's For Lunch During Ramadan: Eid's A Wrap

Since I was outta town this past weekend, and unable to post, I present you a porcine three-way to wrap up Ramalamadingdong. Whip up these tasty dishes and invite all your muslim friends over for an Eid feast that they'll never forget!!!

Memphis Style Dry Ribs: Corky's Ribs

1 (2 to 2 3/4 pound) slab raw St. Louis cut pork spare ribs
(Right about now ya'll are wondering, "WTF?!? "St. Louis" cut ribs for "Memphis" BBQ?!?". St. Louis cut means there is more meat on the bones than regular ribs. Just ask a woman and she'll tell you a mo' meaty bone is a mo' betta' bone.)
1 1/2 cups water (3 parts)
1/2 cup favorite BBQ sauce (1 part), plus more for basting (recommended: Corky's)
Favorite dry rib seasoning (recommended: Corky's)

Corky's BBQ Gift Pack One bottle of sauce and one bottle of seasoning for $11.99

Preheat a grill to medium heat with all of the coals on 1 side.
Grill over indirect heat (meat side down) for approximately 2 hours, turning once, until internal temperature reaches 185 degrees F.

Baste ribs on both sides during cooking with 3 parts water to 1 part BBQ sauce. Once the ribs reach 185 degrees F, baste again with full strength BBQ sauce and sprinkle liberally with dry rib seasoning.

Lady and Sons Fried Pork Chops

6 cups vegetable oil
2 teaspoons House Seasoning, recipe follows
1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
6 pork chops
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup all-purpose flour

House Seasoning

House Seasoning:
1 cup salt
1/4 cup black pepper
1/4 cup garlic powder

Mix ingredients together and store in an airtight container for up to 6 months.

Heat oil in a large, heavy bottomed pot to 350 degrees F.

Sprinkle the seasonings on both sides of the pork chops, rubbing them thoroughly into the meat. Pour buttermilk over meat and turn to coat on all sides. Season flour generously with House Seasoning, roll each chop into flour, and shake off the excess. Carefully place the chops, 2 at a time, into the hot oil, and cook until the outside is golden brown. Take 1 chop out and make a small cut at the thickest part to check for doneness; adjust time accordingly for the rest. Drain on paper towels before serving.

Good Eats Italian Sausage

1 1/2 teaspoons fennel seed
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper
1 tablespoon chopped parsley leaves
2 pounds pork butt (2 1/2 pounds with bone), diced into 1/4-inch pieces
5 feet of 36 millimeter collagen casings (do not allow to get wet at any time)
Shortening, to lubricate nozzle of stuffer

Special equipment: meat grinder with stuffing attachment or manual stuffer

Toast fennel seed in medium sized, heavy saute pan over medium heat, constantly moving seeds around in pan until they start to turn light brown, about 5 minutes. Set aside to cool. Once cool, grind seeds and combine with salt, pepper, and chopped parsley in medium mixing bowl. Add pork and blend thoroughly. Refrigerate for 1 hour.

Using the fine blade of a grinder, grind the pork. After lubricating stuffer or stuffing attachment with shortening, load casing onto attachment, clipping end with a clothespin. Stuff meat into casings, trying to avoid air pockets. After stuffing is finished lay out on counter and tie off end. Pinch and twist to form 4-inch sausages. Wrap in parchment paper and refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours. Store in refrigerator for use within 2 to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. If freezing, wrap in aluminum foil. If using immediately, saute over medium heat in a heavy saute pan with 1/4-inch of water. Bring water to boil, put on lid and cook for 10 minutes. Remove lid and continue cooking over medium heat, turning every 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown. Sausage should reach an internal temperature of 150 to 156 degrees F.

Pork: It's What's For Lunch During Ramadan: Perfect Potstickers

This one is for that towel-headed, goat fucking, America hating Muqtada al-Sadr. We shoulda bombed your camel piss drinking ass back when we had a chance you dumb-fuck. I KNEW letting this piece of shit live was gonna come back and bite us in the ass sooner or later.

The fact that the Iraqi "government" works with this motherfucker just tells me that they aren't worth fucking with anymore. I say we just pull out NOW, with the statement, "We'll be back, motherfuckers, after you've torn yourselves to pieces, and we're gonna carpet bomb the rest of you into dust and take your fucking oil. Since you've proven beyond the shadow of a doubt that you are incapable to leave the 7th century and live in the 21st, we're DONE shedding blood on a lost cause. SO FUCK OFF AND DIE MOTHERFUCKERS!!"

Perfect Potstickers

1/2 pound ground pork
1/4 cup finely chopped scallions
2 tablespoons finely chopped red bell pepper
1 egg, lightly beaten
2 teaspoons ketchup
1 teaspoon yellow mustard
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon light brown sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
35 to 40 small wonton wrappers
Water, for sealing wontons
3 to 4 tablespoons vegetable oil, for frying
1 1/3 cups chicken stock, divided

Preheat oven to 200 degrees F.

Combine the first 11 ingredients in a medium-size mixing bowl (pork through cayenne). Set aside.

To form the dumplings, remove 1 wonton wrapper from the package, covering the others with a damp cloth. Brush 2 of the edges of the wrapper lightly with water. Place 1/2 rounded teaspoon of the pork mixture in the center of the wrapper. Fold over, seal edges, and shape as desired. Set on a sheet pan and cover with a damp cloth. Repeat procedure until all of the filling is gone.

Heat a 12-inch saute pan over medium heat. Brush with vegetable oil once hot. Add 8 to 10 potstickers at a time to the pan and cook for 2 minutes, without touching. Once the 2 minutes are up, gently add 1/3 cup chicken stock to the pan, turn the heat down to low, cover, and cook for another 2 minutes. Remove wontons to a heatproof platter and place in the warm oven. Clean the pan in between batches by pouring in water and allowing the pan to deglaze. Repeat until all the wontons are cooked. Serve immediately.

Pork: It's What's For Lunch During Ramadan: Grilled Peanut Butter Ham

Grilled Peanut Butter Ham

1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup honey
1 small onion, grated
1 clove garlic, chopped
2 teaspoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon gravy base (recommended: Kitchen Bouquet)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 center cut ham slices (1 1/2 inches thick)

In a blender, combine the broth, peanut butter, honey, onion, garlic, soy sauce, gravy base and pepper. Put the ham in a shallow glass dish, pour the marinade over it, and marinate for 3 to 4 hours in the refrigerator.

Prepare a charcoal fire. Remove ham from marinade and cook approximately 15 minutes per side over glowing coals. Carve into 1-inch thick slices.

Pork: It's What's For Lunch During Ramadan: Kentucky Colonel Barbecue Pork Chops

Kentucky Colonel Barbecue Pork Chops

2 1/2 cups water
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons oil
1/4 cup vinegar
2 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/4 cup chopped onion or 2 tablespoons onion powder
2 1/2 teaspoons black pepper
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dry mustard
2 teaspoons chili powder
1/2 teaspoons hot pepper sauce
1/2 teaspoons red pepper
1 clove garlic or 1 tablespoon powdered garlic

10 (1-inch thick) pork chops

Combine all ingredients except for the pork chops and bring to a rolling boil. Remove from the heat and cool. Refrigerate sauce overnight to blend flavors.

Heat a grill to medium-high heat.

Apply sauce to chops with dish mop or paint brush. Grill to desired doneness, about 5 minutes per side for medium-well. Baste with sauce each time they are turned.

Pork: It's What's For Lunch During Ramadan: Jerk Pork Chops

Jerk Pork Chops

2 pounds boneless pork loin
House Seasoning, recipe follows
Seasoning salt
Jerk Spice, recipe follows

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Slice pork loin into chops about 3/4-inch-thick. Coat lightly with House Seasoning and seasoning salt. Coat with Jerk Spice, being sure to cover all sides. Bake until cooked through, about 30 minutes.

House Seasoning:

1 cup salt
1/4 cup black pepper
1/4 cup garlic powder

Mix ingredients together and store in an airtight container for up to 6 months.

Yield: 1 1/2 cups

Jerk Spice:

1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1 teaspoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon dried, crushed Scotch bonnet pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried chives
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme

Combine all ingredients in a bowl until well-mixed. Store in an airtight container.

Yield: 1/2 cup

Pork: It's What's For Lunch During Ramadan: Asian-Marinated Pork Loin with Gingered Sweet Potatoes and Five-Spice Apples

Asian-Marinated Pork Loin with Gingered Sweet Potatoes and Five-Spice Apples

Every element in this dish complements the others. The pork, brined to ensure moistness, is ideally set off by the spicy, slightly sweet potatoes, whose warm flavors are echoed by the lightly caramelized apples. This is pork, sweet potatoes, and applesauce--that favorite American triumvirate--from an East-West point of view.

4 cups water
1/3 cup kosher salt
1/3 cup sugar
1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
1 1/2 teaspoons toasted Szechwan peppercorns
1 tablespoon toasted black peppercorns, plus freshly ground black pepper
4 1/4-inch-thick slices fresh ginger
2 star anise
2 bay leaves
1 4-pound pork loin
2 tablespoons canola oil
Gingered Sweet Potatoes (recipe follows)
Five-Spice Apples (recipe follows)
1/4 cup chives cut into 1-inch lengths, for garnish
2 tablespoons Chile Oil, for garnish (recipe follows)

One day in advance, combine the water, salt, sugar, soy sauce, peppercorns, ginger, anise, and bay leaves in a deep baking dish large enough to hold the pork and stir to mix. Add the pork; if it is not covered, add more water. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Rinse the pork thoroughly with cold water, pat dry, and season with the ground pepper to taste. Heat a large skillet over high heat, add the oil, and swirl to caot the bottom of the pan. When the oil shimmers, add the pork and brown on all sides. Transfer the pork to a roasting pan and roast just until the pork is hot through to the center (about 125 degrees F internal temperature), 25 to 30 minutes. The interior of the pork will remain pink.

Allow the pork to rest for 10 minutes and cut into 1/4-inch slices. Divide the gingered sweet potatoes among 4 plates, surround with the pork, and add the five-spice apples. Garnish with the chives, drizzle with the chile oil, and serve.

Gingered Sweet Potatoes

6 tablespoons butter
6 garlic cloves, peeled
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh ginger
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and roughly chopped
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Heat a small saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of the butter and swirl to coat the bottom of the pan. Add the garlic and ginger and saute, stirring occasionally, until the garlic is brown, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the cream and reduce by one-third over low heat, about 10 minutes. Keep warm.

Meanwhile, combine the sweet potatoes in a large saucepan with enough water to cover them completely. Bring to a boil over high heat and cook until they can be pierced easily with the tip of a knife, 20 to 30 minutes. Drain and trasnfer to a food processor. Add the cream and process until well blended. Add the remaining butter, season with salt and pepper, and puree until smooth. Transfer the potatoes to a bowl, correct the seasonings, and serve.

Five-Spice Apples

2 tablespoons canola oil
1 small red onion, cut into 1/4-inch dice
1 1/2 teaspoons five-spice powder
1 tablespoon brown sugar, packed
2 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and cut into 1/4-inch dice
1 cup apple juice
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon butter

Add the five-spice powder, brown sugar, apples, and juice. Stir, season with salt and pepper to taste, and cook until the liquid is reduced by half, about 12 minutes. The apples should retain their shape and some liquid should remain in the pan; do not overcook. Stir in the butter and correct the seasonings. Serve warm.

For the Five-Spice Apples: Heat a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the oil and swirl to coat the bottom of the pan. When the oil shimmers, add the onion and saute, stirring, until brown, about 8 to 10 minutes.

Chile Oil

1/2 cup chile powder, such as ancho, chimayo, or pasilla
1/2 tablespooon ground cumin
1 teaspoon salt
3 cups canola oil

For the Chile Oil: In a medium skillet, combine the chile powder, cumin, and salt, and heat over medium heat just until the mixture begins to smoke. Whisk in the oil and remove from the stove.

Allow the chile oil to cool, transfer it to a glass jar, and let stand overnight. Cover and use or store. The oil will separate from the solids; use the red oil only.

Pork: It's What's For Lunch During Ramadan: Roasted Pork Chimichanga

Roasted Pork Chimichanga

Roasted Pork and Caramelized Onion filling, recipe follows
Vegetable oil, for frying
12 flour tortillas
Salt
Corn and Goat Queso, recipe follows
1/2 cup creme fraiche
2 medium avocados, peeled and diced
1 ear sweet corn, fire roasted and kernels removed
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley leaves

When you've completed the Roast Pork, preheat oil in a deep fryer.

Fill each flour tortilla with 1/4 cup of the filling. Fold the sides in and roll the tortilla up. Secure each tortilla with 2 toothpicks. Fry a couple of the chimichangas at a time until golden brown, about 3 to 4 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels. Season with salt.

To serve, place each chimichanga on a serving plate. Spoon some of the Corn and Goat Cheese Queso over the top. Garnish with a dollop of cream fraiche, avocados, fire roasted corn kernels, and parsley.

Roasted Pork and Caramelized Onion Filling:

1 (5 to 5 1/2 pound) pork butt, bone in, untrimmed
Salt
Freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup canned chopped green chilies
1/2 pound queso Fresco cheese or any meltable white cheese, such as Monterey Jack

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.

Season the pork with salt and pepper. Place in a medium roasting pan and add 1/2 cup of water. Place in the oven and roast for 1 hour. Reduce the heat to 350 degrees F and continue to cook for 3 hours. Remove from the oven and cool completely. In a large saute pan, over medium heat, add the oil. When the oil is hot, add the onions. Season with salt and pepper. Saute until the onions are caramelized, about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from the heat and cool completely. When the pork is cool, remove any excess fat and the bone. Shred the meat into bite-size pieces. In a mixing bowl, combine the pork, onions, chilies and cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly.

Yield: about 3 1/2 cups

Corn and Goat Queso:

2 tablespoons butter
1 cup chopped yellow onion
4 cups fresh sweet corn kernels, from 2 medium-size ears
1 teaspoon salt
Pinch cayenne
1/2 teaspoon chopped garlic
1 medium-size fresh jalapeno, seeded and chopped
1 pound goat cheese, crumbled
1 cup heavy cream

In a medium size saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the onion, corn, salt and cayenne and cook, stirring, for about 6 minutes. Add the garlic and jalapeno, stir to mix, and cook for 2 minutes. Add the cheese and cream and stir until the cheese melts completely. Reseason if necessary. Keep warm until ready to serve.

Yield: about 4 1/2 cups

Pork: It's What's For Lunch During Ramadan: Scrap Iron Chef's Bacon

Scrap Iron Chef's Bacon

1 cup sugar
1 cup salt
8 ounces molasses
1/2 gallon (2 quarts) water
1/2 gallon (2 quarts) apple cider
2 tablespoons course ground black pepper
1 (5 pound) piece raw pork belly from the loin-end

In a large non-reactive pot, bring half the water, 1 cup of sugar, salt, and 8 ounces molasses to a boil. Stir to dissolve the sugar. Pour into a large container with the remaining water, and the apple cider. Place in the refrigerator and cool to 40 degrees F.

Press the black pepper into the pork belly. Once the brine has cooled place the peppered pork belly into the mixture until completely submerged. Refrigerate for three days.

After three days have passed, remove the pork from the brine and pat dry with paper towels. Lay on a rack over a sheet pan and place in front of a fan for 1 hour to form a pellicle. Lay the pork in the protein box of a cold smoker and smoke for 4 to 6 hours. Chill the meat in the freezer for 1 hour to stiffen for easy slicing into strips of bacon. Slice what you need and keep the remainder in a freezer safe bag in the refrigerator or freezer.

Place the strips of bacon onto a sheet pan fitted with a rack and place into a cold oven. Turn the oven to 400 degrees F and cook for about 12 to 15 minutes, depending on how crispy you like your bacon. Remove from rack and drain on paper towels. Enjoy.

Pork: It's What's For Lunch During Ramadan: Pancetta Wrapped Pork Roast

Pancetta Wrapped Pork Roast

8 large garlic cloves
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary leaves
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh thyme leaves
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 (3 1/2 to 4-pound) tied boneless pork loin roast
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 ounces thinly sliced pancetta
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 1/2 cups dry white wine

Blend the garlic, rosemary, thyme, and oil in a small food processor, scraping down the sides of the bowl occasionally, until the garlic is minced.

Sprinkle the pork roast generously with salt and pepper. Arrange the pancetta slices on a work surface, overlapping slightly and forming a rectangle. Spread half of the garlic mixture over 1 side of the pork and between the 2 loins that meet in the center of the tied pork roast. Place the pork, garlic mixture side down, in the center of the pancetta rectangle. Spread the remaining garlic mixture over the remaining pork. Wrap the pancetta slices around the pork. Place the pork in a roasting pan. Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour and up to 1 day.

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Pour 1/2 cup of broth and 1/2 cup of wine into the roasting pan. Add more broth and wine to the pan juices every 20 minutes. Roast the pork until a meat thermometer inserted into the center registers 145 degrees F for medium-rare, about 1 hour. Transfer the pork to a cutting board. Tent with aluminum foil and let stand for 10 minutes. Pour the pan drippings into a glass measuring cup and spoon off any fat that rises to the top.

Using a large sharp carving knife, cut the pork into 1/4-inch-thick slices and serve with the pan juices.

Pork: It's What's For Lunch During Ramadan: Jerk Pork Sandwich

Jerk Pork Sandwich

1 lean pork tenderloin
Dry jerk seasoning, recipe follows
Jerk sauce, recipe follows
4 French baguettes, split
Spicy mustard (recommended: Cajun flavored)

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

Rub the tenderloin with the dry jerk seasoning. Bake uncovered for 3 hours. Start basting the tenderloin with Jerk Sauce after the first hour. When done, let sit until cooled before slicing. Slice 6 ounces (per sandwich) of the tenderloin and layer it on the split baguette. Baste the pork again with the jerk sauce, then close the baguette and grill until golden brown, pressing throughout the cooking process. You may also use a sandwich press, if available. Serve with spicy mustard.

Dry Jerk Seasoning:
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1 teaspoon dehydrated onion
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon seasoned salt
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1 teaspoon ground black pepper

Combine ingredients together.

Jerk Sauce:
1/2 cup crushed pineapple
1/2 cup brown sugar
3 tablespoons soy sauce
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon chipotle powder
1/4 teaspoon thyme

Combine all ingredients.

Pork: It's What's For Lunch During Ramadan: Bacon-Wrapped Gulf Shrimp with Creamy White Cheddar Grits, Crispy Spinach and a Sweet Spicy Tomato Jam

Bacon-Wrapped Gulf Shrimp with Creamy White Cheddar Grits, Crispy Spinach and a Sweet Spicy Tomato Jam

18 strips bacon
18 jumbo shrimp (16-20's) about 1 1/4 pounds
1 1/2 teaspoons Essence, recipe follows
1/4 cup olive oil
1 recipe Cheesy Grits, recipe follows
1 recipe Fried Spinach, recipe follows
1 recipe Tomato Jam, recipe follows

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Cut 2 inches off of each strip of bacon and reserve the short pieces for another use. Place the trimmed strips of bacon on a sheet pan and bake the bacon until slightly pink and some of the fat has rendered out of it, about 6 minutes. While the bacon is cooking, peel the shrimp, leaving the tails attached. Devein and set aside, refrigerated, until ready to use.

Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bacon to cool. Once the bacon is cool enough to handle, season the shrimp with the Essence and wrap a strip of the parcooked bacon around each shrimp, slightly overlapping the bacon as you twist it around the shrimp. Set aside and repeat with the remaining shrimp and bacon slices.

Set a 12-inch saute pan over medium heat, and add the olive oil to the pan. Once the oil is hot, lay the shrimp in the pan and cook for 2 1/2 minutes. Turn the shrimp over and cook another 2 1/2 minutes.

Serve the shrimp over the top of Cheesy Grits and garnish with the Fried Spinach. Drizzle the Tomato Jam decoratively over each plate.

Emeril's ESSENCE Creole Seasoning:

2 1/2 tablespoons paprika
2 tablespoons salt
2 tablespoons garlic powder
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon dried thyme

Combine all ingredients thoroughly.

Yield: 2/3 cup

Cheesy Grits:

6 cups water
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 1/2 cups quick cooking or old-fashioned grits (not instant)
2 cups milk
1 cup heavy cream
8 tablespoons butter
1/2 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
1 1/2 cups shredded white Cheddar

In a large, heavy saucepan bring the water to a boil. Add a generous teaspoon of salt and the grits and stir with a wooden spoon to combine. When the grits thicken, add the milk, cream and butter and return to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the saucepan and cook for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the grits are tender, smooth and creamy. Taste and season the grits with the remaining salt and pepper. (If the grits seem too runny simply allow to cook a bit longer, uncovered and stirring frequently, until the desired consistency is reached.) Fold the cheese into the grits, and keep covered and warm until ready to use.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes

Fried Spinach:

1/2 pound baby spinach
Salt and pepper

Preheat a fryer or large Dutch oven half-filled with vegetable oil to 350 degrees F. Place the spinach in the oil and fry until dark green and crispy, 30 to 45 seconds. Remove from the oil and place on a paper-lined sheet pan and season with salt and pepper. Set aside until ready to use.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 1 minute

Tomato Jam:

1 cup peeled, seeded and chopped tomatoes
1/2 cup rice wine vinegar
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon light corn syrup
1 tablespoon honey
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1/4 teaspoon toasted, ground coriander

Combine all the ingredients in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid has evaporated, about 20 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and allow to cool to room temperature before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes

Pork: It's What's For Lunch During Ramadan: Sauteed Pork Chops with Sherry-Berry Pan Gravy and Rhubarb Chutney

Sauteed Pork Chops with Sherry-Berry Pan Gravy and Rhubarb Chutney

4 (8-ounce) boneless, center cut pork loin chops
6 tablespoons butter, divided
3 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice, a wedge
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 to 3 stalks rhubarb, trimmed and chopped, about 1/2 pound yield
Handful golden raisins
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 2 turns of the pan
Salt and pepper
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1/4 cup sherry
1/2 cup chicken or beef stock
2 tablespoons strawberry, blackberry or raspberry all-fruit preserves (recommended: Polaner)

In a medium skillet over medium heat melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add sugar, lemon juice, vinegar and bring to a bubble. Add rhubarb and raisins and cook 10 to 12 minutes until rhubarb is tender. Turn off the heat and set aside until the pork chops are done.

Place a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat with extra-virgin olive oil, 2 turns of the pan. When the oil smokes or ripples, add chops, season with salt and pepper and cook 6 minutes on each side. Remove the chops and keep warm under foil tent while the meat rests. Add remaining butter to pan, when it melts add the flour and cook a minute then whisk in sherry and reduce 30 seconds then whisk in stock then preserves. Season the gravy with a little black pepper. Serve chops with gravy ladled over top and rhubarb chutney along side.

Pork: It's What's For Lunch During Ramadan: Cheesy Ham and Banana Casserole

I saw this one and thought, "How could this NOT be good??" I'd bet even Mo-ham-head (pork fat be upon him) would like this for Sunday after mosque dinner...

Cheesy Ham and Banana Casserole

Butter
12 slices white bread
8 large slices deli ham
4 bananas, sliced on the bias
2 cups shredded Cheddar
2 cups crushed potato chips
6 slices cooked and crumbled bacon
4 large eggs
1 cup milk
1 cup cream
Pinch freshly grated nutmeg
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Butter a 9 by 13 glass baking dish. Butter both sides of the bread and layer 6 of them into the bottom of the baking dish, overlapping them as necessary but keep them even. Layer the slices of ham on top of the bread and then the bananas, 6 more slices of bread, then the cheese, potato chips, and bacon. In a separate bowl, beat together the eggs, milk, cream, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Pour this over the casserole almost to the top. Bake for 45 minutes until brown and bubbly. Cut into squares and remove with a spatula, like lasagna.

Pork: It's What's For Lunch During Ramadan: Green Beans with New Potatoes

3 pounds fresh green beans
1/4 pound salt pork, sliced
1/4 cup bacon grease
2 cups chicken broth, plus more if needed
2 to 3 teaspoons House Seasoning, recipe follows
12 small red potatoes
1 onion, cut into slivers
1/2 stick unsalted butter, sliced
Ground black pepper

This time out, pork is not the main ingredient but is used for seasoning in the form of pork fat and salt pork.

Green Beans with New Potatoes

Remove the ends from the beans. Snap the beans in 2 pieces, place into a colander, wash, and set aside to drain.

Meanwhile, in a large cast iron Dutch oven, lightly brown the salt pork in the bacon grease over medium heat, turning often, for approximately 10 minutes. Toss the green beans into the pot, stirring them with a wooden spoon to coat well with the pork fat. Add the broth and House Seasoning. Cook over medium-low heat, covered tightly, for approximately 30 minutes, or until the beans are half done.

While the beans are cooking, peel a center strip from each new potato with a potato peeler. At the end of 30 minutes, add the potatoes and onion to the beans; add 1/4 cup more broth, if needed. Cook, covered tightly, until the potatoes are tender, approximately 25 to 30 minutes, periodically checking the pot to make sure a small amount of liquid remains. When the potatoes are tender, tilt the lid slightly, off to the side of the pot, and continue to cook until the green beans are wilted, approximately 15 minutes. While cooking, add the butter and season with pepper.

House Seasoning:

1 cup salt
1/4 cup black pepper
1/4 cup garlic powder
Mix ingredients together and store in an airtight container for up to 6 months.

Pork: It's What's For Lunch During Ramadan: Pork Tenderloin Stuffed with Prosciutto and Dried Fruit with Port Wine Sauce

Pork Tenderloin Stuffed with Prosciutto and Dried Fruit with Port Wine Sauce

1/2 cup golden raisins
1/2 cup dried cherries
1 cup Tawny Port
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup minced shallots
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1/2 cup fine dry breadcrumbs
1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme leaves
Pinch salt
Pinch freshly ground black pepper
4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
4 ounces prosciutto, thinly sliced
2 (3/4 pound to 1 pound each) pork tenderloins, butterflied and pounded slightly to an even thickness between sheets of plastic wrap
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
Pear and Parsnip Puree, recipe follows
Port Wine Sauce, recipe follows
Fresh thyme sprigs, for garnish

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

In a small bowl, combine the raisins and cranberries.

In a small saucepan, bring the Port to a simmer. Pour over the dry fruit and let sit until plump, about 10 minutes. Drain well and let the fruit cool.

In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the shallots and garlic and cook, stirring, until soft, about 1 minute. Add the bread crumbs, thyme, salt, and pepper and stir until the bread crumbs are lightly toasted, about 1 minute. Remove from the heat and let cool.

In a medium bowl, combine the cooled fruit and bread crumb mixture. Add the cheese and stir to combine.

Lay the prosciutto slices over the butterflied pork to cover. Starting about 1/2-inch from the bottom and leaving 1/2-inch on either side, lay the bread crumb mixture in a uniform line across the meat. Pull the bottom edge of meat up and over the filling and roll up into a thick cylinder. Using butcher's twine, tie the meat to seal. Rub with vegetable oil on all sides and lightly season with salt and pepper.

In a large ovenproof skillet or roasting pan, sear the meat on all sides over medium-high heat, 3 to 5 minutes. Place in the oven and roast until cooked through and an instant-read thermometer registers an internal temperature of 155 degrees F to 160 degrees F, about 35 minutes.

Remove from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes before carving. To serve, remove the butcher's twine from the roast and carve into slices about 1/2-inch thick. Spoon the Pear and Parsnip Puree onto the sides of 4 plates. Arrange the slices next to the puree, drizzle with the Port Wine Sauce and garnish with thyme sprigs.

Port Wine Sauce:

1 (750ml) bottle Tawny Port
1 cup veal stock
1 stick very cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces

In a medium saucepan, bring the Port to a boil. Reduce the heat and cook at a low boil until reduced to a thick syrup, 1/4 to 1/3 cup in volume. Add the stock and cook until thick and reduced by half. Reduce the heat to low, and whisking constantly, add the butter several pieces at a time, adding more butter once the previous pieces have nearly been incorporated, removing the pan from the heat occasionally to prevent the sauce from getting too hot and breaking. Continue until the sauce is emulsified and all the butter has been added.

Yield: about 3/4 cup

Pear and Parsnip Puree:

1 1/2 pounds parsnips, peeled and chopped
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon light brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
4 ripe Anjou pears, peeled, cored, and cut into 1-inch pieces
2 tablespoons Frangelico or other nut-flavored liqueur such as Nocello
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground white pepper

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.

In a baking dish, combine the parsnips, 2 tablespoons of the butter, the brown sugar, cinnamon, and allspice and cover tightly with aluminum foil. Bake until the parsnips are tender, about 45 minutes. Remove from the oven and uncover.
In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of the butter over medium heat. Add the pears and cook, stirring, for 3 minutes. Add the liqueur and tilt the pan to ignite the contents. (Alternately, remove from the heat, light with a match, and return to the heat.) Cook while flaming for 2 minutes. Transfer to a food processor.

In a skillet, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Cook, swirling the pan, until the butter is golden brown and has a nutty aroma. Add the browned butter, baked parsnips and their cooking liquid to the food processor. Puree on high speed for 30 seconds. Add the sour cream, salt, and pepper and process until smooth. Serve immediately or cover to keep warm until ready to serve.

Yield: 5 cups, 4 to 6 servings

Pork: It's What's For Lunch During Ramadan:

Who Loves Ya Baby-Back?

2 whole slabs pork baby back ribs

Dry Rub:
8 tablespoons light brown sugar, tightly packed
3 tablespoons kosher salt
1 tablespoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon jalapeno seasoning
1/2 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning
1/2 teaspoon rubbed thyme
1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Braising Liquid:
1 cup white wine
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon honey
2 cloves garlic, chopped

Preheat oven to 250 degrees.

In a bowl, combine all dry ingredients and mix well. Place each slab of baby back ribs on a piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil, shiny side down. Sprinkle each side generously with the dry rub. Pat the dry rub into the meat. Refrigerate the ribs for a minimum of 1 hour. In a microwavable container, combine all ingredients for the braising liquid. Microwave on high for 1 minute.

Place the ribs on a baking sheet. Open one end of the foil on each slab and pour half of the braising liquid into each foil packet. Tilt the baking sheet in order to equally distribute the braising liquid. Braise the ribs in the oven for 2 1/2 hours.

Transfer the braising liquid into a medium saucepot. Bring the liquid to a simmer and reduce by half or until of a thick syrup consistency. Brush the glaze onto the ribs. Place under the broiler just until the glaze caramelizes lightly. Slice each slab into 2 rib bone portions. Place the remaining hot glaze into a bowl and toss the rib portions in the glaze.

*This recipe makes several batches of dry rub. If more rub is needed, it can be extended by any amount, as long as the ratio of 8:3:1:1 remains the same.

Pork: It's What's For Lunch During Ramadan: Korean-Style Pork Wraps With Chili Sauce

Korean-Style Pork Wraps With Chili Sauce

1 1/2 pounds pork tenderloin, trimmed
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon sugar
4 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
1/2 cup chopped green onions
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
2 tablespoons Sriracha hot chili sauce
4 teaspoons honey
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted
1 1/2 cups cooked jasmine rice
1 head Boston, Bibb, or butter lettuce, leaves separated, washed, and patted dry

Wrap the pork tenderloin in several sheets of plastic wrap and place in the freezer for 40 minutes. (This is to make it easier to thinly slice, so make sure it doesn't freeze completely.)

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, sugar, 2 teaspoons of the sesame oil, green onion, garlic, and ginger. Whisk together until the sugar dissolves.

Take the pork out of the freezer and unwrap on a clean cutting board. Slice the pork into thin strips, about 1/4-inch thick, 1/4-inch wide, and 2 1/2 inches long. Place the pork strips in the soy marinade, cover, and refrigerate for 1 hour.

In a small mixing bowl, combine the Sriracha hot chili sauce, the honey, and the remaining 2 teaspoons of sesame oil. Stir to combine. Set aside.

When the pork has marinated, take the bowl out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over high heat. Using a slotted spoon, remove the pork from the marinade and carefully place in the skillet. (Be careful that the drippings don't splatter out of the pan.) Cook the pork, stirring constantly with tongs or a wooden spoon, 4 to 5 minutes, until the pork is cooked through. Remove from the heat and stir in the sesame seeds.

To serve, spoon several tablespoons of rice into the center of a lettuce leaf, taco-style. Top with a few pork strips and drizzle with a few drops of the chili mixture. Roll up and eat!

Pork: It's What's For Lunch During Ramadan: Sweet And Sour Pork

Sweet And Sour Pork

2/3 cup soy sauce
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 tablespoon minced ginger
1/4 cup flour, plus seasoned flour for dredging
1/4 cup cornstarch
1 pound pork butt, cut into 1-inch cubes
Kosher salt and pepper
Vegetable oil, for frying
1 cup ketchup
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1 ounce honey
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/2 tablespoon sesame oil
1/3 cup large diced Vidalia onion
1/3 cup large diced celery
1/3 cup carrots sliced 1/4-inch thick, on a bias
1/3 cup large diced red bell pepper
1/3 cup large diced green bell pepper
1 cup fresh pineapple, cut into 1-inch cubes

In a large non-reactive bowl, combine soy, garlic, ginger, flour, and cornstarch. Season the pork generously with salt and pepper. Place the pork in the bowl and toss to cover. Marinate in the refrigerator overnight.

Drain off any excess marinade and dredge the pork in flour seasoned with salt and pepper. In a large frying pan heat 1-inch of oil to 350 degrees F. Fry the pork in batches, until golden brown. Drain on paper towels. Reserve on a warm plate.

In a separate bowl, combine the ketchup, sugar, vinegar, and honey. Whisk to blend.

In a small roasting pan heat the canola and sesame oils. Place the pork and vegetables into the pan and cover with the ketchup mixture. Bring to a simmer and cook until the pork is tender.

Pork: It's What's For Lunch During Ramadan: Hot Pork Sandwiches With Swiss Cheese And Quick Fix Russian Dressing

(This one would be good for yesterday's leftovers, provided your muslim friends didn't eat it all...)

Hot Pork Sandwiches With Swiss Cheese And Quick Fix Russian Dressing

4 Kaiser rolls, sliced open
12 ounces shredded cooked pork loin
4 thick slices Swiss cheese
1/4 cup ketchup
1/4 cup light sour cream
2 tablespoons finely chopped gherkin pickles

Preheat broiler.

Lay open rolls out on a cookie sheet. Place pork on bottom halves. Top both sandwich halves with Swiss cheese. Place in the broiler until cheese is melted. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine ketchup, sour cream and pickles. Mix well to combine. Top sandwiches with dressing just before serving.