I am back.

It has been a looooong time (2 1/2 years) since I have posted anything new. Hopefully this new recipe makes up for it.

Pork Chops Stuffed with
Smoked Gouda and Bacon
from Allrecipes.com

Prep Time: 15 Min

Cook Time: 20 Min

Serves: 4

Kid Rating: 3 out of 4 thumbs up 







Ingredients:

• 4 (2 1/4 inch thick) center-cut, boneless pork chops or pork loin
• 1/4 pound smoked Gouda cheese, shredded
• 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions:

1. Preheat your grill to a medium heat. 
2. Cook the bacon and let it cool on a paper towel.
3. In a small bowel mix the cheese, parsley, bacon and 1/8 tsp black pepper.
4. Using a boning or paring knife, cut into the side of the chop 3/4 of the way through. Then move the blade back and forth to create a pocket for the stuffing. You can also use your fingers to help open up the space.
1. You might be tempted to just butterfly the chop and fold it back over the stuffing. DO NOT DO THIS! I have tried it, you are just asking to have your stuffing fall out when you turn it.
2. Here is a video on how to create a pocket in a piece of meat. 
5. Stuff cheese mixture into pocket, and close with a wooden toothpick. 
6. Brush the meat with oil and season with Salt and Black Pepper
7. Lightly oil your grill and cook the chops 5-8 minutes on each side or until pork is done.
8. Let rest a couple of minutes before serving. Don't forget to take out the toothpicks.

I served it with some grilled asparagus that I tossed with sesame oil  and kosher salt. While it was grilling I sprinkled it with lemon juice.

Variations:

1. Instead of smoked you can use Da Vinci Gouda. It is a Gouda cheese with a blend of tomatoes, olives, and garlic. Here in Utah you can find it a Harmons grocery stores.
2. You can also add sun dried tomatoes into the cheese mixture.
3. You can also add spinach to the cheese mixture.
4. You can add an Italian blend of romano, provolone, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese.
5. You can give it a Greek spin my using feta cheese, sun dried tomatoes ,and kalamata olives. 

I hope you enjoy this and please let me know how you liked it.