Grilled Pork and Nectarine Salad

Do you have a favorite restaurant?

MGG and I visited one of our favorite restaurants a few nights ago and I'm always amazed with the eclectic selection of dishes they have on the menu.  It's a restaurant/micro-brewery with dishes that range in flavors from Mexican, Italian, even Cajun,  They serve everything from steaks, chicken and fish, to tacos and pasta.  All of the food is excellent, and unique in the flavor combinations.  

One of the dishes I love is a salad that they serve with pork medallions and grilled nectarines.  It's such a wonderful blend of pork and fruit, with a slightly sweet dressing, served over a bed of arugula and spinach.

So I thought I'd make my version of this salad at home.  Since it's summertime I decided to grill pork chops instead of making little pork medallions out of pork tenderloin. (too much work!)  I added a wonderful citrus blend I came up with.  I use this so often on all types of meat.  It's fantastic!  I call it California Citrus blend.  Great for chicken, pork, of beef.  The recipe for that is included as well.  

I added a nice spring mix of salad greens as my base and put it all together in a flash.  Another weeknight meal made in under 20 minutes.  Love that!

Hope you try this salad.  It's a tribute of one of my favorite restaurant's dishes,and it's just bursting with flavors.  

Grilled Pork and Nectarine Salad

Serves 4

4 nectarines, rip but a little firm

1 t olive oil

4 pork loin chops

4 t California Citrus blend

Salt & pepper

2 T balsamic vinegar

2 T olive oil

1 bunch spring mix salad greens

Pit nectarines and cut each one into 4 wedges.  Heat large ridged grill pan on medium until hot. Brush nectarine wedges with 1 teaspoon oil. Place nectarine wedges in grill pan and cook about 10 minutes or until charred and tender, turning wedges over once. Transfer to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.

Sprinkle pork chops with 1 teaspoon each of California Citrus blend and rub in.  Sprinkle with salt & pepper. 

Add pork chops to the grill pan and cook about 10 to 12 minutes or until done (155 degrees) turning over once.

Meanwhile make the dressing: In small bowl, whisk vinegar, 1/8 teaspoon salt, 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, and remaining 2 tablespoons oil until blended.  Remove 1 tablespoon dressing and set aside.

In large bowl, toss spring mix and dressing.  Divide among 4 plates.  Slice each pork chop on an angle against the grain and place on top of the salad.  Add nectarines. Drizzle pork and nectarines with reserved dressing.

California Citrus Blend

2 t lemon peel

2 t orange peel

1 t  minced parsley

1/2 t garlic powder

Mix all ingredients together.  Great on chicken, pork, or beef.



shared with:  Weekend Potluck

Southern Sundays

Welcome to Southern Sundays!

Sorry for bringing up the party late today...swamped with cooking some new an delicious dishes to share with you!

Before we get to the party I wanted to share some georgeous places around my hometown, Los Angeles.  Take a moment to enjoy the beauty!

A beautiful tree in bloom...

A peaceful waterfall...

Ah! Serenity! 

Now on to the party!

Last week was a blast. So may great dishes.  I hope you all found some that you enjoyed.  We had two that really stood out from the crowd, and one that I picked as a personal favorite.

Congratulations on your featured recipe!

Lemon Olive Oil Cake

by Katie-Kate's Kitchen

Herb Chicken

by Mimi's Magic Apron

And a personal favorite!

Noodleless Summer Squash Lasagna

by Little Kitchen big Flavors

Congratulations again!  

So let's party!  I can't wait to see what you all bring this week.  Make sure to tell all your friends so they can join the party as well!

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Enjoy, have fun, cook lots of food, and relish your Southern Sunday!

Corn Cakes

Don't you just love summer!

All the fresh fruits and vegetables.  I'm in heaven!

Today is CORN day.  It's all about corn.  I love corn, sweet, ripe, plump kernals of corn.  I would eat it every day of the summer if I could.  This year the corn is juicy and sweet, but not so plentiful because of the lack of rain for the farms.  So make sure to buy your corn now while the farmer's markets and stores still have some available.  We may run short on it before the end of the season.

Corn is such a versatile item.  You can make it many ways and create so many different dishes with it.  I love grilled corn, corn salad, corn in my salad...I've even tried sweet corn ice cream!  Sounds funny, but it is so delishhh!  

Today we are going to make Corn Cakes.  A great summer side dish.  Typically Southern, but they are popping up every where.  Great served at a brunch with a little honey.  Another great idea is to add a little cheese, or turn them in to small appetizers and add a little latin flavor with some chopped peppers.  How ever you serve them they are fresh and wonderfully tasty.  

Below is a basic recipe, but feel free to add in your favorites flavors.  Enjoy some fresh corn dishes this summer!

Here are some other great recipes with corn:
Mom's Cornbread
Heirloom Tomato and Grilled Corn Salad
Cowboy Salad

Fresh Corn Cakes

serves 4-5

1 c fresh corn kernels (about 2 ears)

1/4 c chopped chives

4 T canola oil

2 large eggs, separated

1/4 c flour

1/4 c yellow cornmeal

1/2 t salt

1/4 t freshly ground black pepper

In a food processor, pulse corn and chives until chopped but not totally smooth. Transfer to bowl and stir in 2 T oil and the egg yolks.

In another large bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, salt, and pepper.   Add to corn mixture and mix well.

In another medium bowl, whisk egg whites until soft peaks form.  Fold into corn mixture.

In a large frying pan, heat 1 T of oil over medium-high heat.   Drop large spoonfuls of the corn mixture into pan (do not spread or flatten).   Cook until edges begin to set and the bottoms are brown, about 2 minutes.   Flip and cook until cakes are brown and cooked through.   Repeat with remaining batter, adding oil as necessary.  Serve hot with a dollop of sour cream or even yogurt mixed with a little chive.  

shared on :
The Weekend Potluck