Saturday, December 31, 2005

Hoisin and honey Glazed Pork Chops

HOISIN AND HONEY GLAZED PORK CHOPS

1 bunch scallions
1/4 cup Asian oyster sauce
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
1 teaspoon finely grated peeled fresh ginger
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon soy sauce
4 pork chops (2 lb total) -- (1-inch-thick)
Accompaniment: cooked rice

Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 400°F. Cut scallions diagonally into 2-inch pieces.
Whisk together remaining ingredients except pork in a large bowl. Add scallions and pork, turning pork to coat generously with sauce.
Arrange pork in 1 layer in a 15- by 10-inch shallow baking pan (1 inch deep). Spoon remaining sauce with scallions over pork and roast until just cooked through, 15 to 20 minutes.
Turn on broiler and broil pork 5 to 6 inches from heat until top is slightly caramelized, 2 to 5 minutes. Let stand, uncovered, 5 minutes. Serve pork topped with any pan juices. Serves 4.

Tuesday, December 20, 2005

Greek Honey Nut Wedges

Greek Honey-Nut Wedges

1 package cream cheese -- (8 oz.) softened
1/2 cup butter ( no substitutes) -- softened
2 TBSP. sugar
2 TBSP. milk
2 cups all-purpose flour
2/3 cup sugar
1 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/3 cup honey
2 TBSP. lemon juice
2 cups finely chopped walnuts
milk
1 TBSP. sugar
1/8 tsp. ground cinnamon

Beat cream cheese and butter on medium-high speed for 30 seconds. Beat in 2 TBSP.sugar and 2 TBSP. milk till combined well. Beat in as much of the flouras you can with the mixer. Stir or knead in any remaining flour.Divide dough into four portions. If necessary, cover and chill for 1-2 hours or tilleasy to handle.Meanwhile...combine 2/3 cup sugar ,1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon,the honey and lemon juicein a mixing bowl. Stir in chopped walnuts ; set aside.
Roll one portion of dough on a lightly floured surface into an 8" circle.Carefully transfer to a cookie sheet to an ungreased cookie sheet. Spread halfof nut mixture on top to within 1/2" of edged of circle.Roll another portion of dough into an 8" circle. Place this one over the topof the nut covered circle.Seal edges with a fork. Brush the top with milkand sprinkle with the combined 1 TBSP. sugar & 1/8 tsp. cinnamon.Repeat with remaining dough and filling.Bake in a preheated 350 F.oven for 15-20 minutes or till edges start to brown. Cool on cookie sheet for 10 minutes. Cut each round into into 12 wedges.( a pizza cutter is great for this ) Transfer to wire racks to cool completely.Makes 24 pieces.

NOTES : 1/3 Less Fat Cream Cheese works just as well as full fat for this cookie.