PORK LOIN CENTER CUT CHOPS RECIPES

Steps:

• For the brine: Rinse and pat the chops dry, slit a pocket into each chop about 3 to 4 inches long and as deep as the bone. Combine the remaining ingredients in a re-sealable bag, place in the refrigerator and brine for 1 to 2 hours.
• For the stuffing: In a saute pan over medium-high heat, add the oil and butter, and when the butter melts and foams, add the pancetta and cook until crispy. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the fat in the pan. Add the mushrooms, sprinkle with salt and pepper and cook over medium-high heat, stirring frequently for 6 minutes. Add the shallots, sage and 1/2 of the pancetta and cook for 3 minutes more. Remove to a plate to cool, spreading out evenly. Once cool, add the fontina cheese. Reserve the extra pancetta for service.
• Remove the chops from the brine and pat dry. Stuff with the cooled filling and secure the opening with toothpicks. Reserve any remaining filling for the sauce.
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• For the breading: In a shallow pan or bowl, add the Italian seasoning, pepper, panko and flour. Mix well. Add the eggs to a second shallow bowl and beat.
• Dredge the chops through the egg, then lay in the breading and press to adhere. Repeat with all the chops.
• In a large saute pan, add the oil and bacon fat and, when shimmering, add the pork chops, cooking until golden brown, about 5 minutes each side. Hold gently with tongs and cook the edges as well. Place on a baking pan fitted with a wire rack and place into the oven. Cook until the meat registers 135 degrees F on a thermometer, 10 to 15 minutes. Remove and lightly tent with foil.
• For the sauce: In the same pan that the chops were cooked in, add the shallots and any remaining mushroom filling and cook over medium-high heat for 4 to 5 minutes. Deglaze the pan with the stock and scrape any bits from the bottom. Whisk in the mustard and yogurt until well combined, and then add the lemon juice and salt.
• Remove the chops from the baking pan, remove the toothpicks and place on a serving platter. Top with the sauce. Garnish with the parsley and the remaining pancetta and serve immediately.