PLs Cuban Sandwich

As promised, today I am going to feature my version of the cuban sandwich.  Remember to make extras of the Simple Pork Chops because you'll want to have enough to try this out--you may even convince your mind that you are somewhere on South Beach or sitting in Havana!

Equipment:

Toaster Oven

Sharp knife

Ingredients:

Leftover or Freshly-made Pork chops, sliced in half

Thin Sliced Ham

Gouda, Havarti, or Munster type cheese

Italian baguette (this is a lighter baguette, less chewy and less dense than a French baguette)

Mayonnaise

Mustard (I use Gulden's Brown)

Kosher Dill Pickles

Instructions:

1. Wash Your Hands.

2. Slice your baguette into thirds, cut in half and toast lightly.

(Buy an extra baguette and freeze it pre-sliced for future garlic bread or other sandwiches)

3. Carefully slice the pork chops in half, approx 1/8" in width.

4. Begin your assembly:

--Mayo and mustard, both sides

--pickles, one side

--ham, one side

--pork slices on top of ham

5. Briefly toast again until cheese is softened.

6. Combine both sides of the sandwich.

7. Dig in! Crunchy, warm, and so satisfying!

Pork Chops Simplified

As discussed in a previous blog reducing your meat consumtion is one of the biggest money savers when grocery shopping--even cutting back the amount, rather than omitting it altogether, can make a difference.
I have gotten into the habit of taking a thicker cut of meat and cutting it in half, horizontally.  Another option is to buy certain meats, like chicken breast or pork chops, already sliced into 'thinner' portions--the problem with that, however, may be additional cost for the convenience.  

This approach allows me to still enjoy some meat but decreases the overall amount. One of my favorite versions is the simple, thin-cut pork chop.  I make this recipe for three reasons:

1. Quick 

2. Satisfies 

3. Leftovers--are used for My Cuban Sandwich the following day.

Equipment:

Large Non-Stick skillet

Tongs

Baking Sheet

Foil

Ingredients:

2 thick pork chops, sliced horizontally in half

Garlic powder

Cavender's All-Purpose Greek Seasoning

Salt & Pepper

Olive oil

Instructions:

1. Wash your hands.

2. Preheat oven to 300F degrees.

3. Slice your pork chops horizontally in half--very carefully!!!

4. Lay them onto a plate.

5. Season first side with salt, pepper and a generous amount of Cavender's seasoning.

6. Turn and season the other side with garlic powder. Drizzle with olive oil.

7. Let meat sit and come to room temperature.

8. Heat skillet on MEDIUM-HIGH heat until almost smoking.

9. Sear the pork chops, UNTOUCHED or UNMOVED, for 3 minutes.

10. Turn the chop when golden brown and reduce the heat to MEDIUM.  Sear another 3 minutes.

11. Lay the chops on a small baking sheet with edges and place in oven for 10 minutes.

12. Remove from oven and cover in foil to allow the meat to rest x 5 minutes.

13. Prepare other supper items or set the table or kick back.