take my word for it wednesday.. acorn squash and pan seared pork chops are a perfect weeknight meal..

 

today is take my word for it wednesday.. where i am usually asking you to forgive my shortcomings.. like these horrible photos.. despite the funky photos this is such an easy, quick {30 minutes or less} and satisfying meal i wanted to share it with you.. take my word for it that this meal is good.. like really good.. like really really good..

lot's of exciting things are happening around here.. i can't share them with you yet but just know

 V E R Y  E X C I T I N G!!  

 

so anyway.. with this time change {boo hiss} i don't leave work until dark.. so by the time i get home and cook it's o'dark thirty!! unfortunately that's the only time i can take the photo.. :/ i am going to try this winter to set up a photo room but we'll see.. that poor room has so many intended uses.. work out room, craft/scrapbooking/sewing room, extra bed room.. we'll see what it actually becomes for now it's a junk room.. ha ha anyway.. this recipe.. soooo easy.. i mean minutes to prep.. not long to cook.. but ohh so yummy.. growing up my mom would make acorn squash a lot in the winter.. it's been one of my favorites since i was munchkin.. if you've never tried it you must try it!!

 

chili roasted acorn squash with perfect pan seared pork chops

 

prep time: 5 minutes

cooking time: 30 minutes

servings: 4

 

ingredients:

 

acorn squash:

 

2 acorn squash, halved lengthwise, seeds removed

2 tblsp. butter

chili powder

garlic powder {my chili powder is actually chili garlic powder}

salt and pepper

 

directions:

 

pre heat oven to 450 degrees {f}... line a baking sheet with foil.. take your cut squash and place on the baking sheet cut side up, add a 1/2 tblsb. of butter to the center of each {you can use a drizzle of olive oil instead if you prefer} sprinkle with chili powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper.. roast until fork tender and starting to brown.. about 20 minutes.. *tip.. unlike some squashes you can eat the outside of the acorn squash it's really rather good after it's roasted* remove from oven and drop the heat of the oven to 350 degrees {f} for the pork chops..

 

perfectly pan seared thick cut pork chops

 

prep time: 5 minutes

cooking time: 10-12 minutes

servings: 4

 

ingredients:

 

4 12 oz. thick cut pork chops {about 1 1/4 inch thick}

salt and pepper

olive oil

 

directions:

 

heat your oven to 350 degrees {f}...pat each chop dry with a paper towel.. sprinkle liberally with salt and pepper.. heat an iron skillet {or oven proof skillet} over medium high heat add two twirls around the pan with olive oil.. once it's hot and shimmering add your pork chops.. sear on one side for 2 minutes.. turn pork chop over and sear other side for additional 2 minutes.. remove skillet from stove and put in the oven for 4-5 minutes, the internal temperature should be around 140-145.. remove from oven and allow chops to rest for 5 minutes.. i served the chops with acorn squash and added the pan juices over the chops right before serving..

 

enjoy and get cook'n!!