Crumpet meets Uncle Chris

Uncle Chris came down from the mountain to meet Crumpet and promises to teach her everything he knows - which would include: Kung-fu, cooking, kayaking, snowboarding, skiing, motorcycles, firemen and EMT. Uncle Chris also gives a mean massage. Did I mention he is single?

My buddy Jerry Magners also came by for dinner. He has been on the road for 4 1/2 weeks doing gift shows (with 1 1/2 more weeks to go) so I decided he needed some home cookin'. Jerry is a walking disaster. He has been in a coma with a childhood bike riding accident, broke his neck during a sea kayaking accident, and otherwise broken every bone in his body in various other accidents. DO NOT play sports with him or you could die.

Dinner was braised pork chops in Da Mao's own invention:

Brine the pork chops in water, kosher salt, sugar & bay leaf

Marinade in paprika, kosher salt, garlic, rosemary, sage, cracked pepper, clove, nutmeg, cinnamon, joe's stuff, mead and OJ.

Dip in flour then brown about 2 minutes each side. Add the marinade, add chopped cremini mushrooms and cherry tomatoes. Turn heat down to simmer. Cook for 1 - 2 hours with lid closed - depending how tender you want your meat to be. Stur in butter right before you serve.

Serve with steamed rice and sauteed french beans