Pork Chops and Pears

So, I made these pork chops the other night, and I was informed they were the second best thing I've ever made! Second only to the T-Bones on the grill...which, really, who can compete with that. And technically, my husband grilled those so...does this make this the best thing I've ever made? Anyway you look at it, these were pretty delicious, and a crockpot recipe I actually love is pretty hard to come by. So I'll take it! Kids loved it too. It really was the perfect blend of sweet and savory, and even the slightly gritty pear texture worked well by keeping it from getting too mushy.

I used Penzey's Spices Arizona Dreaming spice blend for these. This blend has :  ancho chili pepper, black pepper, onion, garlic, paprika, spices, cumin, citric acid, Mexican oregano, cilantro, lemon peel, chipotle pepper, red pepper, jalapeño, cocoa and natural smoke flavoring.
https://www.penzeys.com/online-catalog/arizona-dreaming-seasoning/c-24/p-295/pd-s

 This is my favorites spice blend, and I highly recommend it, but you can certainly make these with a different blend of spices. You could even just use chili powder, cayenne, and paprika with pretty good success.

We had these over garlic mashed potatoes and it was perfect. May I humbly suggest you use Yukon Gold potatoes, and cream cheese? Mmmm. Do it.

I also thought after that a dash of apple cider vinegar would have been good here. I'll probably try that next time!

Sorry for the subpar photo! But, you know, busy mom...priorities... ;)






Pork Chops and Pears

4 boneless, thick cut pork chops (pork loin, roast, steak would also work here)
4 pears, diced
4 cloves garlic
1 small sweet onion
Sea Salt
Olive Oil
Penzey's Arizona Dreaming (or similar spice blend)
1/2 tsp Ground Ginger
1 tsp Cinnamon
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup brown sugar



Brown pork chops in olive oil in a skillet over medium high heat, with onions and garlic. Sprinkle each side with sea salt and a generous amount of seasoning blend while cooking. Once browned, place the chops in the crockpot. Add pears to the onions and garlic, and add water, cinnamon, ginger, and sugar. Stir and fry for a few minutes, then add the sauce to the crockpot. Cook on low for 8 hours. Serve over mashed potatoes or rice.