Maple Dijon Chops

Have you ever noticed the difference between men and women when it comes to food? I think women's palates are kind of like their brains - complicated and going in a million different directions at once. We like casseroles and one-dish meals with unique combinations of flavors and textures while men prefer simple entrees with bold and distinct flavors - a slab of meat and a pile of potatoes. Don't get me wrong, I can certainly appreciate a simple piece of meat, but it gets so boring after awhile! I mean, a pork chop pretty much always tastes the same, doesn't it?

Not if you marinate it in this amazing combination of flavors then grill it for even more smoky deliciousness! This recipe is a perfect compromise for me and my husband--a big hunk of meat for him and an exciting flavor combination for me!

Maple Dijon Pork Chops
Prep time: 5 min (plus 1 hr marinating) 
Cook time: 15 min 
Serves 6

6 pork chops, bone-in
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
1/4 cup maple syrup
2 Tbs brown sugar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 shallot, chopped
1 tsp each salt, pepper, and thyme
1 Tbs drizzle oil (this just helps them to not stick on the grill)

Combine all  ingredients in a large zip-top bag and let marinate for at least one hour--the longer the better!

Preheat grill to medium-high then grill chops 5-6 minutes per side till at least 135°F. Remove to serving plate and cover with foil; let rest 10 minutes. Temperature should continue to rise. Make sure pork reaches 145°F to ensure doneness.

418 calories per serving.  Click here for more nutritional info and shopping list!