Mango Salsa Glazed Pork

Ok, it's official, I am now a "foodie." I went from failing miserably at Jell-O to dreaming up food ideas. I will admit listening to people "ooh and ahhh" over what I cooked or baked is wonderful!!!!!

From a young age I would dream up ideas for paintings or sculptures in my head and then bring them to life. Apparently my creative outlet is now shifting gears towards food. Is it possible that I could go from studio art > graphic design > food? Hmm I don't know. Only time will tell I suppose. I do know that  when I have watched Cake Boss or Ace of Cakes that some of the cake decorators have no formal bakery training. They do seem to have an art background..... Interesting. I think my mom is right, I have to look into a baker who is willing to offer some sort of apprenticeship. 

The following recipe is a recipe that has been going through my head for days until I could put it all together. The mango salsa is the real star of this recipe. I was skeptical of trusting myself but I will admit, it was delicious.

Ingredients:
2 boneless pork chops
dark brown sugar
butter or margarine
green onions
canned pineapple rings
mint
cilantro
vinegar
extra virgin olive oil (evoo)
fresh ground black pepper
salt
cayenne pepper
ginger
red pepper
mango
brown rice


Directions:
1. Place 1/4 cup of dark brown sugar in a mixing bowl add salt and pepper along with 1 tsp of pineapple juice. Lightly sprinkle some ginger.  Snip a few green parts of the onion and add to mixture**.
** My daughter did not like the taste of the onion with the sweet. I thought it helped add some flavor to the pork and balance out the sweetness. According to your individual tastes, it is possible to leave this ingredient out.
2. Brush glaze on pork. Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour.
3. Dice mango, red pepper, and white part of the green onion. Then salt and pepper to taste. Add cayenne pepper sparingly. You want just a touch of heat. Enough to know it's there without being overpowering.
4. Add 1 tsp of cilantro.
5. Sprinkle evoo, about a teaspoon. Mix well. Then add a couple dashes of white or apple vinegar. 
6. Lastly, add 2 leaves of mint. Yum!
7. Cook your rice according to the directions. The butter or margarine in the ingredient  list is to add to the water before adding the rice. 
8. Bake the pork chops at 350 degrees for about half an hour. I put a pineapple wheel and some mango salsa on top while baking. But you can do whatever works for you. The idea is for the mango salsa to enhance the dish.


All ingredients were purchased at Wegmans. 
Wine pairing for this meal: Dr. Frank's Semi-Dry Reisling. (So delicious!!!)

Enjoy!!


 ps all pictures were taken by my daughter!! I think she did a fabulous job!