Simple but Delicious!!

I've taken a bit of time off from blogging, not because I have stopped cooking, but I guess I got caught up in the hottest June on record in South Florida.  But today, Father's Day, I wanted to give you all a very simple and delicious way to say "we love you Dad" to the Father/Husband/Significant other in your life.  I came across these recipes at our local grocery store, loved the ingredients and decided to give them a try.  I'm glad that I did and know you will be too. 

Plantain-crusted Pork Chops and Watercress Salad

Pork Chops
Ingredients
2    cups plantain chips
6    Cuban (or saltine) crackers
Large zip-top bag
1    egg
4    bone-in loin pork chops (3/4 in thick)
1    teaspoon of your favorite seasoning mixture (I used Emerils BAM)
1    tablespoon flour
2    tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup mayonaise (I used the new Olive Oil version)
1 1/2 tablespoon apricot preserves
1    tablespoon green pepper sauce

Steps
1.  Place plantain chips and crackers in large zip top bag, crush with meat mallet.  Beat egg lightly in shallow bowl.  Sprinkle pork chops with seasoning and flour.

2.  Preheat large saute pan on medium 2-3 minutes.  Coat pork chops by dipping in egg, let excess drip off and add to zip top bag.  Seal bag and press with fingertips to coat pork chops.  Place oil in pan, then add pork chops; cook 6-7 minutes on each side or until 160 degrees (for medium).

3.  Prepare sauce by combining remaining ingredients until smooth.  Serve as a dipping sauce with the chops.

Watercress Salad
Ingredients
1    tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2    teaspoons cilantro herb paste(find this in the grocery with fresh herbs)
3    tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1    bunch watercress leaves (can also substitute arugula)
1    14 oz. can hearts of palm drained and chopped
1 1/2 cups seedless red grapes
3    tablespoons crumbled feta cheese

Steps
1.  Whisk together in salad bowl, lemon juice, herb paste and olive oil.  Season with salt and pepper to taste. 
2.  Cut watercress into bite size pieces (rinse well before cutting to size).
3.  Add remaining ingredients, toss and serve.

I promise you that your family and friends will love this light, simple but delicious dinner.

Happy Father's Day

Bon Appetit!!!