Breaking in Clark's new House...!

My friend Clark and his wife had moved into their new home several months ago and after a month of living there, Clark and I thought we should have a Dinner Party.  His words were:

"I want you to Break in My NEW KITCHEN!"-Clark
 

The Dinner Party Menu:

Starter: Corn Chowder
Main: Pork Loin Roast, Brussels Sprouts (Prepared by Clark and the beginning of my love for Brussels Sprout), and Macaroni and Cheese

"Dessert": Brie En Croute with Peach and Almonds

 

 

The corn Chowder was made from scratch that I had made a Corn Broth as a base. 

I had first Created the Brie En Croute a couple months before that for my Wine & Cheese Party.  It was a huge hit with the Buttery Puff Pastry and the Creamy Brie combined with the Peach Preserve and Almond.  It was almost like a Cheesecake!

I had prepared the Pork Loin the night before by letting it Brine in a Brine I Created for 24 Hours.  I had seared it off and finished it off in the oven and cooked it to 140 Degrees F.  It was cooked to a perfect Medium, but had alot of Criticism for it by other Guest. 

I took a bottle of White Wine and Deglazed the pan off to Create a White Wine Reduction.  At this point the Pan had Flambeed and the look on his Wife was PRICELESS!!

Per Clark's Instructions, I BROKE IN THEIR KITCHEN as he had requested!!!!  His wife has BANNED me to Cook at their house for a while!

Star Ingredient: Apples

Mike had come back from Boot Camp months after leaving the beginning of Fall.  We decided last minute to have Mike and his family over again for Dinner.  This was during the week so I had to prepare something real quick after work.  Can never go wrong with Pork in general so I picked up some Pork Chops from HEB.

I got home and realized a plain Pork Chop and Asparagus was going to be too simple for them especially after months of him being in Boot Camp.  I had several Apples so I made Stuffed Apple Pork Chops with a Shallot White Wine Reduction Sauce. 

Asparagus was going to be served as the Side Dish and that was served with a Hollandaise Sauce.  Spicy Herb Roasted Potatoes was the 2nd Side Dish. 

 

 After dinner, I cannot remember if it was me or their kids that wanted dessert (most likely it was me).  Why not stick with the Apple theme and continue on with a Salted Caramel Apple Pie. 

(I need to get a new Pastry Brush.  Not a fan of the Silicone ones.)