Pork Chops & Almond-Brown Butter Sauce

Fill a medium pot 3/4 of the way up with salted water; cover and heat to boiling on high. Wash and dry the fresh produce. Medium dice the potatoes. Peel the carrots; thinly slice on an angle. Cut off and discard any stem ends from the green beans; halve crosswise. Quarter and deseed the lemon. Pick the mint leaves off the stems.

Add the diced potatoes to the pot of boiling water. Cook 17 to 19 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork. Turn off the heat. Drain thoroughly and return to the pot. Add the mascarpone, cheese curds, and a drizzle of olive oil; season with salt and pepper. Using a fork or potato masher, mash to your desired consistency. Taste, then season with salt and pepper if desired. Cover to keep warm.

Meanwhile, in a large pan (nonstick, if you have one), heat a drizzle of olive oil on medium-high until hot. Add the sliced carrots and halved green beans in an even layer. Cook, without stirring, 2 to 3 minutes, or until lightly browned. Season with salt and pepper. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, 2 to 3 minutes, or until softened. Transfer to a bowl. Add the juice of 2 lemon wedges and a drizzle of olive oil; stir to combine. Taste, then season with salt and pepper if desired. Cover with foil to keep warm. Wipe out the pan.

Pat the pork dry with paper towels; season on both sides with salt, pepper, and the spice blend. In the same pan, heat a drizzle of olive oil on medium-high until hot. Add the seasoned pork. Cook 4 to 6 minutes per side for medium (the center may still be slightly pink), or until browned and cooked to your desired degree of doneness.* Leaving any browned bits (or fond) in the pan, transfer to a cutting board and let rest at least 5 minutes.

*The USDA recommends a minimum safe cooking temperature of 145°F for pork.

In the pan of reserved fond, heat the butter on medium-high until melted. Once melted, add the almonds. Cook, stirring constantly, 1 to 2 minutes, or until the foam subsides and the butter is fragrant (it should smell nutty and toasted). Add 1/4 cup of water (carefully, as the liquid may splatter). Cook, stirring frequently and scraping up any fond, 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until combined and the liquid is slightly thickened. Turn off the heat; stir in the juice of the remaining lemon wedges. Slice the rested pork crosswise. Serve the sliced pork with the mashed potatoes and cooked vegetables. Top the pork with the pan sauce. Garnish the vegetables with the mint leaves (tearing just before adding). Enjoy!