Pork Chops & Peach Pan 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. Grate the cheese on the large side of a box grater. Cut off and discard the bottom 1/2 inch of the broccoli stem; cut the broccoli into small florets. Halve, pit, and small dice the peaches. Peel and roughly chop 2 cloves of garlic.

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 buttermilk and grated cheese. 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 broccoli florets in an even layer. Season with salt and pepper. Cook, without stirring, 3 to 4 minutes, or until lightly browned. Add the chopped garlic and 1/4 cup of water (carefully, as the liquid may splatter). Loosely cover the pan with foil and cook, stirring occasionally, 3 to 4 minutes, or until the broccoli is softened and the water has cooked off. Turn off the heat. Taste, then season with salt and pepper if desired. Transfer to a bowl and cover with foil to keep warm.

Meanwhile, 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.

To the pan of reserved fond, add the diced peaches; season with salt and pepper. Cook on medium-high, stirring occasionally, 3 to 4 minutes, or until slightly softened. Add the sugar, vinegar (carefully, as the liquid may splatter), 1/2 cup of water, and as much of the red pepper flakes as you’d like, depending on how spicy you’d like the dish to be. Season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, 4 to 6 minutes, or until most of the water has cooked off and the peaches are softened. Turn off the heat. Taste, then season with salt and pepper if desired. Slice the rested pork crosswise. Serve the sliced pork with the cooked broccoli and mashed potatoes. Top the pork with the peach pan sauce. Enjoy!