Dijon and Mascarpone Pork Chops

So about a week ago I bought some mascarpone as a substitute to the cheese I use with one of my crab dip recipes, but I decided against making it. I didn’t want the mascarpone to go bad so I wanted to use it in something but I wasn't quite sure how to use it.  

Now I have never used mascarpone cheese and the only time I have ever heard of it being used was in desserts like tiramisu.  So the question is… can I use mascarpone in a savory recipe?  I gave it a little taste and it's almost like cream cheese and crème fraîche got together and had a baby and it was delicious. So the answer to that question is YES!

I have made chicken cutlets before with a dijon and tarragon cream sauce so I thought I could substitute the cream with the mascarpone.  We had some pork chops so I used those and rather than tarragon I used thyme.  It really turned out to be a great dinner.

Now the recipe below if only for two but you could double

Dijon & Mascarpone Pork for Two

1 tsp Olive Oil

2 Pork Chops

¼ c White Wine

½ tsp Minced Garlic

3 tbs Mascarpone

2 tbs Dijon Mustard

1 tbs Fresh Thyme

Salt

Pepper

Pre-hear you pan on medium and add your olive oil.

Dry your pork and sprinkle liberally with salt and black pepper on both sides.  Brown the pork chops on both sides, about 3 - 4 minutes per side depending on thickness.

Remove the pork chops and set aside.  Deglaze the pan with the wine; be sure to scrape up the bits on the bottom of the pan.  Add the garlic, when fragrant add in your mascarpone, dijon and thyme.  Whisk until combined.  Add in a little salt and pepper.  Let reduce for about a minute then add the pork chops back into the pan.  Heat until the pork chops internal temperature is about 145 degrees.

We also had some roasted potato slices; I put these in about 15 minutes before I started making the pork chops.

Pre-Heat oven to 350 degrees

5 Baby Potatoes, sliced on a mandolin

2 tbs Olive Oil

Salt

Pepper

Red Pepper Flakes

Slice the potatoes and coat with the olive oil, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes.  Roast for 15 minutes then reduce the heat to 300 degree.  Cook until your pork is done.