PORK CHOPS WITH FRESH CHERRY REDUCTION SAUCE

Servings: 6
Total time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• Kosher sa1t
• Fresh cracked black pepper
• 1 pound fresh large Trinity Cherries
• 1 cup ruby port or oloroso sherry
• ½ cup sugar
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tbsp orange blossom honey
• 6 fresh mint leaves, for garnish
• Fresh cherry leaves or blossoms, for garnish (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat the grill.
2. Lightly season pork chops on both sides with salt and pepper. Place on the grill and sear on high direct heat for 4 minutes on each side, making a grill-mark pattern. Finish cooking the chops for an additional 6-10 minutes on indirect medium heat, or until the internal temperature is 160°F.
3. Stem and pit cherries with a cherry or olive pitter. Place the cherries in a large saucepan and add port, sugar, vinegar and honey. Cook over high heat, stirring slowly until the sugar dissolves. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for approximately 12-15 minutes, or until the cherries are soft but still retain their shape.
4. To serve, spoon the cherry mixture on top of the chops. Garnish with mint and cherry leaves or blossoms if available.