May

28

2010

Perfect Pork Chops

Posted by Ben | Comments Off

Category : Food

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Pork chops can be difficult to cook just right.  If you’ve ever had chops that were too crunchy or chewy, you know what I’m talking about.  Follow these steps for juicy, tender chops that really bring out the flavor of your favorite marinade or rub.

  • Preheat the grill.
  • Oil the grill grates.
  • Put the chops on the grill for 1 minute.
  • Rotate 60 degrees and grill for another minute.  This gives marks the chops with the trademark criss-cross pattern.
  • Flip and cook another 2-3 minutes for thin chops and 6-12 minutes for larger pieces.
  • Move to indirect heat for 3-4 minutes (6-12 minutes for larger pieces)
  • Internal temperature should hit 150 degrees. The inside should be white with just a hint of pink color.
  • Remove from grill, seal in foil and let rest for 5 minutes.

I like to marinade with a steak rub and olive oil and then top it off with a little peach jam.

Oct

26

2009

My Chili Un-recipe

Posted by Ben | Comment (1)

Category : Food

I was asked for my chili recipe today, which is a shame because I don’t have one. This is both because I never wrote it down and because every time it is different. But I do feel that I have something going, so if I were to make chili today, here’s how I’d start out.

Every-color chili- Cans of beans, red, black, white, navy, kidney (drain and keep the juice)
- chopped green and red peppers
- chopped onion
- pineapple chunks (optional)
- meat, like bacon, steak, spicy sausage or ground beef (or any combination of those)
- hot peppers (Anaheim, jalapeño, habenero)
- brown sugar (more than you’d think)
- chili powder
- garlic
- cumin or a packet of chili seasoning mix (optional)
- a very tangy BBQ sauce (hot and sassy, rich and sassy), up to a full bottle

Toss all of that in a Crockpot and let it cook. As for the relative quantities, I usually go for color and texture first, which might be backwards. If you’d like, use the BBQ sauce and bean juice to make it more soupy. If you’re going with spicy peppers, remember that the spiciness will take a while to show up, so don’t over do it.

In my mind, what makes a good chili is that the flavor is consistent with every bite. Of course the flavor changes with what you put in, but cooking it long allows you to make changes to the flavor.

Apr

22

2009

Del Taco

Posted by Ben | Comments Off

Category : Food, Reviews

A favorite of my family’s, Del Taco is home to the Taco Tuesday deal that gives 3 beef soft tacos for $1!

730 E State Road

American Fork, Utah 84003

801 756-9712

Apr

22

2009

Panda Express

Posted by Ben | Comments Off

Category : Food, Reviews

Panda Express has always been a favorite of mine. I love the orange chicken and the Beijing beef with half rice, half noodle. I also appreciate the way the owners run the business.

959 W State Rd

American Fork, Utah 84003-3379

801 818-0111

Apr

08

2009

Five Guys

Posted by Ben | Comments Off

Category : Food, Reviews

A fancy burger joint that has gone out of its way to look like a fast food joint. It’s clean, tasty and fun, but it’s also loud and probably too expensive for burgers and fries.

1051 South 750 East

Orem, Utah 84097

801-765-7556

Apr

04

2009

La Carreta Peruvian Restaurant

Posted by Ben | Comments Off

Category : Food, Reviews

I had the #22, a healthy serving of seasoned rice covered with two sunny-side up eggs and a savory thin steak which fought for room on the over sized plate. On either side were a fried banana and a pile of Peru fries (not to be confused with French fries).

Unfortunately it weighed in on the bland side. But this was good cooking in my book. A decent taste-test of Peruvian cuisine served by a friendly waitress in a well-decorated restaurant.

I don’t think I’m in love with Peruvian food, but if I were I’d give this restaurant 4 stars.

La Carreta Peruvian Restaurant
340 East 1200 South
Orem, UT 84058
Phone: (801) 229-2696
lacarretaperuvianrestaurant.com

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