So I sit here at my keyboard wondering how I can explain to you in words what the 4 o’clock hour is like in our house.  How can I put it eloquently?  What sort of words can I use to give you a visual in your head?  But I’m blank.  You want to know the only thing that comes to my mind?  That old game show, Supermarket Sweep.  No, I have not been using illegal drugs.   Seriously, do you remember that show?  The one where the people go absolutely insane running through the grocery store filling their carts with nonsense because they are running out of time.  They look ridiculous…panicked and yelling running down the aisles grabbing food off the shelves.  That’s EXACTLY how I feel inside during the 4 o’clock hour.  Minus the chance to win $5000.  Huge bummer.

The kids are awake from naps…and getting hungry.  Nick is close to heading home.  I’m getting snacks, cleaning up drool, folding laundry, changing diapers, making dinner, taking photos and writing recipes as I go all while hearing “Mommy, watch this” over.  And over.  And over.  Love it, but I gotta tell you…sometimes I need a break from our typical 4 o clock hour.  Which is when I go right to this recipe.  Easy peasy.  I make the vinaigrette while the kids are napping-which takes approximately 34 seconds-so all there is to do is grill the pork for a whopping ten minutes when Nick gets home.  It’s super fresh tasting and the vinaigrette tastes wonderful on any grilled meat, fish or veggies…or tossed with mixed greens.  But these grilled pork chops are our favorite way to enjoy it.  So give this one a shot on your next hectic afternoon…it beats playing make-believe ’90’s game shows any day.

Grilled Pork Chops with Garlic Citrus Vinaigrette

adapted from Gourmet, July 2007

Ingredients

4 Boneless Pork Chops, about 1 inch thick

1/3 Cup + 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil

1 Tablespoon Course Black Pepper

1/2 Tablespoon Salt

1/4 Cup Fresh Lime Juice

1/4 Cup Fresh Orange Juice

3 Garlic Cloves

3 Tablespoons Cilantro Leaves

2 Teaspoons Dijon Mustard

1/4 Teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes

Directions

Place 1/3 cup olive oil, lime juice, orange juice, garlic, cilantro, dijon and crushed red pepper flakes in a small blender.  Process until combined and garlic is completely blended.  Set aside.

Preheat the grill to medium high heat.  Rub 2 tablespoons olive oil over the pork chops and sprinkle both sides with salt and pepper.  Grill the chops for ten minutes, or until cooked through, flipping once in the middle of cooking.  Serve pork chops with vinaigrette drizzled over the top.  Serves 4