It’s funny how life goes. Three years ago, after having worked since I was fourteen year old, I decided to retire. That may well be the first time that I have actually said the ‘r’ word out loud. Retiring at 47 was a bit of a head trip. I never realised how much I validated my self-worth with what I did for a living. In the beginning, when people asked me what I was doing, I felt panicked at how to respond. How could I let people know that I was still me, doing all the things that I love to do, without being able to hang my hat on a job title? It took quite a while, for me, to feel comfortable in my newly retired skin. So instead of talking about what I was no longer doing, I spoke about my latest project. That’s when I discovered that my life has been a series of unrelated projects. Aerobics, flowers, cooking, public service – all passions – all unrelated. Nothing has changed. I continue to throw myself into whatever captures my complete attention. hence my blog – lol!
So just as I was settling in to a very sweet life, I have decided to go back to work…
Whenever I make a big decision like this, I always reward myself with a little treat.
Pork Chops in Green Peppercorn Cream
serves 2
2 thick cut pork chops, bone-in
1/4 cup butter
1/3 cup dry white wine
2 tablespoons green peppercorns in brine, drained
1/2 cup heavy cream
sea salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
Place butter in heavy skillet over medium high heat.
When butter is sizzling add chops.
Do not turn over until blood comes to the top surface.
Season with salt and pepper then turn over.
Cook until done to your liking. I like my chops done to medium so about another 3 minutes
Remove chops from skillet and deglaze pan with wine. Make sure you scrape up all the bits from the bottom of the skillet.
When the wine has disappeared to about 1/3, add peppercorns and cream
Reduce wine and cream mixture to a nice thick sauce.
Taste for salt and adjust accordingly.
Spoon sauce onto plate and top with pork chop.
Shear decadence!
5 comments
work – exertion or effort directed to produce or accomplish something; labor; toil
retire – to withdraw from office, business, or active life, usually because of age
Personally, I think the word ‘retire’ should be stricken from the dictionary as we all are active in some form at any age and it has such a negative connotation. It’s a shame society attaches labels to those not earning an income and deem them as not contributing. Michelle, you changed gears three years ago and did something you most probably always wanted to do but never really had the opportunity. And now you have another opportunity…go for it as it’s another chapter about to unfold (whatever that is!).
By the way, that’s a nice and easy recipe. Does this mean Bite goes off the airwaves? I hope not.
Thanks for your most encouraging note! ‘Bite’ stays…
[…] one year ago: pork chops in green peppercorn cream sauce […]
I simply love you blog and your recipes. All that I’ve tried are special.
Thank you Roger – very kind of you to say.