It’s two days away from the lovely-dovey holiday and boy do I have a scrumptious main dish for you to woo your loved one with.
Cherries have always had a special place in my heart. During my childhood days, every sugary treat was always cherry. Dum Dums, Runts, Cherry Gummies from the candy shop, sign me up! Then, the real treat was Shirley Temples . Speaking of…did you hear Shirley Temple passed away on Monday evening? A small piece of me died on the inside. She was always a joy to watch! Back to the delicious cherry goodness…my favorite was when the server poured a heavy hand of cherry syrup. My childhood equivalent to a heavy pour of wine. Don’t judge.
While lately I wouldn’t pass up a Shirley Temple, I am more fond of snacking on fresh cherries rather than overdosing on cherry Dum Dum’s. But don’t put it past me to sneak a lollipop from the bank. No shame that they are for the children…
Cherries taste like nature’s candy yet hold so many nutritional benefits. They combat post-workout soreness; blend them with vanilla almond milk, vanilla protein powder, dash of cocoa powder and you have one healthy ‘milkshake’! They also help reduce stroke risks; provide natural osteoarthritis relief by lowering inflammation markers; reduce belly fat and help you get some shut eye! I am all for the last two!
Before I dive into our dish, don’t forget the appetizer of Chorizo Stuffed Prosciutto Wrapped Dates from Monday, to start the evening off on a sweet and spicy note. They are insanely addicting!
As I pondered on what to present to all my imaginary friends for our main course for Valentine’s Day, I couldn’t get cherries out of my mind. They are such a gorgeous red…probably similar to the flowers all you lucky ladies may be receiving Friday?!
One of my favorite pairings incorporate salty, sweet and savory. Pork is the perfect starter when it is paired with sage. Then cherries are simmered with balsamic vinegar and a touch of sweetness. If you have never had balsamic with fruit, you must get on this train! The acidity in the vinegar marries perfectly with the sweetness in the fruit. After a short simmer, the reduction intensifies and a gorgeous, deep red glaze is made. This dish will surely make your hunny be so thankful that they have by their side on this special holiday!
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried sage
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 4 boneless center cut pork chops
- 12 oz frozen cherries, pitted
- 1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
- ½ cup water
- 8 drops Stevia, or 1 Tbsp honey
- Combine the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, sage and pepper in a large gallon size zip lock bag. Add pork chops and marinate for 2 hours or overnight.
- Turn broiler on low. Add pork chops to cast iron skillet or large baking sheet; ensuring they are spaced evenly apart and not touching. Broil on low for 10 minutes per side, if large pork chops, 7-8 minutes if smaller.
- Meanwhile, in small sauce pan, add cherries, balsamic vinegar, water, and stevia and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and let simmer until sauce reduces until almost all the liquid has been reduced.
- To serve, add cherry balsamic glaze atop of pork chops.
Mouthwatering pictures!
This is a perfect Valentine’s dinner idea, thanks for sharing.
Oh, I appreciate your sweet words! This dish is so simple that it makes a perfect Valentine’s dinner…who wants to spend all night in the kitchen?! Hope you enjoy 🙂
Wow this looks absolutely delicious!
Thank you Marcie!
I’m pretty sure that hubby would like these pork chops. I’m VERY sure that I would! Wow! Yum! Definitely going to have to Pin this. Thank you! Glad I found you today via SITS! Hope you have a wonderful day! 😀
These are insanely delicious! I hope both you and your hubby enjoy! Thanks for stopping by!!
I have always been a huge cherry fan as well! I still order shirley temples sometimes! This dish sounds so good and I’m sure my husband would love it too, thanks for sharing!
Don’t shirley temples just take you back to your childhood?! Now I am craving one 🙂 I hope you and your husband enjoy this dish!
Meg, this recipe looks to die for!! I always love adding a touch of sweet with a savory dish and I find it’s easiest to do that by adding fruit. I LOVE cherries and will be making this one!! I’m so glad I found you from SITS!!
Hi Meghan! Oh thank you for stopping by! Fruit + savory always makes for such a fancy dinner yet so simple! I hope you like!
PS…Looked around your site this morning..totally in love with it!
Your website is beautiful. The food photography is amazing!!! So glad I found your site.
SITS LOVE!
~Meegan
http://www.flatstoflipflops.com
Oh you are so sweet! Thank you for you looking around….I hope you enjoy it!
I make something very similar, but without the cherries (hubby hates cherries). Balsamic vinegar makes most meats taste great! Stopped by from SITS Comment Love!
I think balsamic makes everything better! It is my go to! Thanks for stopping by 🙂
Oh my! Looks delicious! Gorgeous pictures, too. Stopping by from SITS Comment Love…
Lisa, Much appreciated!!!
Stopping by from SITS… your photos are amazing!!
Thank you Michelle!
Megan,
Beautiful photos! Mouth watering 🙂
Melissa, much appreciated 🙂
The pictures are beautiful, and although I have never paired pork with cherries, I love cherries, and can see how the sweetness would be tasty with the savory flavor! And not really on subject, but speaking of lollipops at the bank, I recently asked my 7 year old if she knew why we went to the bank. She told me it was for the lollipops. Yep, only reason we go there, for the drive-thru lollipops.
Oh my gosh…your daughter is too cute! That is the only reason I use to love going with my parents as well! And thank you for your kind words 🙂
Good GOSH, that looks delicious. Oh my word, oh my WORD. I’m so going to make this, probably not on V-day because I’m way too lazy to be organized by tomorrow, but next week!
Oh Liz…thank you, thank YOU for your kind words! This dish would be perfect for any night and sure to impress. Hope you enjoy!
This is so lovely for Valentine’s Day! I have to admit: I’m usually not a fan of cherry sauces or glazes with meat, but this truly looks delicious. Stopping by via SITS! Have a great day!
Well Thank you Marlynn! I think adding fruit is a very easy way of upping the ‘fancy’ of a dish! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
I haven’t made pork chops in years – but your photos are so beautiful, I may be inspired to try!
I do what I can, Meghan! I hope you enjoy!
Grabbed my knife and fork and pulled up to the table, this sounds and looks amazing.
Yes! Pull up a seat! Thanks so much, Mercedes!
Pinned! Oh yum!
Thank you, Megan! Hope you enjoy!