From the menu of … The Chophouse of Hiawassee, 625 U.S. 76, Hiawassee. 706-896-3200, www.murphyschophouse.com
Q: Hi! I recently ate at The Chophouse in Hiawassee and had the Heritage Pork Medallions. It was out of this world! The pork was very tender and delicious! I'd love to be able to enjoy this at home. I hope they will share the recipe. Thank you so much, I enjoy reading your column! — Connie Fortune, Cedartown
A: James Reaux is chef and owner of The Chophouse, which has locations in Hiawassee, Lake Burton and Murphy, North Carolina. He also owns Hawg Wild BBQ and Catfish House in Clarkesville and Commerce. Reaux sent this recipe along with his photo of The Chophouse Heritage Pork Medallions. In the photo, the pork is served with broccoli florets and sweet potato.
Demi-glace is available in small containers at specialty cookware and gourmet shops and at the DeKalb and Buford Highway farmers markets.
The Chophouse Heritage Pork Medallions
1/2 cup veal demi-glace, undiluted
1 large ripe peach, peeled and cut into wedges
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
8 (2- to 3-ounce) pork loin medallions
Salt and pepper
4 tablespoons Georgia Peach Preserves (see recipe)
Preheat grill to medium high. When internal temperature is 375 degrees, the grill is ready. Lightly oil the grates.
In a small saucepan, warm demi-glace.
In a small bowl, toss peach wedges with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Arrange peach wedges on grill and cook until well charred on both sides. Add peaches to demi-glace and keep warm.
In a large skillet, heat remaining tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat. Season pork with salt and pepper and arrange in skillet. Do not crowd pan. Cook until pork is golden brown on both sides, about 3 minutes per side.
Arrange pork on serving plates and spoon peach demi-glace over each serving. Top with 1 tablespoon peach preserves and serve immediately. Serves: 4
Per serving: 304 calories (percent of calories from fat, 36), 30 grams protein, 16 grams carbohydrates, 1 gram fiber, 12 grams fat (3 grams saturated), 92 milligrams cholesterol, 224 milligrams sodium.
The Chophouse Georgia Peach Preserves
4 large ripe peaches, peeled, pitted and roughly chopped (about 4 cups chopped)
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cinnamon stick
3 whole cloves
1 teaspoon orange zest
1/4 cup peach schnapps
In a large saucepan, combine peaches, sugar, cinnamon stick, cloves, orange zest and schnapps. Simmer, stirring occasionally until fruit softens and becomes transparent, about 30 minutes. Remove cinnamon stick and cloves and keep warm. Makes: 2 cups (serving size: 1 tablespoon)
Per 1-tablespoon serving: 34 calories (none from fat), trace protein, 8 grams carbohydrates, no fiber, trace fat (no saturated fat), no cholesterol, trace sodium.
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