Skillet Cooking 101

By Leanne Ely, C.N.C.

From the Author of Saving Dinner

When it comes to quick cooking, almost nothing beats a skillet in hand. Make that a skillet on the stovetop. A little bit of oil, a nice hot surface and you can transform a simple chicken breast into a gourmet experience. Who knew a simple skillet could be so powerful? And when time is at a premium and you need to get dinner on the table fast, isn’t it great to know that the skillet can give you a great result and keep it healthy, too? In my mind, it doesn’t get much better than that!

Here’s a skillet recipe, guaranteed to bring raves from your ravenous bunch and a sign of relief to the clean-up crew, too!

Spiced Orange Pork Chops

Serves 6

Ingredients

In a skillet, heat oil and brown chops on both sides, salt and pepper to taste. In a bowl, add chicken broth and cornstarch and mix until smooth. Add remaining ingredients and mix well. Drain fat from chops and pour sauce over them. Cover and simmer on the stove top for 30 minutes or when done, depending on the thickness of your chops.

Per Serving: 336 Calories; 17g Fat (47.1% calories from fat); 25g Protein; 19g Carbohydrate; 1g Dietary Fiber; 74mg Cholesterol; 279mg Sodium. Exchanges: 0 Grain(Starch); 3 1/2 Lean Meat; 0 Fruit; 1 1/2 Fat; 1 Other Carbohydrates.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS: Serve with baked sweet potatoes and steamed broccoli.

VEGETARIANS: Skip the chops and go for a Boca Chikin patty instead. Cooking time will be less.

**NOTE: This recipe is fabulous with boneless skinless chicken breasts as well.