Eating My way Across Iowa Day One

Hey Guys-

So the Dude and I are eating our way across Iowa- It all started when we go lost in Omaha because of the flooding of the Missouri River and we ate at an Applebees in Omaha.  Yes, I know Omaha is in Nebraska and eating at Applebees isn't really a culinary feat- but we were hungry and sometimes hunger wins out over culinary excellence. Besides, Chris Santos was in line with me at the Dunkin Donuts in the Airport and if Santos sometimes skips on culinary excellence, I figure I can too.

As a side note- the flooding of the Missouri River is awful and will have a major impact on farmers and food production, which translates into higher food costs for quite some time. Pray for those who were most affected by the flooding and give a little to your local food bank.

Anyhow- after we finally
got unlost and ended up at one of my favorite sister and brother in laws house, I got down and dirty in their kitchen.  We had these HUGE Iowa Chops on the grill, sweet corn and garden ripe tomatos- simple, delicious and perfect food.  I did a wicked fast marinade of garlic, orange juice, beer and Jack  For desert I used local apples to make an apple crisp- life was good.

Here is one of the recipes- what? I am on vacation
Pork Chops in Orange Garlic Marinade

•  4 Large (3/4-1 inch thick) Bone in Pork Chops
• 1/4 Cup Jack Daniels or other Burbon
• 4 cloves of garlic, peeled and rough chopped
• 1 can beer
• Juice of one orange
• 1 Tbsp Brown Sugar
• 1 TBSP Kosher Salt
• 1 Tbsp Chili Powder
• 1 Tbsp Onion Powder
• Pinch of dry sage
• 2 Tbsp olive oil

In bowl, mix all ingredients except for the chops.  
Put the chops in gallon Zip Lock Bag
Pour the Marinade over the chops- reserve one cup of marinade
Seal the bag and put the bag in a bowl (to catch anything if the bag leaks)
 Let sit for at least 30 minutes or over night- if sitting for more than 30 minutes, put in the fridge


Remove chops and Grill on Hot grill-8-10 minute per side, or until a thermomemter stuck in reads at least 145 degrees farenheit- basting with the reserved sauce.


Let rest for 10 minutes and then enjoy....


Ahh- Back to the pool--- soon- gorging on fair food...