browning pork chops

So, am I the only person who didn't know what "browning pork chops" meant?! Maybe there is someone else out there who has been in a similar situation at some point of their life! :) So, I'm trying this fabulous new recipe from this cool new cookbook that I just got and there are not a lot of specific measurements in it. That's ok though; I decided to take on a challenge!!! :)

So, I had planned this scrumptious meal of Baked Pork Chops & Roasted Vegetables and announced that it would be ready at 5:30pm. Well, 5:45 rolls around, I take the pork chops out of the oven and they're still raw!! I hollered over to Clay who is in the living room with Parker only half paying attention to me as he is watching Parker to make sure he doesn't throw "mama's pretties" on the floor and asked him to come look at the pork chops. He said, "Well, did you brown them?" I said yes..."I followed the directions exactly; I browned them in butter, pepper and Worchester sauce."

I couldn't figure out why he was still busting with laughter until a minute or two later when he informed me that browning meant you had to place them in a skillet and sear them for a quick second first. I said, "Why didn't you tell me that earlier when I asked you if I was "browning" the pork chops right?" His response was, "I figured you knew how to brown pork chops..."

Lesson #672 - Never assume I know exactly what I'm doing in the kitchen. I may act like I do, and in that case do not tell me what to do or you might get more than just a look :) but if there is meat in sight, know in advance..I might need help! :) I wouldn't consider myself an expert quite yet on the poultry and meat dishes!

How did the dinner turn out you say? Well, we don't know yet...I did figure out what to do with the pork chops, but the vegetables for some unknown reason took twice as long as they were supposed to. Weird. Anyway, Clay poured me a glass of wine (smart man), popped a frozen lasagna in the microwave and we were good to go. The original dinner was done around 7:45 last night. Parker & I will enjoy it tonight. Oh well, at least there is no cooking for me today! I'll let you know how it turned out! :) Clay just left at 4am today on a 4 day trip, so leave me some comments to read while he's away! :)