Maple and fall just seem to go hand in hand, don’t they? I wish I could say that I had had the luxury of using good, fresh, real maple syrup from, say, Vermont maybe, but a commercial brand was all I had on hand. But, even so, these were incredibly delicious! I was actually sad grilling this time, as the colorful leaves were falling all around me. I know winter is right around the corner, and if it’s going to be as bad as what they are saying, I don’t know how many times I’ll be able to grill this winter. I also have about enough propane left to warm a hot dog, so this may be my last grilling post for awhile. Such a sad, sad day!
But on a happier note, if this is my last grilling recipe for a bit, this was one tasty recipe to end the season with! Glazing with maple syrup was truly the icing on the cake! The warm, sweet flavor went amazing well with the spices and herbs! Slightly earthy, a little sweet, with just a wee bit of a kick in the back from a little cayenne! Pure heaven! I love salty, spicy, sweet combinations!
A favorite basic dry rub of mine was used, and I gave them a healthy dose of it on both sides! I then just simply sprayed the tops with a little butter-flavored cooking spray so the rub stayed on nicely and they were lightly oiled to go down onto the hot grates without sticking. I always oil my grates just before putting anything onto the grill, too, and never have had anything stick. Don’t baste anything with a high sugar content until the very last when they’re done though, or going out “in a blaze of glory” will take on a whole new meaning! Sugar will flame up and burn quickly, so just simply add at the very end is all and you’ll get a bit of picture-perfect charring without setting the house on fire.
Aren’t they gorgeous? And they smelled fantastic even before going onto the grill! The neighbors say I drive them crazy with all the grilling I do! And I know I drive the hubs nuts while he’s waiting for supper! But you all can do this, too! I don’t mean drive the whole neighborhood crazy, LOL!, but these are so easy to make and take no time at all from start to finish! Even these thick-cut pork loin chops only take about 8-10 minutes per side is all! Then just 1-2 minutes longer basting both sides several times with maple syrup. Prepare a nutty, brown or wild rice to go alongside, a simple side salad with fresh apples and pears topped with a poppyseed dressing, and you’re all set with a quick-to-the-table, and most delicious autumn-fashioned meal!
I’m sure going to miss being able to just pop outside, enjoy the beautiful weather, and grill anytime I want to, but maybe we’ll see a few more recipes from time to time….when I feel like shoveling a path to the grill through 3 feet of snow. (That sounds so surreal right now with it being 80 degrees lately, doesn’t it??) But it’s sure to come. So take advantage of the beautiful Indian Summer weather and get the grill going while you still can! This one is perfect for fall and a nice way to use up the last of the gas for the season! Have a fantastic day all! Happy grilling and Happy Fall!!! Such a beautiful season!! 🙂
AUTUMN GRILLED MAPLE & HERB PORK CHOPS
Serves 2 (easily doubled)
For Dy Rub:
2 tsp. paprika
1 tsp. dried thyme, crushed between your fingers and thumb to release flavor
1 tsp. dried marjoram
1/2 tsp. seasoned salt
1/2 tsp. coarse ground black pepper
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 tsp. onion powder
1/8 tsp. cayenne
Rest of Ingredients:
2 thick-cut pork loin chops
1/4 cup maple syrup
butter-flavored cooking spray for chops
canola or vegetable oil for grill grates
DIRECTIONS:
In small bowl, mix dry rub ingredients well.
Coat chops well on both sides and edges with all of the dry dry rub. Place onto plate, spray tops with cooking spray to set. Cover and set aside while grill heats.
Heat grill to high heat, then turn off all grates but center. Oil grates with a wad of paper towel soaked with oil using tongs. Place chops, sprayed side-down onto center of grill. Close lid, turn heat down to med/med. low. Grill for 8-10 minutes depending on how hot your grill is. Turn chops and grill with lid closed another 8-10 minutes until just done. Baste tops with maple syrup, turn and baste again. Grill each side, turning once to twice, re-basting and watching closely, and grill 1-2 minutes per side and remove to a plate to rest. Drizzle with any leftover maple syrup. Serve warm.
