### **Cherry Pepper Pork Chops with Garlic Butter Sauce**  
*The ultimate weeknight-friendly dish with restaurant-quality flavor*  

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### **Ingredients**  
**For the Pork:**  
- 2 bone-in pork chops (1-inch thick)  
- ½ cup liquid from jarred cherry peppers  
- 2 tbsp olive oil  

**For the Sauce:**  
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided  
- 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced  
- ½ cup cherry pepper brine (from the same jar)  
- 6-8 cherry peppers, sliced (adjust for heat preference)  
- 1 tbsp honey  
- 1 tbsp chicken stock or white wine (optional)  
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)  

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### **Instructions**  

#### **1. Quick Brine (1-24 Hours)**  
- In a resealable bag, combine pork chops and cherry pepper brine.  
- Refrigerate:  
  - **1 hour** for good flavor  
  - **Overnight** for maximum flavor penetration  
- Remove chops from brine and pat VERY dry with paper towels.  

#### **2. Perfect Sear**  
- Heat olive oil in heavy skillet over medium-high until shimmering.  
- Add chops, pressing gently with spatula for even contact.  
- Sear undisturbed 3-4 minutes per side until deeply golden.  
- Transfer to plate and tent loosely with foil.  

#### **3. 5-Minute Restaurant Sauce**  
- Reduce heat to medium. Add 1 tbsp butter to same skillet.  
- Sauté garlic 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.  
- Add cherry peppers, brine, and honey. Simmer 2-3 minutes until slightly syrupy.  
- Optional: Add stock/wine for extra depth.  
- Remove from heat. Swirl in remaining 2 tbsp butter until glossy.  
- Taste and adjust seasoning (likely won't need salt).  

#### **4. Serve & Enjoy**  
- Plate pork chops, spoon sauce generously over top.  
- Garnish with parsley.  

**Perfect Pairings:**  
- Creamy polenta or mashed potatoes  
- Crusty bread for sauce mopping  
- Simple arugula salad with lemon  

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### **Pro Tips for Success**  
✔️ **Dry chops = better crust** - Pat thoroughly before searing  
✔️ **Control the heat** - Medium-high prevents burning the garlic later  
✔️ **Butter last** - Added off-heat for velvety texture  
✔️ **Make it yours** - Add red pepper flakes or fresh herbs if desired  

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### **Why This Recipe Wins**  
✅ **Faster than takeout** - Active time under 20 minutes  
✅ **Pantry-friendly** - Uses jarred peppers you likely have  
✅ **Forgiving technique** - Brine prevents dryness even if slightly overcooked  
✅ **Big flavor payoff** - Tangy, spicy, buttery perfection  

This is the pork chop recipe you'll make on repeat - impressive enough for company, easy enough for Tuesday nights. The cherry pepper brine works magic, keeping the meat juicy while packing every bite with flavor.  

*Final Note:* The sauce is so good you'll want to double it. Trust me.