Not just for sippin'

Presenting....

Tennessee Whiskey Glazed Pork Chops.

Yes, whiskey. That's what I said. Cooking with wine, fruits juices, vinegar, beer, vermouth... yeah, that I understand. But whiskey? Nah. No way. Uh uh. That is, until I tried this recipe.

If you have access to Lincoln County Tennessee whiskey (Jack Daniel's, in particular), use it. There is a smokiness that comes from a particular process used in the distilling that can make or break this recipe. I suppose, if you really want to go Whole Hog, you could use one of the single malt Scots or Irish whiskys. Those that are peaty and smoky but also 300 bucks a bottle....

• 1/2 cup whiskey, JD if you can get it
• 1/2 cup apple cider
• 2 tablespoons turbinado sugar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne powder
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 4 teaspoons cider vinegar
• 4 pork chops, bone-in center cut 1-inch thick
• 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

1. Whisk whiskey, cider, sugar, mustard, cayenne, vanilla and 1 tsp vinegar together.
2. Transfer 1/2 c of this mixture to a bag, add chops. Press air from bag and zip. Turn to coat chops. Put in refrigerator for at least 2 hours, longer is better.
3. Keep remaining whiskey mixture separately.
4. Remove chops from bag, pat dry, discard marinade.
5. In small saucepan, heat remaining whiskey mixture to a simmer and reduce until thick and bubbly. Add the butter, whisking until melted in and the glaze has taken on a nice sheen.
6. Heat grill to high, reduce heat to medium-low. Place chops on grill to sear. Turn chops. Brush glaze on chops. Cook until almost done.
7. Turn chops, brush again with glaze.
8. Internal temperature should be 145 when done.
9. Remove from grill, plate and serve.

This recipe can be used for pan-frying if you modify things just a little bit. The original recipe came from an early 2007 issue of "Cook's Country." This great resource is published by the same folks who bring you America's Test Kitchen on television. Cook's Country and Cook's Illustrated subscriptions are a good choice if you wish to give someone who can't boil water something useful.