Parmesan Fennel Pork Loin Chops

Dang this was some good grub and stupid easy to make and assemble.  I came up with the idea as I'm so tired of chicken I could scream.  Yes, I eat it for health reasons and the fam just adores the stuff.  But I grew up in Hog country...with corn fed beef a close second so I can only do so much of the stuff.

The one indispensable tool in my arsenal is a mini-food processor.  Makes the fine mincing of the basil and garlic so much easier than trying to do it by hand.  Whizzing some of the grated parm with the basil and garlic ensures a good fine mince and even distribution.  Key to making this dish so tasty.

One thing I do different from the chicken version of the dish is add ground fennel to the mix.  It has a sweet taste that compliments nicely the sweet pork.  Kinda like Italian sausage without the sausage casing stuffing nonsense.

For Parmesan, get the real deal block of Parmesan reggiano...its so much better than the domestic stuff.  Grind, grate or shred as needed.  If I catch you using that commercially produced stuff in the green can, or worse grocery store generic I will personally arrange for Uncle Vito to pay you a visit.  Capiche?

Parmesan Fennel Pork Loin Chops

• 4 1" thick boneless Pork Loin Chops
• 1 1/2 c panko bread crumbs
• 1 c grated Parmesan
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1/4 c loose packed fresh basil leaves
• 1 T fennel
• salt
• pepper
• 2 eggs
• 1 T whole milk or half and half
• 1 c flour

Preheat oven to 350F  Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly coat with olive oil or cooking spray.

Trim pork loin chops of excess fat.  Salt and pepper, set aside to come to room temp as you prepare the breading station.

In a spice grinder grind fennel until it is a coarse powder.  Set aside

In mini food prep combine half of the grated Parmesan with half of the ground fennel, basil and garlic. Pulse several times until finely minced.

In first bowl combine flour and half of the ground fennel.  Season with salt and pepper.  Mix well.
In second bowl combine eggs, dairy product, whisk until well mixed.
In third bowl combine panko, the Parmesan cheese mixture, the remaining Parmesan, remaining half of the ground fennel with salt and pepper.  Toss lightly to combined.

Dredge a pork in flour.  Dip pork loin chop into the egg mixture turning to evenly coat.  Put pork loin chop into the bread crumb mixture.  Scoop mixture up onto the top of the Pork loin chop and side and press lightly.  Carefully remove and place on prepared baking sheet.  Repeat with remaining loin chops.

Bake 40-45 minutes until browned and cooked through.  Test with a knife poke...juices should run clear.