Simple Grilled Pork Chops

OK...today's grilling adventure turned out better than yesterday. The pork turned out non crispy and quite juicy! The BBQ is becoming a little less intimidating.

Ingredients
8 cups water
3 tablespoons salt
1 tablespoon brown sugar
2 tablespoons peppercorns
1 large sprig fresh rosemary
2 sprigs fresh thyme
3 3/4'' thick center cut pork chops


Directions
In a medium pot combine water and all herbs and seasoning. Bring to a steady boil for 5 minutes. Let cool to room temperature. Add the pork chops to the brine for 4 hours.



Over a high heat grill the meat 5 minutes on each side. Serve immediately.... Like I said, it's super simple, but it makes the pork way juicy. In my experience center cut pork chops can be dry...here's my solution!

Grilled Chicken with an Asian Influence

I got this idea from a recipe from Tyler Florence. Like I've said, I only learned how to cook since my move to Las Vegas. I've gotten somewhat comfortable in the kitchen. Now I want to start grilling. So far, I haven't gone near our gas grill. I'm going to change that this year.

That said....it will be trial and error figuring out how long to cook things at what temps. This first attempt came out a little too crispy. I cooked it at too high a temp. I will adjust for the next time. It was delicious and worth repeating with some changes.

Ingredients

1 cup soy sauce

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

1 lime juiced (put in microwave for 10 sec first)

2'' fresh ginger chopped

1 lg garlic clove (2 small) chopped

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (set a little bit aside for garnish)

3 boneless skinless chicken breasts (1.5 lbs)

Directions

Combine ingredients (not the breasts) in a bowl and whisk together, then pour into a gallon ziplock bag. Then add the chicken and seal with as little air as possible. Marinade for one hour.

Preheat grill on high for 10 minutes. Then TURN DOWN THE HEAT just a bit. (I didn't do that tonight. Grill for 8 minutes on each side. Garnish with the rest of the cilantro.