My husband marinated 2 pork chops with 1 shallot, 1 garlic clove, bunch of fresh sage, (all chopped) salt and pepper and a half cup of maple syrup (100% not pancake syrup) for at least 24 hours in a plastic bag in the fridge.  They were grilled and served with grilled zucchini and eggplant (just brush with olive oil, salt and pepper), peas (day before CSA pick up we tend to get low on fresh veggies if we haven’t been to another store/farm), mixed green salad and roasted red potatoes.   Pork chops can take some time to cook, so use that time to make the salad and other sides.  We put the potatoes in just after putting the chops on the grill.  Forgot to add earlier- put chops on indirect heat so they don’t burn (sugars in maple syrup will get too black over direct flames).

The potatoes are washed and cut then put in a mixing bowl with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, celery salt and pepper.  Toss and then put on baking sheet and roast for about 25 minutes at 400.  I like the higher temps to get a nice crisp outside.  The kids love the flavors, but be careful as some paprika can be spicy.  Potatoes are another vegetable that I buy organic.

As I’ve mentioned I serve several salads per week.  Often they’re simple: mixed greens with romaine and maybe some chopped fresh herbs.  I find that some kids prefer the less-bitter taste of romaine to some mesclun mixes, so I often blend romaine in to counter arugula, frisse and radicchio. Other times I add fresh bell peppers, carrots, celery, cucumbers, red cabbage, and/or avocados.  I believe we need a good supply of fresh raw vegetables (and different colored ones) in order to get the most nutrients.  They always go to school with carrots, cucumber and/or celery.  I also love a simple vinaigrette.  Just some oil, vinegar, mustard, salt and pepper can make a wonderful dressing (and when I’m pressed for time, I use Brianna’s).  You add a nice flavor, the oil helps get the nutrients to the blood and you don’t add many calories. 

You might notice from the photos we serve juice at times for dinner.  I buy only 100% juice (except lemonade) and we serve it if they had milk for lunch.  Otherwise it’s milk or water. 

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