Seared Pork Chops with Kumquat Chocolate Topping

Ingredients:

1 cup brine from Kumquat Ferment
2 pork chops
1 Tablespoon lard, butter, or coconut oil for cooking
Sea salt, to taste
Freshly ground pepper, to taste

Serves 2

For the Kumquat Chocolate Topping:
Part One -

1/2 cup raw walnuts
1 Tablespoon cocoa powder
1 clove garlic, peeled
1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
1/8 teaspoon sea salt
2 Tablespoons Kumquat Ferment brine

Part Two-

5 - 6 kumquats from Kumquat Ferment, chopped
1 sprig fresh dill or parsley, finely chopped
1 Tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

Directions:

1. Marinade the chops in the fermented kumquat brine for 24 - 48 hours.
2. When ready to cook, remove chops from brine and pat dry with paper towel. Discard the brine.
3. Make the Kumquat Chocolate Topping Part One by placing the ingredients in a food processor or mortar & pestle and blend or mash into a rough paste. Set aside.
4. Make Part Two by mixing the chopped kumquats and fresh herb together. Set aside.
5. Heat a cast-iron skillet on high heat, add in oil, and place the chops into the pan. Lightly season with salt & pepper.
6. Allow the chops to cook on one side for about 2 minutes, then turn them over, and season the flipped side. Lower the heat to medium.
7. Cover the pan and cook for another 8 - 10 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 155 degrees F.
8. Top each chop with a portion of the Kumquat Chocolate Topping.

Enjoy this meal with the Cultured Kumquat Cocktail. Why not more kumquat, right?