Greek Rubbed Pork Chops

Life is too short and you're never promised tomorrow. Recently, I found out my childhood friends who I grew up with lost their dad. They were a great family and I have so many fond memories as a kid with them as neighbors who lived directly across the street. For years, they were like an extension of my immediate family because we'd share whatever we had from toys, food, clothes, etc. It was awesome. Our childhood together was filled with basketball games in our driveway with other neighborhood kids, watching the boys on our street doing tricks on their skateboards, blasting house or freestyle music while we experimented with crazy hairstyles involving cans of Aquanet hairspray, etc. Ah... fun times. And when I heard the news that their dad passed away, all those memories came flooding back. It's another sign that we won't live forever and we should cherish the time we do have with loved ones while we can. Because my neighbors gave me my first introduction to Greek culture and cuisine as a child, I'm dedicating these Greek Rubbed Pork Chops to the 'K' family. These pork chops getting a loving rub down of lemon juice, Worcestershire, oregano, thyme, garlic, mustard and other seasonings to absorb the flavors before baking up in the oven...

There were three children in the family... Analie was the eldest and the coolest chick I knew because she was all about the latest fashion, who knew how to use makeup like a rockstar and was like the big sister I never had. Mary was a year older than me who gave me the brutal honesty I needed whenever I needed it about boys, friends, school, and everything else I confided her with, which I love about her. She would also share the cool things she learned from her sister and pass them on to me! And there's Johnny who is the same age as me and I always thought of him as another brother. With all the time he spent with my own brother playing video games and doing whatever boys do, he was always one to be a trend setter whether it came to skateboarding, biking, or his absolute favorite, golfing. Together, we had quite a fun childhood and I'm lucky to have had them as neighbors.

Another thing I remember were the times where I got to try baklava, moussaka, dolmades, and a few other things their dad cooked up. It saddened me to hear of their loss and I'm keeping their family in my thoughts and prayers. I hope they can find peace in this difficult time knowing their dad provided such happy memories to remember him by. Mr. K certainly did for me and I can't help but smile when I think of him. Thank you K family, for being a part of my childhood...

Greek Rubbed Pork Chops

recipe adapted from Taste of Home

2 tablespoons olive oil
4 teaspoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
4 boneless pork loin chops (about 3/4 inch thick and 4 ounces each)


In a large resealable plastic bag, add the pork and the remaining ingredients. Seal the bag and turn to coat the pork chops completely. Chill the pork chops in the bag in the refrigerator for 8 hours or overnight. 

Remove the pork chops from the bag and place onto a baking sheet. Discard marinade.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 

Bake pork chops in preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, depending on thickness, or until a thermometer reads 145°. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.