Italian Dinner

Tonight I decided to try my own thing, since it's been a while....FABULOUS!  You must try it. = )

I did Italian breaded pork chops and a spinach, artichoke, tomato & mozzarella bread pudding.  Both turned out really good! I REALLY wanted to make a pie, but am ATTEMPTING to watch what I eat until Thanksgiving...so.....that didn't happen.  Here are my recipes from dinner.  Enjoy!

Italian Breaded Pork Chops
2-4 thin pork chops, bone in
Italian bread crumbs
flour
Parmesan cheese (from a can)
vegetable or olive oil for pan frying
salt/pepper

*Salt and pepper both sides of the pork chops.  Mix equal parts flour and breadcrumbs, adding in about 2-3 T. of the Parmesan cheese.  I do all this on a paper plate.  Dredge pork chops through mixture on both sides.  Heat oil to medium/high heat.  Once its nice and hot, place pork chops in, and cook on each side for about 2 minutes.

Spinach, Artichoke, Tomato & Mozzarella Bread Pudding
1 pkg. frozen spinach (thawed and drained)
1 can quartered artichoke hearts (drained)
1/3 C finely diced onion (white or yellow)
1 container Cherub Tomatoes
1 t. minced garlic
1 t. kosher salt
1/2 t. fresh ground pepper
1 C heavy cream
1 C milk
2 C shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 C Parmesan or Italian blend cheese
1 french baguette, diced into 1 inch cubes


*butter a 2 quart corning ware dish.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Place diced bread cubes in dish.  In a separate bowl mix together all the other ingredients, reserving 1 C of the mozzarella cheese.  Pour over bread, and mix together with your hands.  Sprinkle remaining cheese evenly over top.  Place in center of oven, on a center rack.  Bake for 35-40 minutes.