Pork Cordon Bleu

Prepare the classic Cordon Bleu using boneless pork chops. Serve this elegant dish with a Caesar salad, steamed asparagus and French bread.

Recipe Ingredients:

4 boneless pork chops, each about 4 ounces
2 ounces proscuitto or wafer-thin ham
2 ounces Swiss cheese, cut into 2 x 1/4-inch rectangles
1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 large egg, beaten with 1 teaspoon water
1/2 cup fine dry bread crumbs
2 teaspoons butter

Cooking Directions:

1. Slice each chop lengthwise almost in half to butterfly. Between two pieces of plastic wrap, pound each butterflied chop to 1/8-inch thickness. On half of each chop, place 1/2-ounce proscuitto and 1 piece of cheese. Sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon thyme. Roll chops to enclose filling. Coat with flour, dip in egg wash and roll in bread crumbs.
2. In large frying pan, melt butter. Add pork and cook 10 to 12 minutes, turning frequently to brown all sides.
3. Garnish with lemon wedges and parsley sprigs.

Makes 4 servings.

Nutritional Information Per Serving (1/4 of recipe): Calories: 371 calories;Protein: 32 grams; Fat: 16 grams; Sodium: 405 milligrams; Cholesterol: 135 milligrams; Saturated Fat: 7 grams; Carbohydrates: 23 grams; Fiber: 1 gram.

Recipe and photograph provided courtesy of National Pork Board.