Food Fridays: 25-minute dinner

So now that I've joined a gym, my goal has been to hit it up after work Monday through Thursday, and once during the weekend. Working out after work means I don't usually get home until 6:30 or 7. And by the time I shower and make dinner, it's often 8 pm before I get the chance to eat! Now, I'm used to eating about two hours earlier, so I'm usually ravenous by the time 8 pm rolls around. So I've had to come up with some meals that are fast and easy to prepare, but still healthy (since I wouldn't want to negate my hard work with a greasy cheeseburger or pizza). The other night, I made this.



Easy, delicious and (as long as your pork is thawed properly, fast.

You will need (for two people):
- four small boneless pork chops
- packet of dry ranch dressing
- small fistfull of fresh asparagus
- good olive oil (I used Giant Eagle's bulk Arbequina oil)
- half a box of egg noodles
- butter or margarine
- salt and pepper

Preheat your oven to 350. Set a pot of water on the stove over high heat and bring to a boil. Also heat a little butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.

While those are warming up, sprinkle your chops liberally with the dry ranch dressing. You don't need to coat them, and you probably won't use the whole packet, but get a good dusting on there for flavor. When the oil in the skillet is warm, add the chops and sear for 2-3 minutes per side (depending on how thick the cut is).

While that's searing, drizzle a cookie sheet with the good olive oil. Add the asparagus and toss to coat. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.

When the chops have seared on both sides, add them to another cookie sheet or baking pan. Pour the leftover butter over the chops, then stick the chops and the asparagus in the oven. Set the timer for 15 minutes.

By now, your water should be boiling. Add a good amount of salt to the water. When the oven timer has about seven or eight minutes left, add the noodles and cook till al dente. Drain, then stir in some butter or margarine and serve with the chops and asparagus.

Bam! Fast (about 20-25 minutes) easy, delicious, semi-healthy (hey, I like my butter and oil okay?) dinner. So good!