L'Arte del Mangiare - The Art of Fine Dining

Braciola di Maiale Falcita con Salumi
(Stuffed Pork Chop w/ Spinach and Ham)

	2 tablespoons olive oil
	3 cloves garlic, chopped
	1.5 bag baby spinach
	1/2 teaspoon salt
	1/4 teaspoon black pepper
	1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
	1/4 pound capocollo (spicy Italian ham), cut into small dice
	1/4 pound provolone cheese, cut into small dice
	2 eggs, lightly beaten
	4 thick-cut (1 1/4 to 1 1/2 inches) pork chops for stuffing (about 2 to 2 1/2 pounds total)

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in large saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic; cook, stirring occasionally, 1 minute. Add spinach, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/8 teaspoon pepper and the Italian seasoning; cook, stirring, just until spinach is wilted, about 2 minutes. Remove the spinach mixture to a medium-size bowl; let cool completely. When cool, add the capocollo, provolone cheese and egg; gently stir to combine completely.

Place the pork chops on a flat work surface; cut a slit horizontally to the bone so chop can be opened like a book. Stuff each chop with 1/4 of the stuffing. (If freezing, wrap each chop tightly in freezer wrap, without toothpicks; freeze up to 1 month.) Secure chops with toothpicks.

To cook and serve: If chops are frozen, thaw in refrigerator overnight.

Preheat oven to 375 degree F.

Heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil in large skillet. Add chops; cook 2 minutes per side or until browned. Place chops in single layer in a baking dish just large enough to hold them. Sprinkle with remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Bake the chops in the oven for 15 minutes or until the internal temperature registers 155 degrees on an instant-read thermometer when inserted in the pork. Remove chops to a platter; cover with foil. Let stand 5 to 10 minutes in warm place before serving.