Autumn and the holiday season are special times at Dollywood Parks & Resort in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. I heard an interview in which Dolly Parton talked about having so many happy memories growing up in the fall, in the Smoky Mountains. She said that the Smokies have one of the largest assortments of trees in the United States and so autumn is very colorful there – including in the park. Here’s a recipe for Pork Chops with Jalapeño Bacon Jam, courtesy of Dollywood’s Executive Chef Rudy Torres, that encompasses the warm, rich tones and flavors of the season. It’s served at the park’s Harvest Festival which runs through Halloween. You can expect to enjoy similarly delicious things during Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Festival. Stay tuned for more information writer Kathy Witt will be sharing with us on that! Meanwhile, enjoy this recipe, served at the Front Porch Café.

Looks delicious, doesn’t it? Dollywood’s Center-Cut Pork Chop with Jalapeño Bacon Jam photo courtesy Dollywood.

Dollywood’s Center-Cut Pork Chops with Jalapeño Bacon Jam

Recipe courtesy Dollywood’s Executive Chef Rudy Torres

Dollywood’s Executive Chef Rudy Torres was kind enough to provide us with this recipe. Photo courtesy Dollywood.

Serves 10 people

Ingredients:

5lb. Pork Chops – 8 oz. ea.

Brine:

1/4 cup Kosher salt

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1/2 gallon water

Bacon Jalapeño Jam:

1/2 cup caramelized diced onion

1/4 cup roasted jalapeños

1/2 cup diced smoked bacon

2 TBS roasted garlic

1 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar

1 cup brown light cane sugar

Method: 

Bacon Jalapeño Jam: Place apple cider vinegar and brown sugar in medium sauce pan over medium heat. Stir often. Cook until reduced volume by half. Add in other ingredients: caramelized onions, roasted jalapeños, roasted garlic and diced smoked bacon. Cook over medium heat, stirring often until the liquid begins to thicken.

Pork Chops: Combine sugar, salt and water to make the brine. Soak the pork chops in the brine for about four hours and grill. Top with bacon jalapeño jam.

To learn more about visiting Dollywood Parks & Resort and their upcoming events, visit their website.

Hungry for more than just this recipe for pork chops with jalapeño bacon jam? Learn more about Tennessee’s food scene with other Real Food Traveler articles, like this one about a unique pizza place, and this guide to Nashville for Food Lovers.

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