A Fall Feast with Spiced Pork Chops, Apple Chutney, and Blasted Brussels Sprouts

Plus: Chocolate Pudding and Lots of Links.

Hey Thursday friends,

On Sunday night, I had some friends over for dinner and decided to go all-in on autumn. Yes, those are decorative gourds on the table (it is, after all, decorative gourd season motherf***ers) and even my table runner is getting into the spirit with falling leaf shades of orange, brown, and red.

As for the food, I started with dessert first. What’s a cozier fall dessert than chocolate pudding? It has back-to-school vibes and it’s a cinch to make. Here’s the TikTok/Reel that I made of the process (recipe from Simply Recipes):

@amateurgourmetOne of my favorite dinner party desserts is this recipe from Simply Recipes. Chocolate pudding is cozy but can also be fancied up with good chocolate and a shot of espresso. #chocolate #pudding #desserts #whippedcream #cooking #fyp #dessert #dinnerparty #sweets #dairy

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As for the rest, I started the night before: seasoning bone-in pork chops from McCall’s Meat and Fish with lots of salt, a few pinches of sugar (to help them brown), and toasted/crushed coriander seeds, fennel seeds, and black peppercorns. On to a rack they went to dry brine for 24 hours. (You can see the chocolate puddings in their vintage ramekins on the top shelf!)