The holidays can be a time of lots of family togetherness. Once the kids head back to school after winter break, doesn’t it feel a bit like we’re “back to the grind”? Sports, band practices or tutoring appointments pick back up. Work schedules resume. And those holiday parties and trips are over, so we have to get back to getting dinners on the table every night!

The great news is that just because the holidays are over, doesn’t mean you need to put family time on the back burner. Dinnertime is a great opportunity for families to connect with each other each dayand have a little eye contact and conversation (and disconnect from our gadgets for at least a little while!).

Because we know your time is limited, our friends at The Six O’Clock Scramble (Check them out and find out how to get 2 FREE weeks of meal planning HERE) wanted to share a recipe that is a snap to put together (it takes only 15 minutes start to finish!) and it’s a great way to corral your family to the table. Give these Pork Cutlets with Mushroom-Sherry Sauce a try (serve them with Israeli couscous and steamed peas). Even though the recipe is super quick to prepare, the flavors are reminiscent of a cozy French restaurant in the Alps…(well, maybe I’m still wishing we were on vacation).

Pork Cutlets with Mushroom-Sherry Sauce

Prep + Cook = 15 minutes

4 servings

This simple, elegant meal will make your family feel like they are eating in a fine

French restaurant! Serve it with Israeli couscous and steamed peas.

1 Tbsp. butter or margarine

4 thin pork cutlets, or use turkey cutlets or thin steaks, cut crosswise into 2

pieces

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. black pepper

2 shallots, finely chopped

8 oz. sliced mushrooms

1/4 cup sherry

1 tsp. Dijon mustard

(If you are making the couscous, start it first.) In a large heavy skillet, preferably cast iron, melt 1/2 the butter or margarine over medium-high heat. Season the pork with salt and pepper to taste, and add it to the skillet. Cook it for 2 – 3 minutes per side until it is lightly browned (don’t overcook or it will get rubbery).

(Meanwhile, prepare the peas, if you are serving them.) Remove the pork to a plate and set it aside. Melt the remaining butter in the skillet, and add the shallots. Let them cook for 1 minute until they are fragrant, and then add the mushrooms. Cook them for about 3 minutes until they start to brown and shrink, season them with salt and pepper, then add the sherry and mustard. Continue cooking for 2 – 3 more minutes, and then add the meat and its juices back to the pan. Serve it immediately.

Slow Cooker Directions: Combine the salt, pepper, sherry and mustard in the slow cooker, and stir until the mustard has (mostly) dissolved.  Add shallots and mushrooms, then top with pork cutlets.  Cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours.

Do Ahead or Delegate:  Cut and refrigerate the pork, chop the shallots. Tip:  Avoid immersing mushrooms in water to clean them.  They are like sponges and will absorb water if put in a bowl to soak.  Some better alternatives are to clean them with a damp towel or a soft vegetable brush.

Scramble Flavor Booster: Use spicy or grainy Dijon mustard in the sauce, and season the cutlets with extra black pepper.

Side Dish suggestion: Prepare the couscous according to the package directions, using water, broth or bouillon. For a delicious optional preparation of Israeli couscous, heat the olive oil in a medium stockpot.  Add the couscous, and toast it in the oil until it is light brown, stirring frequently, 3 – 5 minutes.  Meanwhile, in the microwave or another small pot, heat 3 parts chicken or vegetable broth and 1 part orange juice (use the total amount of liquid directed on the package).  Add the liquid to the pot with the couscous, bring it to a boil, cover and simmer it for the directed amount of time, until all the liquid is absorbed.  Remove it from the heat, stir the couscous immediately to loosen the grains, and cover it until you are ready to serve it.

ANYONE ELSE STARVING NOW???

For more quick and delicious recipes, our favorite resource is the The Six O’Clock Scramble online family meal planning service. IS one of your New Year’s resolutions to prepare REAL meals for your family?

The Scramble helps busy moms (and dads) put wholesome, healthy meals on the table each night. The Scramble saves time, money and (most importantly!) your SANITY. The Scramble does the thinking for you and sends you weekly dinner plans (that you can customize based on your family’s preferences and dietary restrictions) and a customizable grocery list. The recipes are family-friendly, quick, delicious, and easy to follow. PLUS you can get a FREE 14 day trial. Don’t like it? No obligation. We LOVE free.

If you think you could benefit from a meal planner with awesome recipes, now is a great time to give The Scramble a try. In January, they are offering a New Year’s special— anyone who signs up for a free trial will receive 3 bonus E-books!

Click here to start your free trial now. 

Enjoy your new year of meal prep and family time!