Ingredients

  • 22 saltine crackers, finely crushed
  • 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt, divided, plus more for seasoning
  • 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided, plus more for seasoning
  • 3/4 teaspoon Emeril's Original Essence, recipe follows
  • 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 2 large eggs
  • 3 cups plus 1/3 cup whole milk
  • 8 boneless breakfast pork chops (small, thin cuts, about 1/4-inch thick each)
  • 2 to 2 1/2 cups vegetable oil
  • 8 ounces cooked and crumbled andouille sausage
  • Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes, recipe follows
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons paprika
  • 2 tablespoons salt
  • 2 tablespoons garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon dried thyme
  • 2 pounds Idaho potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 1/4 cups buttermilk
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Method

  • In a shallow bowl combine the crushed crackers, 3/4 cup of flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, Essence, and baking powder.
  • In a separate small bowl, whisk together the eggs and 1/3 cup of milk.
  • Season pork chops lightly with salt and freshly ground pepper on both sides.
  • Dust pork chops, one at a time, with the cracker-flour mixture and then dip in the egg mixture.
  • Dredge pork chops with the cracker-flour mixture a second time, pressing to coat, and shaking off any excess flour.
  • Heat the oil to 375 degrees F in a large skillet with 2-inch deep sides.
  • (The oil should be about 1/4-inch deep.)
  • Add the pork chops to the preheated oil, being careful not to over-crowd the pan.
  • Pan-fry the chops for 2 minutes, or until golden brown.
  • Turn the pork chops and cook an additional 2 to 3 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
  • Place the pork chops on a paper towel-lined plate and keep warm while you make the gravy.
  • Carefully discard most of the oil from the pork chops, reserving 2 tablespoons plus any browned bits in the bottom of the skillet.
  • Heat the oil over medium-low and add the andouille sausage, stirring until warmed through and fragrant.
  • Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of the flour to the oil-sausage mixture, stirring constantly to keep from burning, about 2 minutes.
  • In a slow, steady stream, add the remaining 3 cups of milk, 1/2 cup at a time, whisking continuously.
  • Bring the gravy mixture to a simmer, and cook 8 to 10 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
  • Season the gravy with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt and remaining 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper.
  • Serve immediately over chicken fried pork chops and buttermilk mashed potatoes.
  • Combine all ingredients thoroughly.
  • Yield: 2/3 cup
  • Recipe from "New New Orleans Cooking", by Emeril Lagasse and Jessie Tirsch, published by William and Morrow, 1993.
  • Place the potatoes in a medium pot and cover with cold water by 1-inch.
  • Bring to a boil, and reduce heat to medium-low.
  • Simmer, uncovered, until the potatoes are fork tender, 15 to 20 minutes.
  • Drain potatoes in a colander.
  • Return the potatoes to the cooking pot and add the buttermilk, butter, salt, and black pepper.
  • Mash with a potato masher or heavy fork until fluffy, about 4 minutes.
  • Adjust seasonings with salt and pepper, to taste.
  • Place potatoes in an ovenproof dish and cover with aluminum foil.
  • Place mashed potatoes in a low (275 degree F) oven to keep warm until ready to serve with the pork chops.