My favorite thing to cook is pork chops, especially when I can give them time to get really flavorful and tender. I love starting by seasoning them generously with salt, pepper, garlic, and maybe a little smoked paprika, then letting them sit so the seasoning really sinks in. I like getting a good sear in a hot pan so the outside turns golden and caramelized while the inside stays juicy. Sometimes I finish them in the oven with a bit of butter, thyme, and maybe some sliced onions or apples so the pan fills with this warm, savory-sweet aroma. In the end, it’s that first bite—crispy edges, tender meat, and all the juices—that makes pork chops my favorite thing to cook.