Every month here at Semper Pot Pie, we have a drawing during our Facebook Live. The drawing is firstly to pick a menu item for the month, but secondly, it is to choose our next spotlight.
Today, we celebrate the remarkable journey of, Michael Cochran. Michael, the oldest of two children was born just days before Thanksgiving.
From his early years, marked by a lively spirit and keen intellect, it was evident that Michael possessed a thirst for knowledge and a natural curiosity about the world around him. As a child, he cared deeply about his friends and family. “Energetic, smart, and passionate, he would challenge teachers on information and I actually had them call me and let me know that he was correct and they were wrong. He loved when that happened!” Michael’s mother Sarah laughed as she recalled the memory.
Whether challenging his teachers with astute observations or immersing himself in the realms of science and technology, he approached every endeavor with enthusiasm and determination. Diverse interests, ranging from the adrenaline rush of archery and skateboarding to the immersive experiences offered by gaming kept his mind and body busy. Yet, amidst his varied pursuits, there was always a sense of camaraderie and loyalty to his friends and family that shone through.
While Michael’s childhood dreams may have included aspirations in science or technology, the notion of military service lingered in the background. When mentioned to his mother in elementary school, Sarah jokingly announced, “I would cut his toe off so he would have to stay here! I obviously did not manage to get that toe cut off!!” It was a path that he considered with both trepidation and excitement, ultimately embracing it with the same fervor that he approached everything else in life.
The decision to join the military took many by surprise, yet it was a choice fueled by a deep sense of duty and honor. Understandably, his parents Sarah and Kenneth were nervous but very proud. Leaving for the rigors of boot camp in 2023 and facing the challenges of MOS training in 29 Palms, CA, that same year, Michael faced each obstacle with resilience and fortitude, emerging stronger and more determined than ever before.
Although his family had fair warning that Michael may end up in Okinawa, (he was debating on the placement of Okinawa as a preferred duty station) his parents were stressed at the news of him being half a world away. Copious amounts of research and an hopeful visit this December has helped make the distance seem bearable. Assignment in Okinawa marked a new chapter in his journey, one filled with the promise of adventure and growth. Despite the distance from home, his spirit remains undaunted, fueled by the love and support of his family.
As he continues to serve his country with distinction, his commitment to excellence and selflessness serves as an inspiration to all who know him. Though his time in the military may be finite, the impact of his service will be enduring, a testament to the courage and dedication of a true patriot.
And amidst the challenges of deployment, there remains a constant reminder of home and comfort in the form of a simple pleasure: Domino’s pizza. It’s a small indulgence that serves as a reminder of the bonds that transcend distance and time. Luckily for Michael, Dominoes here in Okinawa is excellent. One may even say, better than the United States! Since we strive to deliver a little taste of home and Dominoes is covered, we worked with Sarah to come up with another favorite, Pork Chops and Rice!
Sarah told us all about their families favorite way to eat pork chops! Thin chops, pan fried with mushroom rice and green beans! And for the second time in a row, Snickerdoodle Bars! These are so popular lately that Snickerdoodle may make an appearance the next time we do a holiday cookie box!!
Ingredients
Pork Chops
The star of our show! Thin cut pork chops cook quicker and retain their juiciness!
Rice Pilaf
See our recipe for Instant Pot Rice Pilaf here. One half to one full recipe will be sufficient for this recipe depending on how much rice your family eats. For us, 1/2 was enough.
Cream of Mushroom Soup
One 10oz can of Cream of Mushroom Soup. Good ol’ Campbells is best here.
Beef or Chicken Stock
For us, we are choosing Better Than Bullion Beef Base. This beef base has a wonderfully deep flavor and tastes and lasts much longer than those rectangular cardboard cartons that you often see.
Fat
We use a combination of olive oil and butter for our pork chops. The olive oil helps raise the smoke point and the butter adds flavor.
Sour Cream
Just a touch of sour cream helps add some richness and a touch of tang.
Process
Rinse and dry the pork chops. Sprinkle one side of the rinsed and dried pork chops with salt and pepper.
Heat the skillet over medium high heat and add the olive oil and butter. Allow the butter to melt.
Pan fry the pork chops in a hot skillet with olive oil and butter.
Remove the pork chops from the pan and place on a clean plate. Drain any excess extra fat needed.
Add the mushroom soup, sour cream and beef base to the pan. Heat and whisk until just blended.
Add 1/2 – 1 cup of water whisking until desired thickness. Add pork chops back into gravy and bring to a simmer to ensure the pork chops are fully cooked.
Remove pork chops one last time and keep warm. If desired, remove a small amount of gravy to pour on top.
Add the rice pilaf into the pan and fold the rice in until just combined.
Serve immediately. With choice of vegetables and top with gravy if desired.
Quick and Easy Pork Chops with Mushroom Rice
Ingredients
- .5 Batch Rice Pilaf
- 2 Tbs Butter
- 2 Tbs Olive Oil
- 4 Each Pork Chops
- 1 Can Cream of Mushroom Soup 10oz
- .25 Cup Sour Cream
- 1 Tsp Beef Base Better Than Bouillon
- 1/2-1 Cup Water
Instructions
- Make the rice pilaf and keep warm.
- Rinse and dry the pork chops. Sprinkle salt and pepper on the pork chops.
- Heat a cast iron or heavy bottomed pan on medium/high heat. Add the olive oil and butter and cook until the butter is melted and starting to foam.
- Brown the pork chops on both sides and remove from the pan.
- Drain off excess oil and add the mushroom soup, sour cream, water and beef base to the pan. Whisk until smooth. Add the pork chops back to the pan and simmer 3-4 minutes to ensure the pork chops are fully cooked and the sauce is heated through.
- Remove the pork chops and some reserved sauce if desired.
- Add the rice pilaf to the pan and fold gently to combine.
- Serve immediately with vegetable of choice and top with some gravy if desired.
To our esteemed service member, Michael, your journey is a testament to the values of honor, courage, and sacrifice. We at Semper Pot Pie are so pleased to be able to bring this reminder of home and a reminder that your family that loves you and is so proud of you are and becoming. Enjoy!
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