Fennel-Brined Pork Chops

I made this recipe as written, except I couldn't find fresh fennel and had to just use seeds. While this isn't a budget friendly recipe (Sambuca was $18 and I used nearly 1/2 bottle of fennel seeds), it tasted great and is definitely worthy of a special dinner. I made it with roasted vegetables and herbed potatoes. Delicious!

This recipe is a consistent go-to for both weeknights and entertaining in my household. The flavor is great, and because the chops are brined, it is very forgiving if you cook it too long. My young kids love this as much as the adults. For dinner parties, I usually go all out with the fennel theme and make the CL fennel salad with oranges and olives (Oct. 2011). Give it a try!