It's not that it's Matt's favorite, or that he's renowned for the entrée. It's just that it was the first meal that Matty made for us (in his wee-tiny Columbus apartment). He makes it fairly frequently and he makes it well.

Tender, succulent pork chops and magnificent smashed potatoes. Heaven on a plate.

There's no real "recipe" for either of these items, it's kind of a taste-and-go thing. Bonez developed both of these and they're pure genius.

Pork Chops à la Matt

• 2 pork chops
• 1 pkg dry onion soup mix

1. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Sprinkle some of the onion soup mix on both sides of the pork. Do not use all of the package, as that would be way too salty. Less than half is plenty.
3. Sear the chops for 3 minutes on each side.
4. Turn the heat down to medium and cover; cook an additional 5 minutes, or until done.

Served up with these smashed potatoes, this is a meal fit for... well, me. Please note that these are mashed potatoes, not diet food. Mashed potatoes are meant to be full of scrumptious fats and creams, not to be healthy. There's no substitution for the flavors. My advice to dieters: don't eat mashed potatoes. Simple, huh? ;-)

Matty's Smashed Potatoes

A quick snippet about potatoes: any potato will do. Goldens work well, as do reds, but but these can be made with most any 'tater. And I use about half of a 5 lb. bag. That leaves you with plenty of leftovers (bonus).

• potatoes, washed and cubed (approx 1-2") and leave the skins on, it's the best part!
• 3 cloves garlic, smashed
• 4 Tbl. butter
• 2 Tbl. cream cheese
• 1/4 c. milk
• salt and pepper

1. Bring potatoes, garlic and enough water to cover them to a boil. Spray a bit of cooking spray, like Pam®, to keep the pot from boiling over. Cover and cook for 20-30 minutes, or until done. (Check tenderness with a fork.)
2. Remove from heat and drain. Place back in pot.
3. Add the butter, cream cheese, and milk; mixing with a masher as you go. (These are better served clumpy, not smooth.) Add salt and pepper, as you like.
4. Continue mixing in the three dairy items as you see fit. The actual amounts are a mystery, as they seem to change every time. Taste them and make it how you'd like YOUR potatoes.

Oh, and we tried canned peas... a big YUCK! Too bad we didn't have applesauce. [imagine "pork chops and applesauce" in a peter brady/bogart voice]

I like my peas with honey; I've done it all my life. It may seem kind of funny, but it keeps them on the knife.

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