Name: Black Barbecue Pork Chops with Thumbelina Carrots
Cook time: 1 1/2
Total time: 3 1/2
Yield: Makes 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon unsalted butter; 1/2 teaspoon olive oil; 2 cups chopped onion (about 1/2 pound); 7 garlic cloves, 5 chopped and 2 left whole, divided; 1 fresh jalapeño, finely chopped, including seeds; 1/4 cup raisins; 1/4 cup bourbon; 1/4 cup strong brewed coffee; 1/4 cup cola; 1/4 cup ketchup; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar; 1 tablespoon molasses (preferably blackstrap); 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 tablespoon Korean black bean paste; 1 ounces bittersweet chocolate (60 to 70% cacao), chopped; 1 1/2 teaspoons dry mustard; 1 teaspoon ground allspice; 1 teaspoon cayenne; 1/2 teaspoon hot smoked paprika (pimentón picante); 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lime juice; 2 tablespoons Asian sesame oil; 6 (1 1/4-to 1 1/2-inch-thick) bone-in rib pork chops (about 4 pounds total), frenched if desired; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 12 Thumbelina carrots or other baby carrots (2 bunches; about 1 pound), trimmed; 1/4 cup dry vermouth; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; Kosher salt to taste

Image may contain Glass Animal Seafood Food Sea Life Lobster Invertebrate Insect Goblet Confectionery and Sweets

Black Barbecue Pork Chops with Thumbelina CarrotsJohn Kernick

Based on depth rather than tanginess or sweetness, Lee's signature black barbecue sauce is a cultural interaction that includes the thin, Worcestershire sauce—like "dip" for mutton ribs found in and around Owensboro, Kentucky; red-eye gravy; an earthy mole; and brothy, robust kalbi, the braised short ribs of Korea. The melting pot, as they say, simmers on.

Cooks' notes:

•Pork chops can be marinated up to 5 hours.
•Barbecue sauce keeps chilled, 1 month.

Recipe notes

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.

Chocolate Guinness Cake

A generous glug of stout gives this snackable loaf a malty depth.

Apple-Walnut Charoset

A warmly spiced Ashkenazi charoset, perfect for your Passover seder—or spooned over yogurt the next morning.

Golden Mushroom Soup With Orzo & a Pat of Butter

This is the type of soup that, at first glance, might seem a little…unexciting. But you’re underestimating the power of mushrooms, which do the heavy lifting.

Hot Honey–Glazed Salmon

This broiled hot honey salmon recipe results in sweet, spicy, glossy fish coated in a homemade hot honey glaze for an easy weeknight dinner or make-ahead lunch.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Classic French Vinaigrette

Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.

Easy Banana Bread Recipe

Our go-to banana bread recipe is moist, nutty, and incredibly easy to make.