This time of year, it seems like we're asked to simultaneously slow down and speed up. Recipes for slow-cooked braises and yeast-risen baked goods are everywhere. But then we're also grabbing quick snacks as we rush out the door for another jam-packed day. The happy middle ground? A warm, satisfying, and surprisingly quick pork chop dinner.

Pork chops are a tender cut of meat and don't require a very long cooking time. The easiest preparation is simply cooking them in a pan over medium heat on the stovetop. Seven or so minutes on each side should do it. Then you can quickly sauté some vegetables or make a pan sauce to serve on top.

Take a look at these recipes for some dinner-time inspiration:

• Sautéed Pork Chop with Sage-Cider Cream Sauce from Gourmet
• Pork Chops with Apricot-Almond Stuffing from Martha Stewart
• Garlic-Miso Pork Chops from Bon Appétit
• Beer-Brined Pork Chops with Onion Marmalade from Sunset Magazine
• Thyme-Rubbed Pork Chops with Pesto from Serious Eats

How do you like your pork chops?

Related: Cooking Tip: Quick Brine for Pork Chops

(Image: Romulo Yanes/Gourmet)