From the cookbook, "Harlem Really Cooks" by the late Harlem historian and gourmand Sandra Lawrence. "Obie" was a friend of hers who owned a nightclub/restaurant and smothered chops were one of the many specialties made there. The use of pancake mix in lieu of plain flour gives this dish a slight sweetness along with the sugar as well. The only change I made was the addition of mushrooms to the gravy. Serve with recipe #299114 - I hope you like it. And please, do buy the book.
*Note: If you don't eat pork for religious or health reasons, turkey chops are a fine substitute.
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the chops into the skillet. Brown the chops on both sides. Remove from the skillet and place in a roasting pan.
04In the skillet, now saute the onions and mushrooms with the salt, pepper and sugar until slightly browned.
05Stir in the flour until absorbed. Gradually add the boiling water, stirring constantly, until the gravy thickens and boils.
06Place chops in the pan; cover tightly with heavy-duty aluminum foil. Bake for 1 hour and twenty minutes; the chops and gravy should be a rich golden brown.
07Place chops on a serving platter; either place gravy on top, or strain through sieve and put gravy in a gravy boat; skim fat off top and serve.