Pork Chops with Caramelized Apples
Caramelizing is a cooking process that brings out the sugars in a food. In this popular pork chop recipe the caramelized apples accent the tender juiciness of the pork. Delicious with mashed potatoes and a fresh green vegetable.
Serves: 4
Cook Time: 45 Minutes
Ingredients
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4 Smithfield Boneless Pork Chops (1 1/2-inch-thick)
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2 t. crushed thyme leaves
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1 1/2 t. black pepper
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1/2 t. salt
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6 T. butter
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3/4 c. sugar
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4 large tart apples cored peeled and cut into wedges
Steps
Pat chops dry; mix together thyme, pepper and salt and season both sides of chops. Set chops aside. In a large heavy skillet melt the butter with the sugar over moderately high heat; add the apples and sauteé the mixture for 30 to 40 minutes or until the apples begin to brown. Turn the apples and cook them for 5 minutes more or until they are golden brown and the sauce is thickened. Remove from heat and keep warm. Heat another heavy skillet over medium-high heat; brush with a little vegetable oil. Add chops and brown on one side about 4 minutes; turn and brown the other side 4 minutes more. Keep turning chops every couple of minutes until just done. Total cooking time for chops will be around 12 to 15 minutes. Serve chops with apples.
Serving Suggestions
Serve southern-style mashed potatoes and green beans.
Recipe and photo courtesy of the National Pork Board. For more information visit www.porkbeinspired.com
