One-Dish Pork Chops and Applesauce

This recipe was provided by Coombs Family Farms, a small seventh-generation family farm in Vermont that has been producing 100% pure maple syrup since 1840. Maple syrup and apples pair beautifully with pork, and this recipe couldn't be any easier. By sauteing and then baking the apples and onions, you get a deliciously sweet and caramelized applesauce to serve over your pork chops. The balsamic vinegar keeps this dish from getting too sweet. The recipe calls for bone-in chops, but I think you could use boneless butterfly chops just as well - simply adjust the cooking time accordingly. One-Dish Pork Chops and Applesauce

One-Dish Pork Chops and Applesauce

Ingredients ~
4 thick center cut pork chops, bone-in
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
salt and pepper
1/2 large onion, chopped
2 large apples, cored, peeled and sliced
2 tablespoons organic maple syrup
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon dried thyme

Preparation ~
Preheat oven to 350°F. Salt and pepper both sides of chops.

Melt one tablespoon of butter in large, oven-proof casserole. Brown chops at high heat, about one minute per side. Remove chops and set aside.

Reduce heat to medium low and melt remaining tablespoon of butter in same casserole. Add onion and apples and saute until onions are transparent, about two minutes.

Add syrup, vinegar and thyme and reduce heat to low for another five minutes.

Return chops to casserole and cover. Place in oven for 20 minutes or until pork is cooked through.

Add salt and pepper to taste and serve chops with applesauce spooned over the top.

Recipe Notes ~
If your sauce isn't thick enough after it comes out of the oven, remove the pork chops and reduce it on the stove top for about three extra minutes.

We used Coombs Family Farms organic maple syrup for this recipe. Read more about it at GourmetByMail.com.