Thursday, February 9, 2012

simple suppers

Dear Kristin,

Sometimes simpler is better. Not that I have anything against - what did you call it - a cranberry gastrique? (In your cedar plank chicken recipe), but I'm more of an Ocean-Spray-gelled-cranberry-sauce-out-of-the-can kind of girl. Don't forget, I was raised on Chef Boyardee.

We had a really busy weekend, and were looking forward to something quick & easy for Sunday supper. Pork chops are always quick. They can be rather bland, though, so they really need a bit of "something" to liven them up - a mustard glaze, or in this case, a topping of caramelized onions and apples. I guess this is my version of the pork chops & applesauce my mom used to make. It may not be cosmo-culinary chic, but it sure tastes good going down!










pork chops with caramelized onions and apples

2 pork chops, about 3/4"-1 " thick (I used center-cut, but I'm sure loin cut would work just as well)
1 large red onion, sliced about 1/4" thick(if you really like onions, you can use more)
1 large or 2 small apples (use apples that are crisp and tart - I used Jonagold)
3 Tbsp.. butter
1/2 tsp. Kosher salt (plus more for seasoning meat)
1/4 tsp. freshly ground pepper (plus more for seasoning meat)
3 Tbsp. white wine (I used pinot grigio)
2 Tbsp.. fresh sage, minced
4 Tbsp.. extra virgin olive oil, divided

Melt butter in large, heavy skillet. Add onions and cook on medium for 10 minutes. Do not brown. Add apple slices, salt and pepper. Continue cooking over medium or medium low heat for another 20 minutes, or until onions are caramelized. Add wine and cook for three minutes more.

Meanwhile, rub chops on both sides with 2 Tbsp. olive oil. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Rub sage leaves into both sides of the meat.

When onion mixture is done, remove to serving platter and keep warm. Add 2 Tbsp. olive oil to the same pan and bring to medium heat. Place pork chops in pan, and cook about 4 minutes per side, being careful not to overcook. Top with onion mixture and serve.

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