Let’s all just admit that fall is hands down the best time of the year in our area. Trees show their beautiful colors, the weather is still nice and most weekends we can find families at the orchards picking pumpkins, bringing home fresh pressed apple cider and bushels of hand-picked apples. So let’s make the most of the season to make a delicious dinner.
This simple cider and apple pork chops highlight the best of the season, crisp apples and tart apple cider. Using thin pork chops means they cook quickly and evenly, leaving a crisp outside while the center stays juicy and tender. Deglaze the pan with apple cider then toss in the apple slices to soften slightly. Finish it off with a dash of heavy cream and top with slices of creamy muenster cheese.
Pair this meal with Year Round Brown from Grand Armory Brewing. It has the perfect name because brown ales are really great for year round drinking. However, they really shine when you couple them with hearty foods like roasted pork and beef dishes, stews, and smoked cheese dips.
For more satisfying food and beer pairings visit BottomLeftoftheMitten.com.
Simple Cider & Apple Pork Chops
Makes 5 serving
Ingredients:
5 boneless pork chops — I use thin sliced pork chops
¼ tsp pepper
½ tsp salt
2 Tbs olive oil
½ tsp dried rosemary
2 gala apples, cored and sliced
½ cup apple cider
2 Tbs heavy whipping cream
5 slices Muenster cheese
Simple Cider & Apple Pork Chops:
Take the pork chops and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and rosemary on both sides.
To a pan add 2 Tbs olive oil and heat to medium-high heat.
Add the pork chops to the pan and let cook for 3 to 4 minutes, depending on the cut of the chop.
While the pork chops cook, core and slice the apples.
Flip the pork chops and cook for another 3 minutes. They should be crispy on the outside and moist and juicy on the inside. Once they are cooked remove and add to a plate.
To the still hot pan, add the apple cider to deglaze the pan with a spoon.
Toss in the apples and sautée for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly softened.
Add the heavy whipping cream to the pan and stir to combine everything.
Place the pork chops back into the pan and top with slices of cheese.
Place a lid on top of the pan to melt the cheese for another 2 minutes.
Serve each pork chop with apples and cider gravy.
