PORK CHOPS WITH CARAMELIZED APPLES

INGREDIENTS

4 pork chops, 1 1/2-inch thick
4 large New York Empire or Cortland apples,
cored, peeled and cut into wedges
2 teaspoons crushed dried thyme
1 1/2 teaspoons ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons butter
3/4 cup sugar

DIRECTIONS

Pat chops dry. In small bowl mix together thyme, pepper and salt; season both sides of chops; set aside. In large heavy skillet melt the butter with the sugar over moderately high heat; add the apples and sauté for 30-40 minutes, until apples begin to brown. Turn apples, cook for 5 minutes more, 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 onside, about 4 minutes; turn and brown other side, 4 minutes more. Keep turning chops every couple of minutes until just done (internal temperature will reach 155 degrees F).

Total cooking time for chops will be around 14-18 minutes. Serve chops with apples.

Makes 4 servings