Apple Bayou Pork Chops

It’s the changing of the seasons here in Minnesota … sweartshirts are coming out of storage boxes, crops are being harvested and apple trees are loaded with fruit. A few years ago, my husband planted two apple trees in our backyard. Year 1: nothing. Year 2: an apple (yes … AN apple). It’s been a little slow going, but this year one of our trees practically collapsed under the weight of the multitude of apples it held. Finally!

Cooking with your own harvest is kinda cool, whether it’s from the garden or the orchard (if two apple trees counts as an orchard). I feel kind of Little House on the Prairie when I say to my daughter, “Go pick six apples, a bunch of basil and some tomatoes … I’m fixing dinner!” But whether you grow your own or visit your local market, it’s a bountiful harvest this time of year. So enjoy wonderful rewards of fall, pick some apples, play outside, and enjoy the comforts of home cooking!

j*a*N*e

Apple Bayou Pork Chops

Ingredients

Directions

For the chops: Preheat oven to 350. Blend Bayou Bourbon Glaze with the apple cider bourbon (if using). Place the chops in a baking dish; brush with the glaze on both sides. Bake the chops uncovered for about 1 hour, basting with more sauce frequently. For the apples: Core and slice the apples thinly (leave peel on). Melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium-low heat in a non-stick skillet. Add 1 tablespoon sugar and the apples; stir to coat. Dot with remaining butter and sugar. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, for about 15 minutes or until apples are tender and slightly translucent.

Tips and Hints

  • I used bone-in loin chops. I think bone-in chops are more tender than boneless, but you can use either for this recipe.
  • I basted about every 15 minutes. I also turned the chops over each time.
  • I drizzled the tops of the chops with some sauce – as they baked, the sauce thinned out, and they kind of braised in the sauce, which was nice.
  • We had some sauce left over, so I topped the chops with a little additional sauce at serving time.
  • We had the apples on the side, plus some sautéed summer squash. Delish!
  • My family loved these – everyone rated them a 6 on a 1-6 scale.
  • My husband took a leftover chop to work the next day, and he said it was just as good and possibly a little more tender than the day before. Yum!