Pork Chops and Golden Apple/Raisin Sauce

Ingredients

• 4 Golden Delicious apples, chopped

• 2 teaspoons lemon juice

• 2 ounces golden raisins, a handful

• 1-inch piece fresh ginger root

• 3 tablespoons light brown sugar

• 2 cups all natural apple juice or cider, plus a splash for pan sauce

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or olive oil, 2 turns of the pan

• 4 (1-inch) thick center cut boneless pork loin chops, 6 to 8 ounces each

• Salt and pepper

• 2 tablespoons butter

Directions

1.  Combine first 8 ingredients in a medium pot placed over medium high heat and cook until a chunky sauce forms, 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally. If sauce begins to spatter as it bubbles, reduce heat back a little, but it should be allowed to reduce and form quickly.

2. Once apples are soft and sauce forms, remove it from the heat.

3.  Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium high heat.

4.  Add oil to the pan. Season chops on 1 side with salt and pepper. Using a pair of tongs, add chops to hot skillet seasoned side down.

5. Season the opposite side of the chops with salt and pepper.

6. Brown and caramelize the chops 2 minutes on each side, then reduce heat to medium and cook another 5 to 6 minutes, turning occasionally, until juices run clear.

7. Remove chops from heat and let them rest a couple of minutes for juice to redistribute.

8. Deglaze the pan with a splash of apple juice and 2 tablespoons of butter.

9.  Pour pan sauce over chops.

10. Remove ginger from the sauce and top chops with generous portions of warm golden apple sauce.