Bone-In Pork Chops with Apples

 4-8 (10-12 oz) bone in pork chops

5 Fuji apples, peeled and cut into thin slices (like for a pie)

1 Granny Smith apple, peeled and cut into thin slices

4 Tbsp melted butter

1/4 cup sugar

1/4 cup brown sugar

1 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp salt

1 tbsp corn starch

4-6 springs thyme

salt and pepper

In a large bowl add butter, sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon salt and corn starch to the sliced apples.  Pour into a casserole dish or a 9x13 pan and bake in a 375 degree oven for 45 minutes.  ( mix the apples in the oven every 15 minutes).  With 20 minutes left in the baking process start the pork chops.

Season each pork chop with salt and pepper.  Using a Cast Iron Skillet add 2 Tbsp olive oil and set on high heat.  When it starts to smoke add the pork.  Make sure they are not touching.  Will need to do 2 batches if cooking more than 4.  Turn down the heat to medium/low.

Add 2-3 pats of butter to the pan along with the pork chops for added flavor.  Add 4-6 thyme springs.  Cook for 6-7 minutes per side.  Baste it with the drippings to soften it up and flavor it.  Set aside the browned pork chops. 

To serve plate the pork chops and top with the cooked apples.  Sprinkle with small thyme leaves for a garnish.  

Recipe: Chef Billie Parisi