Pan-Oven Pork Chops

I know it’s not good for me, but every now and then I get a craving for pork chops prepared in that seasoned breading that comes in a box; this recipe was created to help curb those cravings. My cupboard is always stocked with **homemade applesauce - this paired perfectly with the pork.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons grape seed oil
• 2 bone-in pork chops
• Salt and pepper

Directions

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Rinse pork chops, pat dry, and season with salt and pepper.

In an oven-safe sauté pan, heat oil over medium-high heat until almost smoking. Reduce heat to medium. Place chops in the pan and cook for 4 minutes. Flip chops over and place pan in oven to bake for 8 – 10 minutes.

Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Top with your favorite apple sauce.

**My applesauce is pretty simple: chopped/peeled apples in a stock pot over medium-low heat, a cinnamon stick, half of a whole nutmeg, and time. Let simmer all day or until it breaks down to desired consistency.

Meatloaf, Apple and Onion

Meatloaf is one of those universal comfort foods that take me back to cold weather, warm kitchens, and a homemade meal by Mom. But perhaps the way many of us grew up eating it wasn’t the healthiest with onion mix from a package, cheese, and loads of sugar-laden ketchup. In this version, the apple provides the much needed moisture. Paired with a little homemade ketchup for dipping kept this a true comfort food.

Ingredients

• 1 yellow onion – chopped
• 1 red delicious apple – diced
• 1 golden delicious apple – diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce*
• 3 pounds meatloaf mix (or 1 pound each ground beef, pork, veal)
• 2 eggs

Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

In a sauté pan over medium heat, cook the onion and apples in olive oil for about 10 minutes or until tender. Add the spices and Worcestershire sauce, combine well, and remove from the heat to cool.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the meatloaf mix, eggs, and cooled sauté mixture. Be prepared to use your hands to get all of the ingredients to combine well. Transfer your contents to an oversized baking dish and form into a loaf shape. Bake at 350 degrees for one hour, or until the internal temperature of the meatloaf reaches 155 degrees.

*Lea & Perrins® Worcestershire Sause is gluten free
http://www.leaperrins.com/products/the-original-worcestershire-sauce/nutrition.aspx

Sautéed Apples and Onions

This side dish pairs wonderfully with the Oven Roasted Pork.

Ingredients

• ½ cup homemade chicken broth
• 2 red delicious apples – thinly sliced
• 1 vidalia onion – thinly sliced
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions

In a non-stick sauté pan over medium heat, sauté the apples, onions and spices in the chicken broth. Stirring occasionally, for approximately 15 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and everything is tender.

Braised Cabbage with Apples

Ingredients

• 2 teaspoons “butter”
• 1 yellow onion – thinly sliced
• 1 ½ pounds granny smith apples – peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme – chopped
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 red cabbage (2 pounds) – quartered, cored, thinly sliced
• ½ cup chicken broth (and extra if needed)

Directions

In a large frying pan, or 4-quart sauce pan, over medium heat, melt “butter.” Add the onion, apples, thyme, and salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 5-6 minutes.

Add the cabbage and ½ cup of chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer and cover. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender, 15-20 minutes or according to taste. If the mixture starts to dry out, add a little more chicken broth.  If not serving right away, keep mixture covered and on low until ready.

***Works great as a side to your favorite pork dish.

Apple Cake

Main Ingredients

• 4 eggs
• 1 cup canola oil
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 cups flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• 4 teaspoons cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 5 apples – cored, peeled and thinly sliced

Topping

• 2 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Directions

In the first bowl, mix eggs, oil and sugar until combined. In a second bowl, combine flour, salt, baking powder, cinnamon, and vanilla. Add the two mixtures together, mix well. Fold in apples.

Pour into greased 9” x 13” pan. Sprinkle with topping.  Bake for 50-60 minutes in a 350 degree oven. Allow to cool before serving.