Pork Chops with Apples and a Side of Grits - YUM!

This is a wonderful recipe that I, once again, adapted from The Pioneer Woman.  It was so delicious!  So, let's get started.



Here are the ingredients you will need for the grits. Make those first.

You will need 4 slices of bacon, 1/2 cup of chopped onion, 1 cup grits, 1 cup of chicken broth, 1 cup of water, 1 cup of heavy cream (this really can be omitted), 1 cup grated cheese (whatever cheese you like or have on hand), cayenne and salt and pepper to taste. To begin, cut the bacon into small chopped pieces. Throw them into the pot, add onions, and cook for a few minutes.

Add grits, broth and water. Stir together and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and cook for about 30 minutes.

Now, let's start with the pork chops. Here is what you will need.

You will need pork chops, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon butter, 1 gala apple (diced), 1/4 cup of dry white wine, 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar, 1/2 cup maple syrup, dash of salt, pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil and butter and heat until butter is melted. Now, salt and pepper the chops on both sides. Brown them in the skillet, both sides, until golden brown. Place them on a separate dish for now.

Now, add apples to skillet and stir to combine with the oil and butter that remains in the pan. Pour in wine and vinegar and whisk along the bottom of the pan. Cook until the liquid is reduced by about half (5 minutes or so). Pour in the syrup and add a dash of salt and pepper. Stir and then return chops to the pan. Cover and cook on low for 20 minutes.

Now, take your grits and pour in the cream (again, optional). Taste and add salt, pepper and cayenne to taste. Remove from heat and add in your cheese. Now, serve up your chops on top of a serving of the grits and be sure to spoon in some of the apples and sauce from the pork chop pan. YUM!