Apple Cider Glazed Pork Chops

Welcome to my culinary journey! Today, I want to share with you a recipe that holds a special place in my heart – Apple Cider Glazed Pork Chops. This dish takes me back to my childhood when my grandmother used to prepare it for our family gatherings. The combination of tender pork, tangy apple cider, and sweet glaze creates a symphony of flavors that simply melt in your mouth.

Now, let’s dive into the ingredients you’ll need to recreate this delightful dish:

Ingredients:

• 4 bone-in pork chops
• 1 cup of apple cider
• 1/4 cup of brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small saucepan, combine the apple cider, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Cook the mixture over medium heat until it starts to simmer. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Season the pork chops with salt and black pepper on both sides.
4. Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and sear the pork chops for about 3 minutes per side until they develop a golden brown crust.
5. Pour the apple cider glaze over the pork chops, making sure to coat them evenly.
6. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
7. Remove the skillet from the oven and let the pork chops rest for a few minutes before serving.
8. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves and serve the Apple Cider Glazed Pork Chops with your favorite side dishes like roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.

“Cooking is like love, it should be entered into with abandon or not at all.” – Harriet Van Horne

Variations and Tips:

• If you prefer boneless pork chops, you can use them instead of bone-in chops. Adjust the cooking time accordingly as boneless chops tend to cook faster.
• For a more intense flavor, marinate the pork chops in the apple cider glaze for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator before cooking them.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the taste. Rosemary or sage can be wonderful additions to this dish.
• If you don’t have access to apple cider, you can substitute it with apple juice, although the flavor might be slightly different.