Here is an interesting dish that can be prepared in many ways. If you don’t have time to make your own applesauce, you can use the bottled ones. I myself am guilty of that and sometimes the taste grows on you and it becomes addicting, despite this I still recommend using fresh apples.

Ingredients:

For the pork chops

2 cups milk

3 teaspoons salt

8 (1/2-inch-thick) pork chops (2 lbs)

1 tablespoon minced garlic

2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary or 1/2 teaspoon dried, crumbled

2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried, crumbled

2 to 3 tablespoons vegetable oil

2 to 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
For the applesauce

3 lb mixed green and red apples of your choice

1/4 cup water

3 tablespoons sugar

1 tablespoon cider vinegar

1 bay leaf

1/4 teaspoon ground allspice

Dash of cinnamon

Place the milk, salt and lemon juice in a shallow dish. Mix well. Marinate the pork chops in this mixture. Cover and chill for at least 1 hour. Turn at least once. You can also place the chops and the marinade in a resealable bag, for better absorption.

While marinating the pork chops, you can prepare the applesauce. Set aside 1/2 of a red apple and ½ of a green apple for garnish (optional). Peel and core the apples. Chop them coarsely or in cubes. In a heavy saucepan or Dutch oven, combine the water, sugar, cider vinegar, bay leaf and cinnamon. Add the apples and bring it to a boil. Lower the heat and let it simmer, stir occasionally. Cover and cook until the apples are very soft. After, discard the bay leaf and mash the apples.

If you want to marinate the pork chops in the applesauce: add the salt, thyme, rosemary and garlic to the applesauce mixture and remove the pork chops from the milk mixture and transfer it to the applesauce for another hour up to overnight. Keep refrigerated. After marinating, you can grill or fry them in oil and butter.

If you want to serve the chops with applesauce: season the chops with salt, garlic rosemary and thyme. Then fry it in a skillet or grill it for 5-8 minutes per side, until it turns brown. You may glaze it with some applesauce while cooking.

Serve warm with vegetables, rice or potatoes. Garnish with sliced apples if desired.

Photo Courtesy Of: Laurel Fan