Pork Chops with Apple, Plum and Date Vinegar Reduction

 

As you may have read in my previous post, my husband and I have learned a little bit about  how to properly butcher meat. One of the perks of taking the class was that you got to take home the meat that you butchered, so our freezer is now full of some great pork cuts, which we need to get through. To help us get started on this task I concocted this recipe using some of the fruits that did not get used from last week's grocery purchases, just an apple and some plums. Here is the recipe.

For the Pork Chops:

4 Large Bone-in Pork Chops

1-2 TBSP Olive Oil

3 Cloves of Garlic (minced or crushed to a paste)

In a large bowl combine the olive oil with the garlic. Place your pork in the bowl and coat it with the olive oil and garlic mixture.Allow the pork to sit in this mixture for at least 10 minutes.

Heat a large frying pan over medium high heat. Once the pan is hot place your pork chops in it and sear about 5 minutes on each side. Lower the heat cover the pan and allow to cook for another 5 to 10 minutes to allow the meat to fully cook through.

Remove the pork chops from the pan and let them rest. 

In the meantime use the fat and juices left in the pan for the reduction. Here is what you will need:

For the reduction:

1/2 Cup Chicken Stock

1 Large Apple (Cored and sliced into thin wedges. Gala preferable because of its sweetness)

2 Plums (Pitted and sliced into thin wedges)

1 1/2 tsp Date Balsamic Vinegar (if not available you can use fig balsamic)

As mentioned above you will use the juices left by the pork chops in your frying pan. Start by de-glazing your pan with the chicken stock over medium heat. 

Add in the apple and plums, cooking until they are soft and tender.

Add in the date balsamic and raise the heat slightly to allow the mixture to simmer. Allow it to reduce by 25 to 40 percent. When it coats the back of a spoon you are good to go.

To serve, simply put the fruit and a little bit of the reduction liquid on the plate. Place your pork chops on the fruit and drizzle the remaining reduction liquid on the pork chops. Accompany it with rice and a steamed vegetable and you are set.

Enjoy.