Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 4 (1 1/2-inch thick) center cut pork chops
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup julienned yellow onions
  • 2 large golden delicious apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup Calvados or brandy
  • 1 1/4 cups chicken stock
  • 1/2 cup quartered pitted prunes
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • Mashed Sweet Potatoes, recipe follows
  • 4 large sweet potatoes (about 1 1/2 pounds)
  • 1 stick plus 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Method

  • In a large deep saute pan, heat the oil over medium-high heat.
  • Season the chops on both sides with salt and pepper.
  • Add to the pan and cook until browned on both sides, about 4 minutes.
  • Transfer to a plate to rest.
  • To the fat in the pan, add the onions and cook, stirring, until beginning to color, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the apples, rosemary, and garlic, and cook, stirring, for 1 minute.
  • Add the sugar and stir.
  • Add the Calvados and bring to a boil, stirring to deglaze the pan.
  • Add the stock and prunes and bring to a boil.
  • Return the chops and any accumulated juices to the pan, cover, and reduce the heat to medium-low.
  • Simmer until the pork and fruit are very tender and the pork reaches an internal temperature of 160 degrees F, about 30 minutes.
  • Remove the pork to a plate and cover to keep warm.
  • Add the cream to the pan and bring to a boil.
  • Cook, stirring occasionally until thickened, about 2 minutes.
  • Remove from the heat and adjust seasoning, to taste.
  • Pour any accumulated juices from the meat into the pan.
  • To serve, place the sweet potatoes in the middle of 4 plates and top with the chops.
  • Spoon the sauce over the chops, garnish with parsley, and serve.
  • Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
  • Place the potatoes on a roasting pan and roast until tender, 45 minutes to 1 hour.
  • Remove from the oven and let sit until cool enough to handle.
  • Peel the potatoes and place in a large mixing bowl.
  • Add the remaining ingredients and mash with a potato masher or heavy fork.
  • Cover to keep warm until ready to serve.
  • Yield: 4 servings