Apple Sage Pork Chops

Cold weather calls for comfort food. Apple sage pork chops are really great comfort food without being too terribly indulgent. This is also a quick weeknight meal to add to your repertoire, especially if you've been stuck in a rut lately. So, if your family is begging you to make anything but spaghetti, give this one a try!

Apple Sage Pork Chops
5 boneless center cut pork chops
2 tsp rubbed sage
2 apples (I used fuji but you could also use golden delicious, granny smith, or any other good baking apple)
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt & pepper (to taste)

• Peel, core, and slice the apples. Toss with 1 tsp of sage.
• Trim any excess fat off the pork chops. Sprinkle the remaining sage, salt, and pepper on both sides of each pork chop. Set aside.
• Preheat the oven to 425° F.
• Heat an oven proof skillet over medium high heat. Once the pan is extremely hot, add 1 tbsp of olive oil then add the pork chops to the pan. Sear for about 1 - 2 minutes on each side until they are brown. The pork chops will still be raw in the middle.
• Remove the pork chops from the pan and set aside.
• Add the remaining 1 tbsp of olive oil to the pan. Add the apples and toss until the apples begin to soften.
• Remove the pan from the heat. Place the pork chops on top of the apples, then place the entire thing in the oven to finish cooking.
• Bake for 10 minutes until the juices are clear and the pork chops are no longer pink in the center.
• Remove the pan from the oven and allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

You can serve this with roasted potatoes, rice, couscous, quinoa, or even a nice crusty bread.