Apple-Baked Pork Chops

A popular term right now is "comfort food." 

I imagine they call it that because some foods may bring back memories of a comforting time at home with no worries or cares. Some of the old standby recipes like meatloaf, pot roast, and chicken soup are all comfort foods for me. 

We had dinner at the table every night--just us three--Grandma, Grandpa, and me. How on earth Grandma found the energy in her 60s and 70s to cook a full meal deal, I have no idea. And, of course, I didn't appreciate it then. Shame on me. I was a reckless brat. 

Okay. True confessions aside, I have at least come full circle to give Grandma her due and I'm sure an angel in heaven has given her the good word that the brat finally came around. I have realized for quite some time how important a meal at the table with the family is. How important the wonderful kitchen smells are and how meaningful the care in preparing a meal is to a kid--even if they don't appreciate it at the time.

This one is a comforting standby and one that will fill your kitchen with beautiful smells and comforting memories. Apples. Onions. Cornbread stuffing. C'est une belle vie.

Enjoy this one with your whole heart. You are making memories by preparing it.

Apple-Baked Pork Chops

6-8 boneless pork loin chops, 1/2 inch thick*

1 tsp dried thyme, divided

Salt and pepper

4 tablespoons butter, divided

1 cup onion, chopped

1 cup apple, peeled and chopped

1 1/2 cups cornbread stuffing mix, processed to crumbs

1/2 cup water

Preheat oven to 425F.  Melt 2 tablespoons butter in large skillet over medium-high heat. While butter melts, trim pork chops and sprinkle both sides with 1/2 teaspoon thyme, salt and pepper. Add chops to skit and cook 3-4 minutes each side until no longer pink. Transfer to baking pan.

Melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter in same skillet and add onions and apples. Scrape pan greases while cooking and cook onions and apples for about 5 minutes until softened. Add stuffing mix crumbs, water and other 1/2 teaspoon thyme. Cook 2-3 minutes, stirring, until water is absorbed and stuffing is moist.

Mound 1/4 cup of stuffing mixture on each pork chop in baking dish.

Bake in 425F oven 8-10 minutes until stuffing is crisp and lightly browned. 6-8 servings.

*We purchased 1 inch thick pork chops from Costco and balked a little at the price, but we cut them in half and ended up with twice as much for the money!