Name: Cider-Brined Pork Chops with Creamed Leeks and Apples
Yield: Makes 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 1/4 cups apple cider; 3 tablespoons coarse salt; 6 allspice berries; 1 bay leaf; 4 10-ounce bone-in center-cut pork rib chops; 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter; 5 large leeks (white and pale green parts only), thinly sliced; 1 cup whipping cream; 1 1/2 pounds Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, halved, each half cut into 4 wedges; 2 tablespoons sugar; 1/2 cup chicken stock or canned low-salt chicken broth; 1/3 cup Calvados; Olive oil

Brining the pork makes it especially juicy.

Recipe information

Yield
Makes 4 servings

Ingredients

4 1/4 cups apple cider

3 tablespoons coarse salt

6 allspice berries

1 bay leaf

4 10-ounce bone-in center-cut pork rib chops

4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter

5 large leeks (white and pale green parts only), thinly sliced

1 cup whipping cream

1 1/2 pounds Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, halved, each half cut into 4 wedges

2 tablespoons sugar

1/2 cup chicken stock or canned low-salt chicken broth

1/3 cup Calvados

Olive oil

Preparation

Step 1
Bring 4 cups cider, salt, allspice, and bay leaf to boil in large saucepan, stirring to dissolve salt. Cool completely. Place pork in 13x9x2-inch glass baking dish. Pour brine over. Cover; refrigerate overnight.
Step 2
Melt 2 tablespoons butter in heavy large skillet over medium-low heat. Add leeks; sauté until tender, about 7 minutes. Add cream and simmer until slightly thickened, about 3 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. (Creamed leeks can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill.)
Step 3
Melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter in large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add apples and sauté 10 minutes. Add sugar and sauté until apples are golden, about 6 minutes longer. Add stock, then Calvados and remaining 1/4 cup cider. Simmer until liquid thickens slightly and apples are tender, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes. Set aside. Prepare barbecue (medium heat) or preheat broiler. Drain pork. Rinse under cold water; pat dry. Brush pork with oil. Grill or broil to desired doneness, about 5 minutes per side for medium.
Step 4
Meanwhile, rewarm leeks, thinning with 1 to 3 tablespoons water if necessary. Bring apples to simmer. Spoon leeks onto plates. Top with pork, then apples.

TagsApple Cider Beverages Calvados Brandy Alcohol Pork Chop Pork Meat Leek Root Vegetable Vegetable Apple Fruit Main Dinner Gluten Free Nut Free One-Pot Meals Grilling Fall Bon Appétit

Recipe information

Ingredients

Preparation

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Recipe notes