This recipe takes some time to prepare, but after one taste you’ll agree it’s worth the extra effort. The maple butter and the nutty apple-and-onion topping always get rave reviews at my house.
—ANITA ALFORD MADISONVILLE, KY
PREP: 30 MIN. • GRILL: 10 MIN. • MAKES: 4 SERVINGS
MAPLE BUTTER
1 teaspoon minced green onion
8 tablespoons butter, divided
1/4 cup apple juice
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 large tart apples, peeled and sliced
1/2 cup sliced onion
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons brown sugar
CHOPS
8 bone-in pork loin chops (1/2-inch thick and 4 ounces each)
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 teaspoons canola oil
1/4 cup coarsely chopped pecans, toasted
1. In a saucepan, saute green onion in 1 tablespoon butter. Add apple juice; cook until reduced by half. Add cream, syrup, salt and pepper; cook until reduced by half and mixture is caramel-like. Add the remaining butter, 1 tablespoon at a time, stirring mixture until melted.
2. In a large skillet, cook the apples, onion, butter and brown sugar over medium heat for 3 minutes or until onion is crisp-tender and apples are softened; set aside.
3. Sprinkle chops with pepper. Brush each side with oil. Grill, uncovered, over medium heat for 4-5 minutes on each side or until a thermometer reads 145°. Let meat stand for 5 minutes before serving.
4. Rewarm maple butter and glazed apples. Divide apples among four plates; top each with two chops and a fourth of the maple butter. Sprinkle with pecans.