Pork Chops with Apples and Pancetta

Ingredients

• 0.3 cup apple juice unsweetened
• 1 teaspoon pepper black freshly ground
• 0.3 cup brandy 
• 1 tablespoon butter 
• 2 teaspoons thyme leaves fresh chopped
• 0.5 cup heavy whipping cream 
• 1.3 teaspoons kosher salt 
• 5 teaspoons olive oil extra-virgin
• 1 medium onion diced finely
• 3 ounces pancetta thinly sliced coarsely chopped
• 32 ounce center-cut pork chops bone-in each 3/
• 2 large golden delicious apples cored peeled cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices 3 cups
• 0.5 teaspoon sugar 

Equipment

• bowl
• frying pan
• paper towels
• slotted spoon

Directions

1. Watch how to make this recipe.
2. In a large nonstick skillet, heat 2 teaspoons of the oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the pancetta and cook until crisp and light golden, about 3 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove the pancetta and drain on paper towels.
4. Melt the butter in the same skillet.
5. Add the apples and sprinkle with the sugar and cook until tender and deep golden brown, stirring frequently, about 5 minutes.
6. Transfer the apples and any juices from skillet to a small bowl.
7. Sprinkle the pork chops with 1 teaspoon of the salt and 3/4 teaspoon of the pepper.
8. Add the pork chops and 2 teaspoons of the oil into the same skillet and brown for 2 minutes per side.
9. Transfer the chops to a plate and cover to keep warm.
10. Add the remaining teaspoon of oil, cream, brandy, apple juice, thyme and onions to the same skillet and bring to a simmer. Return the apples and pork chops back into the pan and simmer until cooked through, 10 to 12 minutes. Season the sauce with the remaining salt and pepper.
11. Garnish with the reserved pancetta bits.