You know the seasons are changing when fresh apple cider hits the Saratoga Farmers’ Market. Cider is a delicious beverage served either hot or cold, but it can also be used in cooking. Try pairing apple cider with onions and pork chops, also available at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market, for an autumn flavored entrée.
By braising the pork chops the result is moist and delicious. Braising includes searing the meat first to lock in juices then simmering it in liquid on low heat in a covered pan. Pork chops vary in thickness, so the cooking time varies depending on the thickness. Pork chops will get dry and tough if over cooked, so watch them carefully. The farmer puts a lot of care and attention into raising the pigs for your pork chop, so when you put care and attention into cooking them they’ll be juicy and delicious.
Another pork product available at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market is pork shoulder which can be used for making the ever popular pulled pork.
Apple Cider and Onion Pork Chops
4 pork chops*
1 tablespoon flour
2 teaspoons oil
1 onion*, sliced
1 cup apple cider*
Season the flour with a little salt and pepper. Lightly flour the pork chops and brown on one side in butter in non-stick skillet over medium heat. Turn chops and stir in onion and apple cider. Bring to a boil, lower heat, cover and simmer for 5-7 minutes or until pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees. Makes 4 servings.
Nutrition per serving: 220 calories, 24g protein, 8g fat, 3.5 g saturated fat, 55mg sodium, 70mg cholesterol.
This market recipe appears courtesy of Diane Whitten at Cornell Cooperative Extension and The Saratogian. Ingredients marked with an asterisk (*) are available at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market.
For information about food and nutrition, contact Diane Whitten at Cornell Cooperative Extension at 885-8995 or email dwhitten@cornell.edu.
