food of the week: apples

 every time fall comes around, i think apples. though i do eat them year round, they are even better in the fall. this year i am on a major apple kick. apple deserts, apples in our dinner, and simply just eating apples every day of the week. in minnesota there is an amazing variation called the honey-crisp and boy is it ever good. when chad and i went to the apple orchard a few weeks back we got a few of these and it literally tastes like desert. 

apples are one of those treats too you don't have to feel bad about loving. usually my "kicks" are like cupcakes or chocolate, so i feel a little guilty indulging in them. not with the apples. they are filled with fiber, vitamins, and there is some proven research that shows an apple a day really does keep the doctor away.

with that, here is the perfect way to have an apple themed dinner which chad and i had a few weeks back.




apple-onion pork chops 
serves two


2 bone-in pork chops, loin
salt and pepper
1/2 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1/2 large onion sliced
1-2 apples cored and sliced
1 cup white wine

1. trim excess fat from the chops. then salt and pepper the chops on both sides. turn the stove onto high heat and use a skillet to brown the meat with olive oil. about five minutes per side. then transfer to a plate.

2. put the butter in the pan, add the onion and apples. saute until the onions have lightly caramelized and the apples have begun to soften. (about 6-8 minutes). stir in the wine and return the chops to the pan.

3. pork is tender, about 7-8 minutes per side. serve the chops over rice or with potatoes (which is what we did)!


and for desert, you know the best part of the meal...

broiled apples

3 sweet, firm apples. we used granny smith, but really i think any variation would do. (apples should be peeled,cored, and cut into 8-10 wedges)
1/3 cup lemon juice
3/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup rum or 1/2 cup maple syrup
vanilla bean ice cream

1. preheat broiler. toss the apples with lemon juice, butter, and all but 2 tablespoons of the sugar. arrange on the baking sheet. toss with grated lemon zest.

2. spread the apples onto the pan in a single layer and broil for 8-10 minutes or until it begins to bubble.

3. while the apples broil, heat the rum or maple syrup in a saucepan over low heat.

4. serve the apples warm with vanilla ice cream and the rum/maple syrup ontop!

we made this a few times, both with the rum and the maple syrup and i have to say i would go with the maple syrup. but then again, i am a huge maple lover.

what are your favorite apple recipes?