PORK CHOPS WITH APPLES AND ONIONS SLOW COOKER RECIPES

Steps:

• Combine the vegetable broth, 1/2 cup kosher salt, brown sugar and peppercorns in a medium saucepan and set over medium-high heat. Cook just until the salt and sugar dissolve, then remove from the heat and add the ice. Place the pork chops into a 2-gallon zip-top bag along with the mixture and seal. Place in a plastic container and refrigerate overnight.
• Remove the chops from the brine, rinse, and pat dry. Season on both sides with the kosher salt and set aside
• Place the apples in the slow cooker.
• Heat 1 1/2 tablespoons of the olive oil in a 12-inch stainless steel saute pan over medium-high heat. Saute the pork chops on both sides until golden brown, approximately 5 to 6 minutes per side. Once browned, place the pork chops into the slow cooker atop the apples.
• Add the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil to the pan followed by the onions and saute until they begin to brown, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the chicken broth to the pan to deglaze. Add the black pepper and thyme and stir to combine. Transfer this to the slow cooker, set to high, cover and cook for 1 1/2 hours. Decrease the heat to low and continue cooking for another 4 hours and 30 minutes or until the pork is tender and falling away from the bone.

Steps:

• Rub pork chops with salt and pepper. In 12-inch nonstick skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter over medium-high heat. Add pork chops; cook 3 to 4 minutes or until browned on first side. Turn pork; reduce heat to medium; cook 4 to 6 minutes longer or until pork is no longer pink in center (at least 145°F). Transfer to plate, and cover with foil to keep warm.
• In same skillet, melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat; add onions and 3 teaspoons of the thyme. Cook 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onions are translucent and begin to brown.
• Add apple; cook 1 to 2 minutes. Add chicken broth; simmer uncovered 6 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until apples are crisp-tender and sauce is reduced. Serve onion mixture over pork; garnish with remaining 1 teaspoon thyme.