Stuffed Pork Chop

Recipe from Chef Paul Prudhomme

2 unpeeled medium apples, coarsley chopped

7 tablespoons butter

3 tablespoons light brown sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Seasoning Mix

*1 tablespoon salt

*1 teaspoon onion powder

*1 teaspoon ground red pepper (cayenne preferred)

*3/4 teaspoon garlic powder

*1/2 teaspoon white pepper

*1/2 teaspoon ground mustard

*1/2 teaspoon ground sage

*1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

*1/2 teaspoon black pepper

*1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

6 (1 3/4 inch) pork chops

3/4 pound ground pork

1 cup chopped onion

1 cup chopped green bell pepper

2 teaspoons minced garlic

1 (4 ounce) can green chilies and the juice

1 cup pork or chicken stock

1/2 cup bread crumbs

1/2 cup chopped green onion

In a food processor, process the apples, 4 tablespoons of butter, sugar, vanilla and nutmeg until smooth, 3 to 4 minutes. Set aside.

In a small bowl thoroughly combine the seasoning mix ingredients. Set aside.

Cut a large pocket to the bone of each pork chop on the larger side of the chop to hold the stuffing.

Brown the ground pork in the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter, about three minutes. Add the onions, bell pepper, garlic and two tablespoons of the seasoning mix. Cook about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, scraping the bottom of the pan. Stir in the green chilies and juice and continue to cook for 6 to 8 minutes. stirring and scraping the bottom. Add the stock, mix well and cook for 5 minutes. Stir in the bread crumbs, mix and cook for 3 minutes, Then add the apple mixture and the green onions and cook for two minutes, stirring and scraping the bottom. Remove from heat.

Sprinkle the remaining seasoning evenly on both sides of the chops and also inside the pockets. Prop the chops pocket side up in an un-greased 13 x 9 inch baking pan. Spoon about 1/4 cup of the stuffing into each chop, reserving the remaining stuffing.

Bake the chops with the pocket up in a 400 degree oven until the meat is done, about 1 hour and ten minutes. Place the remaining stuffing in a baking dish in the oven for the last 20 minutes of cooking time.

Serve immediately with each chop arranged on top a portion of the remaining dressing.

bon appetit