Caramel Apple Pork Chops (Return of the unbeatable fruit-meat combo)

Materials

• 4 (3/4 inch) thick pork chops (I like the boneless center round cut)
• 1 tsp vegetable oil
• 2 Tbsp brown sugar
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1/8 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/8 trp ground nutmeg
• 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tart apples - peeled (optional), cored and sliced
• 3 Tbsp. pecans, chopped (optional)

Methods

(You can try doing this all at once in two pans - one for the meat, one for the sauce, but if you're preparing alone, this is easier)

1. Preheat oven to 175 degrees F. Place a medium dish in the oven to warm.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. 
3. Brush chops lightly with oil and place in the hot pan. 
4. Cook for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally, or until done (cut to see even white/pink color through thickness). 
5. Transfer pork chops to the warm dish in the oven. 
6. Using the same skillet, melt butter. 
7. Add in apples and sprinkle with the sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg. 
8. Cover pan and let the apples cook until just tender.
9. If desired, you can remove apples here and place on top of pork in the oven. 
10. Continue to cook the sauce, with or without apples, until thickened. 
11. Spoon sauce over apples and chops. 
12. Enjoy!