Barbara's Sweet and Savory Pork Chops with Pears 🍐🐖

This delightful dish marries succulent pork chops with the sweet flavor of pears, creating a perfect balance of savory and sweet. The brown sugar and cinnamon blend beautifully with the juicy pears, making this recipe a must-try for any dinner gathering! Serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes for a complete meal. 🌟🍽️

Ingredients

For the Pork Chops

• 4 to 6 pork chops or pork steaks
• 1 tablespoon oil or shortening
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

For the Pear Sauce

• 3 to 4 fresh pears, halved and cored (or well-drained pear halves if using canned)
• 2 tablespoons orange juice
• ½ cup firmly packed brown sugar
• ¾ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¾ cup dry sherry (or additional orange juice)
• 1 tablespoon margarine or butter

For Thickening the Sauce

• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon water

Instructions

1. Brown the Pork Chops: In a large fry pan, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Brown the pork chops on both sides until nicely seared. Drain excess oil and transfer the chops to a shallow baking pan.

2. Season and Arrange: Sprinkle the browned chops with salt and pepper. Arrange the halved pears around the pork. Drizzle the orange juice over all, then sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon.

3. Add the Liquid: Pour the dry sherry or additional orange juice over the top. Dot the hollowed-out part of the pears with bits of margarine or butter.

4. Bake: Cover the baking pan and place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes. After that, uncover and continue baking for an additional 20 minutes, or until the pork is tender and fully cooked.

5. Thicken the Sauce: While the meat is finishing cooking, dissolve the cornstarch in water. Stir into the pan drippings and cook over medium heat until thickened.

6. Serve: Arrange the pork chops and pears on a serving platter and pour the thickened sauce over the top.

🍽️ This dish is delicious served warm and pairs wonderfully with a creamy polenta or fluffy rice. For a modern twist, you can add some toasted walnuts or pecans for extra texture!

Variations

• Peach Perfection: Substitute halved fresh or canned peaches for the pears for a delightful summer twist. 🍑
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper with the brown sugar for a touch of heat that complements the sweetness!
• Herbaceous: Incorporate fresh rosemary or thyme for a fragrant finish – simply sprinkle some atop the dish before baking for added flavor.
• Engaging Sunday Dinner: This dish is perfect for a cozy Sunday dinner! Serve it with a light salad and your favorite wine for a delightful meal.

Servings: 4 - 6

Recipe by: Barbara Handschin