Applesauce Glazed Stuffed Pork Chops

Once in a while I want our food to feel more grown-up.  Ya know what I mean?  I spend most weeks making food to please the masses, but sometimes I just want to dress it up.  This recipe fits the bill.

Ingredients:

• thick cut pork chops, bone in
• prepared stuffing recipe of your choice
• applesauce
• cinnamon
• salt
• pepper
• olive oil

Directions:

1. Use a sharp knife to slice a flap into chops, cutting to the bone.
2. Sprinkle both sides of the chops with salt, pepper and about 1/8 tsp. of cinnamon per chop.
3. Heat 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil in a frying pan.  Sear chops on each side over medium high heat until browned.
4. In a small bowl combine stuffing with part of the applesauce. Use about 1/4 cup stuffing and 1 heaping tablespoon of applesauce per chop.
5. Stuff chops and spoon one tablespoon of applesauce over each chop spreading evenly.
6. Heat oven to 350 degrees.  Bake chops on a baking sheet for about 30 minutes.

I love the hint of apple running through these pork chops. Unsweetened applesauce gives it a little more bite.  The applesauce baking on top thickens just a bit while keeping the pork chops juicy.  If you like your stuffing a little more on the dry side use finely chopped apples in place of the applesauce, and if you can't find thick pork chops use a large pork cutlet make a roll securing with a toothpick.

Linked to: Ultimate Recipe Swap at Life As Mom