Apple-Thyme Pork Chops with Hard Cider au Jus

1/4 cup (30 g) flour

1/2 tsp. granulated garlic powder

2 tsp. (4 g) lemon thyme, divided

Salt and pepper

2 T. (28 g) butter

2 T. (30 ml) olive oil

2 (2-in [5-cm])-thick bone-in pork chops

1 apple, peeled and diced

1/2 cup (76 g) onion, chopped

1 clove garlic, peeled and minced

3/4 cup (180 ml) hard cider of choice

Preheat your oven to 35O°F (176°C). In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder. 1 teaspoon (2 g) of the lemon thyme, salt and pepper. Set this aside. Heat your cast-iron skillet over medium heat, adding in the butter and olive oil. While that heats, take the two pork chops and pat them dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Season the chops with salt and pepper as well. Never be afraid to season! Dredge the seasoned pork chops in the flour mixture and tap them gently to remove any excess flour. Place them into the heated skillet and fry until dark golden brown, about 3 to 4 minutes on each side. Monitor them occasionally to ensure they are not burning. Once they are golden brown, remove them from the pan and set them aside on a plate. Next, add the diced apple and onion to the skillet, and allow them to begin to deglaze the pan and sweat. Stir them occasionally until the apples begin to soften and the onions begin to turn translucent. 7 to 9 minutes. Add the minced garlic and remaining lemon thyme to the pan. Pour in the hard cider to complete the deglazing of the pan. Nestle the pork chops back into the pan alongside the apples and onions and place them into the oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the center of the pork chops reaches 145°F (63°C). Remove from the oven and allow the pork chops to rest for at least 5 minutes before serving. Don’t forget to finish drinking your hard cider!