Apple Shallot Pork Chops

A perfectly-cooked pork chop is a simple, delicious main dish. Add a few simple extras to your pork chops and they go from simple to simple, chic and savory. This recipe is courtesy of Whole Foods (if you weren't aware, they have an incredible library of recipes online). These chops are flavorful, perfect for fall with the rich flavor and the apples and simple to prepare. Enjoy.

Ingredients (Serves 4)
1 cup thinly sliced shallots (about 3 large)
1 large apple (Gala or Granny Smith), thinly sliced
Salt and pepper for seasoning
2 tablespoons 365 Everyday Value™ Extra Virgin Olive Oil
4 pork loin center-cut chops, bone-in
2/3 cup barbecue sauce


Directions
Position oven rack to middle shelf; preheat to 450ºF . Spray 9 x 13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray . Layer shallots and apples in dish; season with salt and pepper; set aside.

Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat . Season pork chops with salt; add to pan; sear each side for 2 minutes; place seared pork chops on top of apples . Evenly distribute half of sauce over pork chops . Place in oven; immediately turning down heat to 375ºF . Roast 15 minutes . Spoon remaining sauce over chops; cook additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 160ºF to 165ºF on instant-read thermometer.

Nutrition
Per serving (about 8oz/219g-wt.): 340 calories (150 from fat), 16g total fat, 4g saturated fat, 70mg cholesterol, 330mg sodium, 27g total carbohydrate (2g dietary fiber, 17g sugar), 22g protein

Slow-Cooked Barbecue Pork with Sweet and Tangy Barbecue Sauce

These are such versatile recipes. Switch out the pork for beef or chicken if your tastes call for something different or if that's what is handy in your freezer. The slow-cooker makes the meat extra tender and the onions and garlic infuse it with flavor.

I've been diligently working to find the perfect barbecue sauce (well, perfect to me--I prefer a sweet, tangy concoction). With this sauce I've found it. Double the recipe if you want more and store in an air-tight container to use as your "house" barbecue sauce.

Pork Ingredients

1 1/2 to 2 pounds pork spare ribs

1/2 medium onion, roughly chopped

2 cloves garlic, quartered

2 cups water

Directions
In a slow-cooker add water, spare ribs (thawed or frozen), garlic and onions . Cook on low for 5 hours . Remove ribs from slow-cooker (discard onion/garlic/water) . Remove any bones, etc. from meat and discard . Place meat in a large bowl; using a fork, shred meat until it reaches desired consistency or bite-sized pieces . Add barbecue sauce (RECIPE BELOW) . Mix well . Serve on buns or sandwich rolls

Barbecue Sauce Ingredients
1 cup tomato sauce
1 cup ketchup
1 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup red wine vinegar
1 tbsp. butter or margarine
2 tsp. hickory smoked salt
1/2 tsp. paprika
1/4 tsp. chili powder
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 tsp. onion powder
1/4 tsp. celery seed (or celery salt)
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper

Directions
Over medium heat, in a saucepan, mix tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar and butter . Mix well . Add hickory smoked salt, paprika, chili powder, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, celery seed, salt and pepper . Mix well . Reduce heat and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes . Serve with barbecued pork (above) or use as your standard barbecue sauce