Ingredients with Measurements:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- 2 cups apple cider
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Special equipment needed:
- Slow cooker
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together apple cider, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, thyme, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
2. Place pork chops in the slow cooker and pour the apple cider mixture over them.
3. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the pork chops are tender and cooked through.
4. Remove the pork chops from the slow cooker and set aside.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water until smooth.
6. Pour the liquid from the slow cooker into a saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
7. Whisk in the cornstarch mixture and continue to cook, whisking constantly, until the sauce thickens.
8. Serve the pork chops with the sauce and garnish with chopped parsley.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
5. Temperature:
Low or high setting on slow cooker
Serving size:
4 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 360
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 90mg
Sodium: 810mg
Carbohydrates: 34g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 30g
Protein: 29g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Pork chops can be substituted with boneless pork loin chops or pork tenderloin.
- Brown sugar can be substituted with honey or maple syrup.
- Apple cider vinegar can be substituted with white wine vinegar or rice vinegar.
- Soy sauce can be substituted with tamari or coconut aminos.
Variations:
- Add sliced apples and onions to the slow cooker for extra flavor and texture.
- Use chicken instead of pork for a lighter option.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
Tips and tricks:
- Brown the pork chops in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker for extra flavor and texture.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork chops are cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F.
- If the sauce is too thin, whisk in more cornstarch and water mixture until desired thickness is reached.
Storage instructions:
Store leftover pork chops and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat pork chops and sauce in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the pork chops on a bed of mashed sweet potatoes or roasted vegetables for a colorful and flavorful presentation.
Garnishes:
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or sliced green onions for a pop of color and freshness.
Pairings:
Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
Suggested side dishes:
- Mashed sweet potatoes
- Roasted Brussels sprouts
- Steamed green beans
- Garlic roasted potatoes
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the pork chops are tough, they may not have cooked long enough. Cook for an additional hour or until tender.
- If the sauce is too thick, whisk in more apple cider or chicken broth until desired consistency is reached.
Food safety advice:
- Always cook pork to an internal temperature of 145°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
Food history:
Apple cider has been a popular beverage in America since colonial times, and is often associated with fall and winter. Pork chops are a staple in many American households and are often paired with sweet and savory flavors.
Flavor profiles:
The pork chops are savory and tender, while the apple cider sauce is sweet and tangy with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg.
Serving suggestions:
Serve with a glass of apple cider or a crisp white wine.
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