MAPLE-PECAN PORK CHOPS

Maple-Pecan Pork Chops image

For a standout holiday dinner, start with this change-of-pace entree. Begin by simmering the chops in apple juice, then drizzle with sweet maple syrup and top with crunchy pecans. -Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings (1-1/4 cups sauce).

Number Of Ingredients 7

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Ingredients

2 tablespoons spicy brown mustard
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup maple syrup, divided
4 bone-in pork loin chops (3/4 inch thick and 8 ounces each)
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 cup unsweetened apple juice
1 cup pecan halves

Steps:

Mix mustard, pepper and 2 teaspoons syrup. Lightly drizzle over both sides of pork chops., In a large nonstick skillet, heat butter over medium heat. Brown pork chops 2-3 minutes on each side. Add apple juice. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, until a thermometer reads 145°, 15-20 minutes. Remove chops; let stand 5 minutes, keeping them warm., Add pecans and remaining syrup to skillet; cook and stir until blended, 1-2 minutes. Serve with pork chops. Freeze option: Cool pork chops. Prepare maple sauce, but do not add pecans. Freeze pecans and pork chops with sauce in separate freezer containers. To use, thaw pecans; partially thaw pork chop mixture in refrigerator overnight. Heat through slowly in a covered skillet, turning occasionally, until a thermometer inserted in pork reads 165°. Remove chops to a platter. Add pecans to sauce; serve with chops.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 657 calories, Fat 41g fat (10g saturated fat), Cholesterol 119mg cholesterol, Sodium 199mg sodium, Carbohydrate 34g carbohydrate (28g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 39g protein.