PORK AND APPLE HOT POT

Steps:

• 1.
• Heat oven to 325 degrees.
• In a large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons oil and add onions.
• Sauté until soft, about 10 minutes.
• Transfer to a bowl.
• Add bacon to pan and sauté until fat is rendered and bacon begins to brown, about 3 minutes.
• Using a slotted spoon, remove bacon, leaving behind as much fat as possible.
• Add bacon to onions and set aside.
• In a freezer bag, mix together flour and pumpkin pie spice.
• Add 3 chops, seal and shake until chops are coated.
• Shake off excess flour and place chops on a plate.
• Flour remaining 3 chops and add to plate; reserve spiced flour.
• Return skillet to medium heat.
• Add chops 3 at a time, searing on both sides then transferring to a plate; reserve oily skillet.
• Peel, core and cut the apples in two.
• Slice each half into thin wedges.
• In an ovenproof pot (preferably glazed ceramic) 8 inches in diameter and 5 inches deep, layer ingredients compactly as follows: a layer of onions and bacon, 3 chops, a layer of apple slices, some more onions and bacon, the final 3 chops, a layer of apple slices, remaining onions and bacon, and a final layer of apples.
• Add spiced flour to oily skillet.
• If pan is dry, add a small amount of oil.
• Place pan over medium-low heat and whisk flour into oil to make a smooth paste.
• Slowly add apple cider, whisking until smooth.
• Bring mixture to a boil, then pour into pot, letting it filter slowly to bottom.
• Cover pot with a lid or waxed paper and foil.
• Place on a baking sheet.
• Bake until chops are tender and apples are very soft, about 3 hours.
• Serve hot.