MAPLE BALSAMIC GLAZED PORK CHOPS

INGREDIENTS

PORK CHOPS:

• 4 bone-in, center cut pork chops
• olive oil
• salt and pepper to taste

MAPLE BALSAMIC GLAZE:

• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 3-4 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 2 Tbsp beef stock
• 1 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic smashed
• 1 sprig fresh rosemary
• 1 sprig fresh thyme
• salt and pepper to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

MAKE THE GLAZE:

• In a small saucepan, combine all glaze ingredients.  Heat over MED heat until it reaches a low boil.  Cook until sauce reduces down, about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Set aside.

COOK THE PORK CHOPS:

• Place cast iron skillet in oven and preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
• Pat chops dry with a paper towel, then rub with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
• Remove skillet from oven and place on burner over MED-HIGH heat.  Place chops in the skillet, you should hear them sizzle immediately.  Let cook 2-3 minutes to sear.  Brush pork with glaze.
• Flip pork chops over, brush the other side with the glaze, and transfer skillet back to the hot oven.  Bake until a thermometer inserted into the center reads 140 degrees F (about 5-8 minutes, depending on the thickness of your pork chops).
• Transfer pork chops to a plate, tent loosely with aluminum foil and let rest for 5 minutes.
• Serve pork chops with a bit of the glaze drizzled over the top if desired.