http://paleoparents.com/2011/stuffed-pork-chops/
Apple & Bacon Stuffed Pork Chops
Ingredients
2 Tbsp lard
2 medium baking apples (Gala and York are our favorites), peeled, cored and diced
10 strips of bacon, diced
1 red onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minces
4 fresh sage leaves, finely chopped
1/4 tsp paprika
1 Tbsp lemon juice
1 Tbsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Ask your butcher to “pocket” your baking chops. If you need to do it yourself, use a 4-6″ knife and pierce the fatty side of the chop. Wiggle your knife side to side until your “pocket” is about 5″ long and 3″ wide (70% of the chop)
- In a medium pan (we recommend a cast iron skillet or dutch oven), melt lard over medium-high heat
- Cook apples, bacon and onion until onion is softened and bacon is crispy, about 8 minutes
- Add garlic, sage, paprika and lemon juice and toss for 2 minutes
- Remove stuffing from heat, transfer to bowl and set-aside
- ♥ Salt and pepper each side of pork chop, stuff it with as much stuffing as you can fit and use a skewer or toothpick to close and prevent spilling (about half of the stuffing will be leftover)
- Insert pork chops into the hot pan to sear on each side, cook each side of the chops for 5 minutes in hot pan over medium-high heat
- Transfer pan/dutch oven to 350 degree oven and bake uncovered for 35 minutes
- To serve, warm remaining stuffing and spoon on top of each chop
