Grilled Pork Chops with Apples and Leeks

This recipe blends the sweetness of apples with the mellow onion flavor of leeks. Brining the pork chops in a salt solution overnight makes them extra juicy. You rinse the chops before cooking, so much of the salt is left behind. But if you are concerned with cutting down your salt intake, just marinate the chops in the apple juice and spices.

Serves 2

Ingredients

1 cup plus 2 tablespoons unsweetened organic apple juice, divided

¼  cup unsweetened applesauce

1 tablespoon sea salt

½ teaspoon ground allspice

1 bay leaf

2 center cut thick pork chops

3 tablespoons coconut oil, divided

3 large leeks (white and pale green parts only), thinly sliced

½ cup coconut milk (So Delicious or Silk)

1 teaspoon arrowroot powder

Sea salt and pepper

2 Granny Smith apples, peeled, each cut into 8 pieces

1 tablespoon agave nectar

¼  cup chicken broth

1-2 tablespoons apple brandy, such as Calvados (optional)

Olive oil

Nutmeg

Directions

Combine first 5 ingredients in a bowl or Ziploc bag. Add pork chops and place in refrigerator overnight.

When ready to start your meal, put the coconut oil in a skillet and heat to medium. Add leeks and sauté until tender, about 7 or 8 minutes. Add the coconut milk and the arrowroot powder and stir until creamy. Season with sea salt and pepper. (You can make these the day before and reheat, adding a little extra milk.)

Put remaining tablespoon of coconut oil in another skillet. Add apples and sauté for about 10 minutes or until the apples are crisp-tender. Add the agave nectar and continue cooking until apples begin to brown. Now add the chicken broth, brandy, and remaining apple juice. Simmer until liquid thickens slightly and apples are tender. Set aside.

Drain pork chops and rinse under cold water. Pat dry. Brush with some olive oil and grill on barbeque or stove until cooked through.

Reheat the leeks and apples. Put a portion of the leeks on a plate, top with a pork chop and finish with a serving of the apples. Sprinkle with a little nutmeg.