Golden Pork Chop with Warm Apple and Green Salad:

Ingredients:

For the Pork Chop:

• 1 thick-cut pork chop

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 1 garlic clove, minced (optional)

• 1 sprig of thyme (optional)

For the Warm Apple:

• 1 apple (such as Honeycrisp), cored and sliced

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

• Pinch of cinnamon

• Pinch of nutmeg

For the Green Salad:

• Mixed greens (such as spinach, arugula, and lettuce)

• Lemon vinaigrette dressing (olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper)

Instructions:

1. Start by preparing the pork chop. Season it generously with salt and pepper on both sides.

2. In a skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil and butter. Once the butter is melted and sizzling, add the pork chop. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until the pork chop is golden brown and cooked through. If using, add the minced garlic and thyme during the last minute of cooking. Remove the pork chop from the skillet and let it rest while you prepare the other components.

3. In the same skillet, add the sliced apples. Sauté them in the butter over medium heat until they start to soften, about 2-3 minutes.

4. Sprinkle the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg over the apples. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the apples are tender and coated with the caramelized sugar and spices. Remove from heat.

5. While the apples are cooking, prepare the green salad. Toss the mixed greens in a bowl.

6. For the vinaigrette dressing, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to taste. Drizzle the dressing over the mixed greens and toss to combine.

7. To serve, place the golden pork chop on a plate. Arrange the warm caramelized apples alongside the pork chop.

8. Serve the pork chop and apples with the green salad on the side. The warm and sweet apple slices complement the savory pork chop, and the fresh green salad adds a refreshing contrast.

9. Optionally, you can garnish the dish with extra fresh thyme leaves or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.

Enjoy your delicious golden pork chop with warm apple and green salad!