Apple Cinnamon Pork Chops

Good morning Autumn!

It is that time of year again, when the leaves are starting to change colors and the days are a little more crisp. Jon called down the stairs this morning, " Kim! Stick your head outside! Can you smell that?! It's fall".

I think every season has it's perks. I, for one, love Autumn. Waking up this morning, with the thermometer reading 53 F (or 11.6 C), meant a slightly bundled up walk with Colby. It was great!

But, being a self declared food lover, fall in New England also means we are smack in the middle of harvesting season! We are finishing up our summer harvests (ex. berries and peaches) and headed towards our root vegetables.

I'm sure you have all heard it before, eating "local and in season" is not only good for the environment, but it is good for your health, your wallet, as well as your local economy. We are all familiar with summer farmers markets, but don't forget about the ones open for fall harvests. I know a lot of people are skeptical to bring home a squash or a turnip but there is no reason to be afraid. These vegetables can be used to made some pretty delicious dishes!

I have yet to go apple picking this year, but apples are definitely in season and they are tasting scrumptious! Today's recipe puts them in the spotlight and trust me they do not disappoint.

Apple Cinnamon Pork Chops

What you will need:

• 4 pork chops
• 2 apples cut in slices (I used McIntosh apples)
• olive oil
• pepper
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1 cup apple juice
• 1/2 cup water

1. Preheat oven to 350 F
2. Drizzle some olive oil in a skillet and heat on medium-high
3. When hot, add pork chops. Cook both side quickly to lock in flavor.
4. Drizzle some olive oil on baking dish
5. Place pork chops in prepared baking dish.
6. Sprinkle pork chops with pepper, place apple slices on pork chops, sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon over apple slices
7. Pour apple juice and water in the bottom of the baking dish
8. Cover and bake in 350 F oven for 40- 45  minutes or until tender



I would definitely encourage everyone to check out local farm stands or farmers markets. We're lucky because some grocery stores are now selling local produce. Remember to also buy produce that is in season. A good hint: it is usual what is on sale or least expensive.

What are some vegetables that are in season from September to November and usually grown locally in New England?

• Apples
• Beets
• Cabbage
• Carrots
• Cauliflower
• Corn
• Onions
• Potatoes
• Pumpkins
• Squash
• Turnips

... to name a few.

This list may be intimidating to some. But I will work on some yummy dishes using this produce in the upcoming weeks so I can share some healthy recipes!

Thanks for reading!

And don't forget, to make healthy choices!

- Kimmie

P.S. No XFit today... it was movie night! We rented "Secretariat", yup a horse movie. I have the best husband ever!