CHERRY GLAZED PORK CHOPS WITH SMASHED POTATOES

Steps:

• Position an oven rack 5 to 6 inches below the heat source and preheat the broiler to high.
• Pierce the potatoes all over with a fork. Put the potatoes on a microwave-safe plate with 2 tablespoons water and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Microwave until tender, about 10 minutes. Let cool 5 minutes.
• Carefully uncover, drain the potatoes and transfer them to a baking sheet. Top with 2 tablespoons olive oil and half the chopped thyme. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and toss to coat. Smash each potato by pressing down with a metal spatula until it flattens. Set aside.
• Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large ovenproof nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels and sprinkle both sides with salt and pepper. Sear until golden brown on one side, about 2 minutes, then flip and cook until golden brown on the second side, about 2 minutes more (the pork chops will not be cooked through at this point). Transfer to a plate.
• Reduce the heat to medium. Add the shallot, dried cherries and the remaining thyme and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar and 1/4 cup water and simmer until slightly thickened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the cherry jam and season to taste with salt and pepper. Remove from the heat.
• Transfer 2 tablespoons of the glaze and the remaining 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar to a large bowl and whisk to combine. Slowly whisk in the remaining 3 tablespoons olive oil to make a vinaigrette. Set aside.
• Broil the potatoes until warm and golden, about 5 minutes. Set aside.
• Stir 2 tablespoons water into the remaining glaze in the skillet and bring to a simmer over high heat. Add the pork chops and any juices that have accumulated on the plate and turn over several times to coat with glaze. Return the pan to the oven and broil until the glaze is bubbly and thick and the pork chops are cooked through, about 2 minutes. (The pork chops should reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees F when measured with an instant-read thermometer.)
• Meanwhile, add the salad greens to the bowl with the dressing and toss to coat. Transfer the pork chops to a serving dish and pour the remaining glaze on top. Serve with the smashed potatoes and salad.