PORK CHOPS BRAISED WITH RED CABBAGE AND APPLES

Steps:

• To prepare the mustard-thyme butter: Whisk together the butter, mustard, thyme, pepper and lemon juice until blended. Refrigerate. To prepare the pork and cabbage: Trim excess fat from outside edge of the chops, leaving about 1/8 inch. Heat olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium heat and brown chops well on both sides. Remove and season with some of the salt and pepper. Saute onion, carrot and celery in the pork drippings for 5 minutes. Add cabbage, apples, garlic, thyme and bay leaf. Saute for another 5 minutes or until the cabbage has wilted slightly. Season with the remaining salt and pepper; add wine, broth and vinegar. Arrange chops in the pan, basting with the cabbage and juices. Reduce heat, cover and cook slowly for about 45 minutes, turning and basting once or twice, until chops are tender and cooked through. Arrange cabbage on hot serving plates, removing the garlic clove. Place a pork chop on each plate and top with the mustard-thyme butter. Note: The mustard butter can be omitted from this recipe if desired. The braised cabbage will provide plenty of moisture for the pork chops.