Pecan-Crusted Pork with Pumpkin Butter
Ingredients:
1 (14 ounce) can pumpkin puree
3/4 cup apple juice
3/4 cup sugar
1 pinch ground cloves
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup pecans
3/4 cup breadcrumbs
4 (1/2 inch thick) boneless pork chops
1/4 cup oil for frying
Directions:
Step 1: Whisk together pumpkin puree, apple juice, sugar, cloves, ginger, and cinnamon in a saucepan until smooth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer until the mixture has reached the consistency of applesauce. About 10 minutes.
Step 2: Meanwhile, pulse pecans and breadcrumbs in a food processor until the pecans are finely chopped. Pour into a shallow dish, and press pork chops into the mixture to coat.
Step 3: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add breaded pork chops and cook until golden brown on both sides and cooked through, about 4 minutes per side. Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Serve the pork chops with a dollop of pumpkin butter.
Cook's Note:
If desired, reduce the sweetness of the pumpkin butter by using just ¼ cup of apple juice mixed with ½ cup water.
