Pork Chops with Pears

Some time ago, I signed up with Saving Dinner, and got a bunch of really good recipes.  I don't use all of them, but several have become family favorites - I deem it well spent money for the year of subscription I got! Most of the recipes have been adapted for our family, but Saving Dinner is a great place to start!

This recipe always makes a great meal!

Pork Chops with Pears

Updated recipe - combined from a couple different sources

• 3 tablespoons butter, divided
  1 or 2 slices onion, quartered
  1 large pear, peeled, cored and sliced
  1 teaspoon brown sugar
  4 pork chops
  1 cup chicken broth
  2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
  
  
  In a large skillet over medium heat in half the butter, sauté onion until it begins to caramelize; add pear slices and brown sugar for about 5 minutes or so or until tender.
  
  
  Gently remove from skillet and set aside.
  
  
  In the same skillet, heat remaining butter and add pork chops. Brown on both sides, about 4 minutes per side. 
  
  
  Add chicken broth and balsamic vinegar to the skillet, whisking up all the browned up bits from the bottom of the pan. Continue to cook till the chops are cooked through.
  
  
  Return pears to skillet to warm through; then serve.

The recipe is great for a bit of a sweet meal while filling all the needed nutritional needs.
I like to serve it with some green veggies - broccoli, green beans, peas, or a salad.
Also, serve it with some potatoes - mashed is great, as you end up with some yummy "gravy" while cooking the chops.  However, some oven fries is great, too.  (Note: When I make potatoes, I never peel them - I have found that the peelings give the potatoes a great flavor!)
   To make mashed potatoes, scrub the potatoes thoroughly & cut them into 1/4" to 1/2"  pieces & boil in water until soft (about 15 minutes).  Drain, then mash while adding butter, milk, salt, pepper, and either sour cream or cream cheese.
   To make oven fries, scrub the potatoes thoroughly, & cut them into 1/8ths, then mix with a splash of olive oil, and a sprinkle of onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, basil, Italian spices, and whatever else sounds good.  Bake at 350* for about 30 minutes, or until you can pierce it easily with a fork.