creative chaos: Pork Chops Primavera

I really think these need another name....when I hear "Primavera", it usually conjurs up a red, tomato-based sauce. These aren't anything like that. Think of the sweet aroma of apples, mixed with a little bacon on the side and you'll have this dish. What I love is that it's quick, easy, doesn't take many ingredients, and it's basically a one-dish meal.

Pork Chops Primavera

Makes 4 servings
Start to finish: 15-20 minutes

3-4 slices bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
12-oz. frozen green beans
1 Tbsp. soy sauce
4 pork chops
1/3 cup apple butter
1/2 cup water
1 cup grape tomatoes

In 12-inch skillet, cook bacon over medium-high heat until crisp; remove. Reserve 1 tablespoon drippings in skillet. Drain bacon on paper towels.

Meanwhile, in 2-quart microwave-safe bowl, cook beans in 2 Tbsp. water, covered, on high, for about 4 minuts. Drain and set aside. Brush pork chops with soy sauce. In skillet, brown chops on both sides. Add apple butter and 1/2 cup wate; reduce heat. Simmer, covered 10-15 minutes. Uncover, add beans, tomatoes and bacon; cook uncovered another 3-5, until sauce thickens and chops are done.

Here's a step-by-step:

Step 1: Cook bacon. You can either cut it into 1-inch pieces before you cook it, or after-doesn't matter. After it's cooked, I place the bacon on some paper towels to drain the grease, and then take one paper towel and lightly soak up most of grease in the pan. I leave just enough grease so the pan is lightly coated so my chops don't stick to it.

Step 2: Lightly brush each pork chop with soy sauce-both sides of each.

Step 3: Halve your tomatoes if you want.

Step 4: Brown your chops on both sides.

Step 5: Add the apple butter and water, and then cover 10-15 min. While they are cooking, put your beans in a bowl with a little water, cover them, and microwave for about 4-5 min. Then drain them and set them aside.