Caramel Apple Pork Chops

A comforting dish on a cool autumn day, this is a favorite of the kiddos.

6 boneless pork chops, 3/4-inch thick
Vegetable oil
salt and pepper to taste

3 tablespoons brown sugar, or to taste
1/8 teaspoon ground mace
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 tablespoons butter
3 granny smith or jonagold apples, cored and sliced into 1/2-inch wedges
1/4 cup chopped pecans

1. Heat a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat with a small amount of oil. Salt and pepper chops to taste and cook 3 chops for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until evenly browned on both sides. Remove to a serving platter,keep warm. Repeat with remaining chops.

2. In a small bowl combine brown sugar, cinnamon, mace and nutmeg. Add butter to skillet; stir in brown sugar mixture and apples. Cover and cook for 3-4 minutes or just until apples are tender. Remove apples with a slotted spoon and arrange on top of pork chops; keep warm.

3. Continue cooking remaining sauce in skillet, uncovered, until sauce thickens slightly. The sauce is not intended to be very sweet, but especially if you are using granny smith apples you may find that it is not sweet enough. Taste as add additional sugar or seasonings as desired. Spoon the sauce over the apples and chops. Sprinkle with pecans.