Cinnamon Crusted Pork Chop, Apple Onion Compote, Butternut Squash Puree, Apple Cider Chardonnay Gravy

For the Pork

1/2 Tbsp. Cinnamon

1 Tsp. Smoked Paprika

1/2 Tsp. Salt

1/2 Tsp. Pepper

2 Bone-in 1" Thick Pork Chops

1 Tbsp. Whole Cloves

1 Tbsp. Canola Oil

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Heat large cast iron on medium high heat. Combine cinnamon, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Generously coat pork with seasoning. Pierce pork chops with cloves. Add oil to pan, then add pork. Cook for about 3 minutes on each side, until well browned. Remove pork from cast iron and place in oven safe pan. Let cook in the oven until gravy is complete, about 15 minutes, depending on desired doneness. Serve over gravy and butternut squash. Top with apple/onion compote and a fresh rosemary sprig.

For the Apple Cider Chardonnay Gravy

2 Tbsp. Butter

3 Tbsp. Flour

1/2 C. Chicken Stock

1/2 C. Chardonnay

2 Tsp. Apple Cider Vinegar

1 Tsp. Sea Salt

1 Tsp. Cracked Black Pepper 

In cast iron used to cook pork, begin by making a roux. Melt butter on medium heat. Stir in flour until smooth. Add chicken stock and mix well, until there are no clumps of the roux. Let cook until reduced by half. Add remaining ingredients and let reduce for another 5 minutes, until gravy consistency. Reduce heat to low. Keep warm for serving.

For the Apple/Onion Compote

1 Tsp. Canola Oil

1 Medium Yellow Onion, Sliced

1 Gala or Red Delicious Apple, Sliced 

1 Tbsp. Butter

1 Tsp. Thyme, Dried

Heat a medium skillet over medium high. Add oil to the pan. Add onions and cook about 5 minutes until lightly browned. Add apple, cook for another 5 minutes until browning and caramelized. Stir in butter, thyme, salt and pepper. Keep on low heat until serving.

For the Butternut Squash Puree

3 C. Butternut Squash, Cubed

1 1/2 Tbsp. Olive Oil

Salt, Pepper to Taste

1/2 C. Chicken Stock

1/2 Tbsp. Honey

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Toss squash in olive oil and lay on cookie sheet. Season with salt and pepper. Roast in the oven for 30-35 minutes, tossing halfway through. Transfer to food processor. Add remaining ingredients and puree until smooth. Keep warm for serving.