Pork Chops with Brandied Pears

Ingredients:

• 6 center cut loin pork chops (5-6 oz each)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Chinese five spice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 cups canned pear halves in juice (2 oz cans)
• 4 tablespoons honey
• 1/3 cup red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon brandy or pear liquor
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Directions:

1. Drizzle pork chops with olive oil, then sprinkle with five spice, salt and pepper. Rub the spices evenly onto the pork chops.

2. In a bowl, combine the juice from the canned pears, honey, red wine vinegar, brandy and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.

3. Place pork chops in skillet on medium heat, cook 4-6 minutes per side until heated through (145F on a meat thermometer.) Remove to plate and keep warm.

4. Pour pear juice mixture and pear halves into skillet over high heat; bring to a boil, scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen browned bits from cooking the pork.

5. Reduce liquid to desired consistency, stirring occasionally. Serve with pork chops, drizzling the reduced liquid over top.

Yield: 4-6 servings