This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of KitchenAid. All opinions and text are mine.
Apples are such a versatile fruit that can easily be the star of any dish, from dessert (hello apple pie!), to snacks or in salads and savory dishes.
The saying “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” didn’t become such a recognizable expression for no reason. While it might not mean you’ll never get sick, there are a ton of health benefits to apples. They are packed with fiber which will help lower cholesterol and blood pressure, phytonutrients that can help protect against diseases such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes, Vitamin C which boosts immunity. They are good for your teeth are low in calorie and are a convenient and satisfying snack. My advice is to keep them stocked year-round!
When I knew I wanted to create a recipe using apples, I immediately went to pork because it’s such a great match.
I have not used the spiralizer on apples yet and am delighted to find out that not only is it a fun and delicious way to enjoy apples, but it’s also a cinch. It took about 1 minute to get those guys all ready to go and I guarantee your kids, if you have any, will get a kick out of the pretty apple ribbons.
However, if you are like me and don’t have much room for extra kitchen gadgets, you can either thinly slice the apples yourselves or consider the attachment that goes on the KitchenAid stand mixer if you already own that, it looks like this.
Do you have a favor dish featuring apples that you love to make? Feeling competitive?
I challenge YOU to enter the KitchenAid apple recipe cooking contest! You will share your own apple recipe by submitting a photo and description of your best dish incorporating apples. You can upload your entry via Twitter or Instagram with #KitchenAidContest or at foodnetwork.com/applechallenge.
[Tweet “Pork Chops with Apple, Fennel and Thyme + enter the #KitchenAidcontest for chance to win a great prize via @nutritiouseats”]
Celebrity chef Geoffrey Zakarian (one of my favorites) will be taking part as well! He will be judging the live cook-off of the top 4 recipe finalists who will be chosen by Food Network Kitchens. This 4 finalists will win a trip to NYC to cook and be judged by Chef Zakarian and one winner will receive the grand prize of a suite of KitchenAid Black Stainless Steel Appliances and a private cooking lesson with Geoffrey Zakarian.
The contest Dates 8/17 – 9/14 so you still have time! What do you have to lose, get cooking with those apples! I can’t wait to see who the finalists will be.
- 4 teaspoons olive oil
- 2 center cut boneless center-cut pork loin chops (~3/4 inch thickness)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves, chopped and divided
- ½ cup sliced fennel
- 2 apples (one granny smith, one gala), spiralized or cored and thinly sliced
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- salt
- pepper
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Cover a small baking sheet in foil. Drizzle ~1 teaspoon olive oil on the foil (I spread it around with my fingers). Set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, add 1 teaspoon olive oil. Season both sides of pork tenderloin with salt and pepper, sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of the thyme leaves. Place pork chops in hot skillet and brown for 2 minutes per side, when you flip the pork add the garlic for the last 2 minutes. Transfer the pork/garlic to the prepared baking sheet and bake for ~15 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 145 degrees (do not overcook).
- In the same skillet that you cooked the pork, add another teaspoon of oil, add the spiralized apples (or sliced), fennel, 2 teaspoons lemon juice, 1 teaspoon thyme and a dash of salt and pepper. Cook for ~2 minutes. You don't want the fruit/veggies to be soggy.
- Divide apple mixture between 2 plates. Top with one pork chop. Enjoy!
From the first-ever black stainless steel to the first-ever five-door refrigerator, KitchenAid pushes the limits with our appliances, so our home cooks can do the same with their cooking. See the revolutionary new line of KitchenAid appliances or visit the Kitchenthusiast™ blog for recipes, tips and more.
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of KitchenAid. The opinions and text are all mine.
Roasted Tomato Salsa
Easy Vegetable Soup
Cheesy Chicken and Rice Skillet
Baked Chicken Tacos
Oh yum!! I love the pairing of apples and fennel-need to try these pork chops and dying to get a spiralizer!!
Chrissa – Physical Kitchness recently posted..The Powerhouse Food You Should Eat – CHARD
I adore the spiralizer!
Love this recipe! Gotta try it sometime this week!
Thank you!
I don’t think I’m ready to enter the contest, but I will be trying the recipe! I love that you give so much nutritional information! 🙂 Thanks!
Thank you Deanna, I appreciate it!
Yum! This looks absolutely delicious! I can’t wait to try it out!
Kim recently posted..Thai Masaman Curry Recipe with Vegetables from the Garden
Thank you Kim! 🙂
This dish sounds amazing. Your photography is gorgeous!
Lindsay @Artsy-Fartsy Mama recently posted..Master Bathroom Renovation Reveal
I appreciate that Lindsay! Thanks!
Pork chops go perfectly with apple and fennel. So yummy! Thank you for your recipe. 🙂
Maggie Unzueta recently posted..Teriyaki Chicken Cups
Thank you Maggie!
Been cooking for decades, but have yet to get a tender pork chop. I don’t know what my problem is. But, I’ll try this!
Carol Cassara recently posted..Enough about me
I hear you Carol! These center cut boneless ones are hit or miss for me, but I still enjoy them (over cooking can ruin them though). You could always try a bone-in cut which I find sometimes to be more tender. 😉 Thanks for stopping by!
Fantastic pork recipe! I don’t ever eat pork but I cook it for my family… I might just have to make it and try it with this recipe! Thanks for sharing !
It’s a tasty combo- you can do bone-in pork chop or tenderloin too!
I absolutely the love combinations of flavors that you’ve chosen…can’t wait to give this a try!
Thank you! Simple, but good!
This looks soooo good! I love the combination of pork and apples. Plus, this looks simple enough that I think I could make it without ruining it 😉 Thanks for sharing!
Ariana recently posted..5 Tips for Endurance Athletes on a Plant-Based Diet [Guest Post]
Yes, it’s super simple! You can do it 🙂
Loving the flavors and how quickly this comes together. Beautiful photos, too!
Chrisy @ Homemade Hooplah recently posted..Nutella Stuffed Sugar Cookies
Thank you Chrisy!
Apples and fennel are such a great combination. This sounds like a recipe my entire family would love!
Joanie @ Zagleft recently posted..Sippin’ In The Sunset With Barefoot Refresh Spritzers
Thank you Joanie!
I love pork chops. I’ve never cooked with fennel before, but I’m willing to give it a try. Your recipe sounds and looks delicious!
Kathy | MomWifeWoman recently posted..Top 5 Reasons Why I Blog
It has a very unique flavor, definitely try it! And thanks!
I’m all over fennel right now. It’s the best, isn’t it?! I’ll definitely be tryign this!
Kristen @ The Endless Meal recently posted..August’s Blog Income Report
I agree, I don’t know why I don’t buy it more often. It’s so flavorful!