Goat Cheese and Apricot Stuffed Pork Chops

6 thick porck chops, boneless is preferred
1 cup chopped dried apricots
4 tbsp apricot preserve
5 oz herbed goat cheese
1 c chopped onion
6 tbsp(approx 5 oz) Brandy
1 tbsp olive oil
2 c chicken broth
2 tsp cornstarch
6 tbsp cold water

credit: http://www.gracelaced.com/blog/2013/02/07/goat-cheese-and-apricot-stuffed-pork-chops-with-apricot-brandy-glaze

1Combine all ingredients for pork chop filling, and set aside. Cut a deep slit lengthwise into each pork chop, being careful to cut all the way through, but creating a deep pocket in each pork chop.

2Generously salt and pepper all sides and pocket of each pork chop. Fill each chop with approximately 2 Tbs. filling. Close the seam of the pocket, and hold together with a toothpick in each chop. Set aside.

3In a large heavy bottomed dutch oven, heat a few tablespoons oil, onions and the finely chopped apricots on medium heat. Cook until onions are translucent, and push onions and apricots to the edges of the pan.
4Place sealed chops into the center of the pan, adding olive oil if necessary, and sear chops on medium-high heat, turning once to brown both sides.

5Remove chops and set aside on a plate. Turn the heat to medium-low, and add brandy to the pan, scraping the bits from the bottom of the pan. Add broth and preserves, stirring gently to combine all ingredient.
6 Combine cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl, and mix well. Bring sauce to a gentle simmer, and slowly pour in cornstarch mixture, stirring continually with a whisk as the sauce thickens.
7Finally, add chops back into the pan with the sauce. Cover with a lid and place in 350F oven for 15-20 minutes or until chop reads 145F.

8To serve, remove toothpick, and ladle sauce/glaze over individual pork chop. Serve extra glaze on the side.

Serving Size: makes 6 pork chops with filling and glaze

Number of Servings: 6

Recipe submitted by SparkPeople user L_CARSEY.