Ham or Smoked Pork Chops with Apples, Leeks and Honey-Mustard Toast
Tender-crisp apples are the perfect accent for ham or pork with an apple brandy sauce.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons softened butter, divided
- 1 rounded teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 rounded teaspoon honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 1/2 pounds ham steaks, cut into 4 portions or 4 smoked pork chops
- 2 Honeycrisp apples, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 large or 3 medium leeks, halved and cut into 1-inch chunks on an angle
- Salt and pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme
- 1/8 cup apple brandy
- 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken stock
- 4 thick slices white bread, toasted
Preparation
Combine 2 tablespoons butter with the Dijon and honey; reserve.
Warm a serving dish in a 275°F oven.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with 1 tablespoon olive oil, a turn of the pan. Add the ham steaks or smoked chops and cook to caramelize and heat through, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer the ham or chops to a warm serving dish and cover with foil.
Add the remaining oil, a turn of the pan, to the skillet and sauté the apples until tender-crisp, 3-4 minutes. Add the leeks and season with salt, pepper and thyme, and cook 3-4 minutes more to soften. Deglaze the pan with brandy, then with the wine or stock. Melt in the remaining 2 tablespoons butter.
Toast the bread and butter with the honey-Dijon mixture.
Serve the ham steak or smoked chops with apples and leeks on top and toast points alongside.
