*  Exported from  MasterCook II  *

            Pork Chops Braised With Dried Fruits And Almonds

Recipe By     : COOKING RIGHT SHOW#CR9690
Serving Size  : 6    Preparation Time :0:00
Categories    : Cooking Right                    Pork

 Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
  6                    center cut pork chops -- 1-1/4 inches thick
    1/4  Cup           olive oil
  1 1/2  Cups          diced red onions
  2      Teaspoons     minced garlic
  4      Cups          fresh orange juice
  2      Teaspoons     grated orange zest
  1      Cup           Gewurztraminer -- or Gamay Beaujolais
  1      Cup           rich chicken stock
  1      tablespoon    minced serrano chiles
  1      cup           dried apple slices
  1      cup           dried figs -- or prunes halved
  3      tablespoons   minced fresh ginger
  1      2-inch        cinnamon stick
  1      teaspoon      ground allspice
                       Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
                       Garnish: Toasted slivered almonds, fennel
                       CINNAMON COUSCOUS
  1      cup           rich chicken -- or mushroom stock
    1/4  teaspoon      saffron
  2      tablespoons   olive oil
  2      teaspoons     chopped roasted garlic
    1/4  teaspoon      ground cumin
    1/4  teaspoon      ground coriander
    1/2  teaspoon      ground cinnamon
    1/4  teaspoon      freshly grated nutmeg
  1      cup           couscous
                       Salt and freshly ground pepper
    1/2  cup           minced green onions
    1/3  cup           toasted pinenuts


Trim chops of most fat, season with salt and pepper and brown on both
sides quickly in 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a heavy, oven-proof
casserole. Remove and set aside. Add
onion and garlic and cook over moderate heat in remaining oil until
lightly colored. Return chops to casserole and add remaining
ingredients. Cover and bake in a preheated 325 degree oven for 1 hour  or
until chops are tender. Remove chops and fruits to serving plates and keep
warm. Discard cinnamon stick. Reduce juices to a light sauce  consistency
and pour over chops. Adjust seasonings. Garnish with  toasted almonds,
fennel sprigs and cinnamon couscous.

 For the couscous:
In a saucepan, heat stock and saffron to a simmer and then let sit off
heat for 15 minutes. Place pan back on stove and add oil, garlic,
cumin, coriander, cinnamon and nutmeg and bring to a boil. Correct
seasoning with salt and pepper. Place couscous in a mixing bowl and pour
hot liquid over. Let couscous stand covered for 5 minutes to absorb stock.
Fluff gently with a fork and serve hot or at room
temperature. Mix in green onions and pine nuts before serving.


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