Pork and Apple Hot Pot

this is a wonderful fall dish which makes your kitchen smell divine. very easy to throw together, and sure to please.

• Ready In: 4 hrs
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 3  tablespoons  vegetable oil, more as needed
• 3  onions, cut in two and then into thin half-moons
• 8  ounces  sliced bacon, cut crosswise into 1/2 inch strips
• 1⁄3 cup flour
• 1  teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 6 (6 ounce)  boneless pork chops (each weighing 6 to 8 ounces)
• 3  medium granny smith apples or 2  large granny smith apples
• 2  cups  sharp pressed apple cider

Directions

1. 1.
2. Heat oven to 325 degrees.
3. In a large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons oil and add onions.
4. Sauté until soft, about 10 minutes.
5. Transfer to a bowl.
6. Add bacon to pan and sauté until fat is rendered and bacon begins to brown, about 3 minutes.
7. Using a slotted spoon, remove bacon, leaving behind as much fat as possible.
8. Add bacon to onions and set aside.
9. In a freezer bag, mix together flour and pumpkin pie spice.
10. Add 3 chops, seal and shake until chops are coated.
11. Shake off excess flour and place chops on a plate.
12. Flour remaining 3 chops and add to plate; reserve spiced flour.
13. Return skillet to medium heat.
14. Add chops 3 at a time, searing on both sides then transferring to a plate; reserve oily skillet.
15. Peel, core and cut the apples in two.
16. Slice each half into thin wedges.
17. In an ovenproof pot (preferably glazed ceramic) 8 inches in diameter and 5 inches deep, layer ingredients compactly as follows: a layer of onions and bacon, 3 chops, a layer of apple slices, some more onions and bacon, the final 3 chops, a layer of apple slices, remaining onions and bacon, and a final layer of apples.
18. Add spiced flour to oily skillet.
19. If pan is dry, add a small amount of oil.
20. Place pan over medium-low heat and whisk flour into oil to make a smooth paste.
21. Slowly add apple cider, whisking until smooth.
22. Bring mixture to a boil, then pour into pot, letting it filter slowly to bottom.
23. Cover pot with a lid or waxed paper and foil.
24. Place on a baking sheet.
25. Bake until chops are tender and apples are very soft, about 3 hours.
26. Serve hot.