Somerset Pork with Cream and Apples

Step 1
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

Step 2
In a large, heavy oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Fry pork chops on both sides until golden. Transfer to a 2-quart casserole dish with a lid, and sprinkle with thyme.

Step 3
Melt remaining butter in the skillet. Fry onion and garlic until tender, then transfer to the casserole dish. Fry apple rings in the skillet for a few seconds on each side to give them color, then remove to the casserole dish. Sprinkle with sugar.

Step 4
Discard any excess fat from the skillet. Pour cider into the skillet and stir to remove any flavorful bits from the bottom. Bring to a simmer, then pour over pork chops and apples in the dish. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 5
Cover the skillet and bake in the preheated oven until no longer pink in the center, 30 to 40 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 145 degrees F (63 degrees C).

Step 6
Transfer pork chops and apples to a serving platter. Stir cream into juices in the skillet, then spoon over pork chops.