This is a total throwback to a classic dish from my childhood, pork chops and applesauce. I bet I’m not the only one who enjoyed this weeknight staple both growing up and today. But there’s far more to this dish than nostalgia; pork and fruit, especially apples, make a fantastic combination. Soaking the rack of pork in a savory apple juice brine delivers great results—the naturally mild, lean meat is thoroughly infused with flavor and moisture that won’t cook out in the oven. Brining is a vital step in producing this juicy, flavorful pork. The deep molasses-mustard glaze and pan sauce finished with sour mash whiskey are Tennessee touches that I never had growing up, but I think the next generation will appreciate this new spin on an American classic.

　　

Ingredients

Serves 4 to 6

　　1 (6-ounce) container frozen apple juice concentrate, thawed

　　1/2 cup kosher salt

　　3/4 cup packed light brown sugar

　　1 medium Spanish onion, quartered

　　10 black peppercorns

　　10 mustard seeds

　　8 sprigs fresh thyme

　　2 bay leaves

　　1 (3-pound) center-cut rack of pork

　　1/2 cup molasses

　　2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

　　2 tablespoons whole grain mustard

　　Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

　　2 tablespoons olive oil

　　3 shallots, finely chopped

　　1 1/4 cups Jack Daniel’s whiskey

　　1 quart chicken stock, homemade (page 240) or store-bought

　　2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces, chilled

　　2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, plus whole sprigs for garnish

　　Apple Butter (page 146)

　　Parsley Oil (page 239; optional), for garnish

　　

APPLE BUTTER

2 tablespoons canola oil

　　1/2 small Spanish onion, finely chopped

　　1 clove garlic, finely chopped

　　2 large Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and chopped

　　3 tablespoons light brown sugar

　　1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

　　1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

　　1/2 pound (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

　　(makes about 1 1/2 cups)

　　

Step 1

Bring 6 cups cold water, the apple juice concentrate, salt, 1/2 cup of the sugar, the onion, peppercorns, mustard seeds, thyme, and bay leaves to a simmer in a large stockpot and cook until the sugar and salt are dissolved, 2 to 3 minutes. Let cool completely. Submerge the roast in the brine. Weight it down by placing a plate on top, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 12 and up to 24 hours.

　　

Step 2

Whisk together the molasses and mustards in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper.

　　

Step 3

Preheat the oven to 425°F.

　　

Step 4

Remove the pork from the brine, rinse under cold water, and pat dry with paper towels. Heat the oil in a large deep sauté pan over high heat. Season the pork on both sides with salt and pepper and cook until golden brown on both sides, 4 to 6 minutes per side.

　　

Step 5

Transfer the pork to a baking sheet; set aside the pan and oil for the sauce. Brush the pork with some of the mustard glaze and finish cooking in the oven, brushing with the glaze every 10 minutes, until cooked to an internal temperature of 150°F, 25 to 30 minutes. Remove from the oven, tent loosely with foil, and let rest for 15 minutes.

　　

Step 6

Add the shallots to the reserved sauté pan and cook over medium-high heat until soft, 4 minutes. Add the Jack Daniel’s and cook, scraping the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon, until almost completely evaporated, 5 minutes. Add the chicken stock and remaining 1/4 cup brown sugar, bring to a boil, and cook until reduced to a sauce consistency (see page 250), about 1 1/2 cups, about 10 minutes. Remove from the heat. Whisk in the butter, season with salt and pepper, and stir in the chopped parsley.

　　

Step 7

Slice the rack into chops and place on large plates. Drizzle a little of the sauce around each chop and top with some of the apple butter. Garnish with parsley sprigs and parsley oil if desired.

　　

APPLE BUTTER

Step 8

Heat the oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until soft, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the apples, brown sugar, and 1/4 cup water and cook until the apples are very soft, 10 minutes. Stir in the cinnamon and salt and cook for 1 minute. Remove the mixture from the heat and let cool.

　　

Step 9

Transfer the mixture to a food processor along with the butter and process until slightly chunky. Scrape into a small bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to 24 hours to allow the flavors to meld. Bring to room temperature before serving.

　　Reprinted with permission from Bobby Flay's Bar Americain Cookbook by Bobby Flay with Stephanie Banyas and Sally Jackson, (C) 2011 Clarkson PotterBOBBY FLAY, a New York Times bestselling author, is the chef-owner of six fine dining restaurants, including Mesa Grill, Bar Americain, and Bobby Flay Steak, and an expanding roster of Bobby's Burger Palaces. He is the host of numerous popular cooking shows on Food Network, from the Emmy-winning Boy Meets Grill and Grill It! with Bobby Flay, to the Iron Chef America series, Throwdown! with Bobby Flay, and Food Network Star. Brunch @ Bobby's debuted on the Cooking Channel in fall 2010 and America's Next Great Restaurant debuted in March 2011 on NBC. This is his eleventh book. His website is BobbyFlay.com.