Cider Apple and Sage Roasted Pork Chops with Brown Butter Gorgonzola Polenta.

To make the polenta. Heat a small skillet over medium heat. Add the butter and cook until browned and toasted.

Pour the water and milk into a medium size saucepan and bring to a boil. Lower the heat to medium and slowly whisk in the polenta. Cook, stirring frequently, until the polenta is soft and thick, about 15 to 20 minutes. Keep warm and then just before serving, stir in the gorgonzola cheese and half the browned butter, seasoned with salt and pepper. If the polenta seems a little thick you can add a tablespoon more of butter or milk.

Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.

Heat a large skillet or braiser over medium high heat. Rub the pork chops all over with olive oil. Sprinkle each side of the chops with salt + pepper and then rub the brown sugar on. Now grab 3-4 sage leaves and press them on the pork chops, they should stick onto the chops, but don't worry if they fall off during cooking.

Once the skillet is hot, but not smoking, add the pork chops and sear until both sides are caramelized, about 2-3 minutes per side. Add the butter to the pan and allow it to brown, about 1 minute. Slowly pour in the cider and add the chipotle peppers (if using) + thyme. Bring the sauce to a boil and then remove from the heat. Sprinkle the apple slices around the pork.

Place the skillet in the oven and roast for 15-20 minutes or until the pork is cooked to your desired doneness and the sauce has thickened into a glaze. If the pork is done before the sauce is thick, just remove the pork from the pan and place the pan back on the stove. Bring the sauce to a boil and cook until it has thickened.

To serve, divide the polenta among plates. Add a pork chop, apples and the glaze from the pan. Drizzle the polenta with the reserved browned butter. EAT.