Irish Casserole With Pork Chopsonions Apples Recipes

Steps:

• FOR THE PASTRY CRUST: Combine flour and salt, mixing well. Cut in lard until mixture resembles coarse meal. Add water a Tablespoon at a time, while stirring with a fork, just until mixture holds together. Form into ball. Cover with plastic wrap; refrigerate.
• FOR THE FILLING: Brown pork in large saucepan over moderate heat, stirring frequently. Add water, onion, sage, and salt; mix well. Cover; simmer over low heat 30 minutes or until meat is tender.
• Combine milk and flour; stir to form smooth mixture. Add to pork mixture in saucepan, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Cook over low heat until thickened and bubbly. Pour 1/2 of pork mixture into 1 1/2 quart lightly greased casserole. Top with apples; sprinkle with sugar. Add remaining pork mixture.
• Roll pastry crust. Turn out dough onto lightly floured board; roll to fit casserole dish. Place over meat mixture. Turn under small margin of pastry around edge of casserole; crimp edge. Cut several steam vents in pastry.
• Beat egg yolk and milk together; brush crust well with egg wash. Bake at 450°F for 10 minutes. Reduce heat to 350°F and bake 25 minutes more. Serve hot. Makes 4 to 5 servings.
• International Creative Cookbooks Irish Cooking.

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Heat the vegetable oil in a large, ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and sear until golden brown, about 1 1/2 minutes per side. Place the pork chops on a plate and set aside.
• Add the onion to the skillet and cook, stirring often, for 2 minutes. Add the sherry and the cider and cook, stirring contantly, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Add the apples, 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper to taste. Lower the heat and cook for 5 minutes.
• Push the pork chops down into the apple mixture and pour any juices accumulated on the plate over them. Cover with foil and bake until the pork chops are tender and cooked through, about 15 minutes. Uncover and season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Divide among 4 plates and serve.