Directions

1. To make the brine, dissolve the salt in 1/2 gallon of warm water in a large bowl. Add the pepper, pour in the apple cider and mix. Drop the pork chops into the brine and add enough additional apple cider so that the chops lurk in the liquid like frogs in a pond. Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours and up to 72.

2. To prepare the chops, preheat oven to 400 degrees. Remove chops from brine and dry with paper towels. Rub them with 2 tablespoons of the olive oil and season well with salt and black pepper.

3. Heat the remaining olive oil in two oven-safe skillets and brown the chops, three to a pan, for 4 minutes a side. Place skillets in oven for 6 to 8 minutes and then remove chops to a warm platter. Cover loosely with foil and allow them to rest for about 10 minutes.

Directions for the Caramelized Apples and Onions

1. Heat half the olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and add the apples and then one stem of thyme and one bay leaf. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples are golden brown but not mushy, 5 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat and throw away the thyme and bay leaf.

2. In another skillet over medium-high heat, add the remaining olive oil, the butter and the onions, then the remaining thyme and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper. Reduce heat to medium low and cook, stirring frequently, until the onions are soft and golden brown, 20 to 30 minutes. Remove from heat and throw away the thyme and bay leaf.

3. To serve, warm the apples and onions over medium-high heat and spoon them around the pork chops on a warmed platter.