Smothered Pork Chops

This was a new recipe for me- I chose it for Tim's birthday dinner.  It is very easy, and cooks all day in the crock pot.  Smelling it all day was awesome. This would be a great Sunday dinner.

adapted from melskitchencafe.com

2 T. oil

6 boneless pork chops, about 3/4 inch thick

1 small onion,chopped

1 t. plus 1 T. brown sugar

1/4 c. plus 2 T. cold water

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 t. dried thyme

3 c. low-sodium chicken broth

1 T. soy sauce

2 bay leaves

1 T. cornstarch

In a large skillet over medium heat, heat oil.  Pat pork chops dry with paper towels, and sprinkle with salt and pepper.  Cook until they are golden brown on each side, about 2 minutes per side.  When golden, transfer the chops to the slow cooker.

Pour off all but 1 t. of fat from the skillet; add onions, 1 t. brown sugar, 1/4 t. salt and 1/4 c. water to empty skillet.  Using a wooden spoon, scrape browned bits from bottom of the pan and cook over medium-high heat until onions are soft, about 5 minutes.  Stir in garlic and thyme and cook 30 seconds.  Pour onion mixture over chops in the slow cooker.  Add broth, soy sauce, and remaining 1 T. brown sugar to skillet, bring to a boil and add bay leaves.  Pour mixture over onions in slow cooker.

Cover slow cooker and cook on low until pork is tender, about 8 hours (or on high for 4 hours).

When ready to serve, transfer chops to serving platter with a large spoon, cover with foil.  Pour liquid through a strainer into a saucepan.  Discard solids.  In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and 2 T. water and stir into sauce.  Cook over medium heat until thickened.  Pour over chops.  Serve.