Pork Chops with Maple Apples

Trim excess fat from chops. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. In a 12-inch nonstick skillet heat oil over medium-high heat. Add pork chops. Cook for 8 to 12 minutes or until an instant-read thermometer inserted through the side into the center registers 145°F, turning once halfway through cooking. Remove from skillet. Cover with foil. Let stand 3 minutes.

Add apples, onion, and garlic to skillet. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add apple juice. Cook about 4 minutes more or until most liquid has evaporated and apples are crisp-tender. Stir together whipping cream, maple syrup, and thyme. Pour over apples in skillet. Cook and stir 1 to 2 minutes or until heated through and sauce starts to thicken.

Serve apples mixture over pork chops. Sprinkle with fresh thyme, if desired.