Pork Chops With Caramelized Onion-Mushroom Sauce

Ingredients

• 4 boneless pork chops
• flour
• salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 6 medium fresh mushrooms, sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 1 medium yellow onion, sliced and separated
• 1 (14 1/2 ounce) cans beef broth
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 cup half-and-half (optional)
• 1 -2 tablespoon cornstarch (optional)
• 1 bay leaf (optional)

Directions

1. Season chops with flour, salt and pepper.
2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in cast iron skillet over medium-high heat; sauté chops until golden brown.
3. Remove.
4. Add onions and lightly brown.
5. Remove.
6. Add 1 tablespoons unsalted butter; when melted, add mushrooms. Remove and de-glaze skillet with 1/3 cup beef broth or wine, if preferred.
7. Pour remaining beef broth into crock pot.
8. Add sauce from skillet, Worcestershire and spices; add chops, onions and mushrooms.
9. Cover and cook on LOW heat setting for 7-8 hours, until very tender.
10. EXTRACT BAY LEAF.
11. Turn temperature to HIGH; add 1 tablespoons butter.
12. Mix cornstarch with Half and Half.
13. Whisk to blend well. Add to crock pot and whisk.
14. Cook for an additional 15-20 minutes(depending on sauce thickness preferred).
15. Serve over cooked rice.