Fresh fennel has a large bulbous base and pale green stems with wispy foliage. Often mislabeled as sweet anise, it has a sweeter and more delicate flavor than anise.
Ingredients
4 boneless butterflied pork chops (1/2 inch thick and 6 ounces each)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup sliced onion
1 cup sliced fennel bulb
1 tablespoon butter
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 cups pear nectar
3 tablespoons maple syrup
1/2 to 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Directions
Sprinkle pork chops with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, cook chops in oil over medium-high heat until juices run clear, 4-5 minutes on each side; drain. Set chops aside and keep warm.
In the same skillet, saute the onion and fennel in butter until crisp-tender. In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch, pear nectar, syrup and nutmeg until smooth; add to the skillet. Bring to a boil; cook and stir until thickened, about 2 minutes. Serve over pork chops.