Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 150°C/300°F/Gas Mark 2.
2. Brush the pork chops on both sides with oil and season with the black pepper. Add the sprigs of fresh thyme.
3. Heat a frying pan and fry the chops for 3 minutes on each side until they are golden. Transfer them to a tray and place in the warm oven for 4 minutes.
4. Core the apple, leaving the skin on, and cut into 4 slices.
5. Place the pan you fried the chops in over a medium heat and add the butter. Place the apple slices in the pan and sprinkle with half the brown sugar. Cook for 2 minutes, then turn over and sprinkle the other side with the rest of the sugar. Cook for a further 2 minutes. The sugar will turn a sticky, syrupy consistency. Add the water to the pan and allow the sugar to caramelise.
6. Serve a toffee apple slice on top of each pork chop.