Creole Pork Chops

 This is a fast and easy recipe to make, and it is one of our favorites.  My mother used to make this often, using fresh peppers, celery, and onions from her garden. 

Ingredients

4 pork chops
salt and pepper
1 Tbs. oil
1 onion, chopped
1 bell pepper, chopped
1/4 c. chopped celery (optional)
1/3 c. ketchup
1/2 c. water
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. celery seed
3 Tbs. vinegar
1/4 tsp. ginger
1/8 to 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper (optional)
1 tsp. sugar
1 tsp flour

Directions

Heat oven to 325°.

Season pork chops with salt and pepper on both sides. 

In an ovenproof cast iron skillet, heat oil.  Brown the pork chops on both sides.  Remove pork chops from the skillet and place on a plate. Cover to keep warm while you sauté the vegetables. 

In the same skillet, adding a bit more oil or butter if necessary, add the onion, sweet bell pepper, and celery. Cook and stir until tender. This takes about 5 minutes.

Add the pork chops back into the skillet. 

In a small bowl, combine, ketchup, water, salt, celery seed, vinegar, ginger, and flour.  Pour over the chops.

Bake uncovered for 1 1/2 hours.  Turn the chops over after the first hour of baking.