These pork chops are easy to make and an unexpected delight with apples and polenta. The longer you cook the polenta, the creamier it will be when finished. 

Preparation

Combine the garlic, rosemary, and olive oil in a small bowl. Spread garlic mixture on both sides of pork chops and let sit for 30 minutes at room temperature.

For the polenta, bring the milk, water, salt, and white pepper to a rolling boil. While continually whisking, add the polenta and whisk vigorously on high heat until it begins to thicken. Reduce heat to very low and cover. Stir every 5–10 minutes, scraping the bottom to prevent sticking.

Heat oven to 400°F.

Over medium heat, warm an oven-safe, heavy-bottomed sauté pan and sear pork chops in olive oil for 3 minutes on one side. Turn over with a spatula to help keep garlic intact, then sear on the other side for 1 minute. Place pan in the oven and cook for 8–10 minutes, or until internal temperature of the meat is 145°F. Remove from sauté pan and let rest on a cutting board.  

In the same pan, add the leeks and sauté until tender. Then add the apples and sauté for 1 minute. Flambé the pan with brandy, then reduce liquid by half. Add the chicken stock and reduce by half, then incorporate the butter. Serve pork chops covered in sauce. 

Let the polenta cook for approximately 35–45 minutes, or until it is no longer grainy and the corn meal is tender. Once tender, whisk in the butter and parsley and serve warm with the pork chops.