Apple Cider-Honey Pork Chops

Remove the honey from the refrigerator to bring to room temperature. Place an oven rack in the center of the oven; preheat to 450°F. Wash and dry the fresh produce. Peel and finely chop the shallot. Peel and roughly chop 2 cloves of garlic. Cut the mushrooms into bite-sized pieces. Cut off and discard the stems of the peppers; cut crosswise into 1-inch pieces. Thoroughly wash your hands, knife, and cutting board immediately after handling. In a bowl, combine the honey (kneading the packet before opening), broth, and vinegar.

In a medium pot, heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil on medium-high until hot. Add the chopped shallot and chopped garlic; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, 1 to 2 minutes, or until softened. Add the farro. Cook, stirring frequently, 2 to 3 minutes, or until toasted and fragrant. Add the verjus (carefully, as the liquid may splatter). Cook, stirring frequently, 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until the liquid has cooked off. Carefully add 4 cups of water; season with salt and pepper. Heat to boiling on high. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-high. Cook, stirring frequently, 27 to 29 minutes, or until the farro is tender and most of the liquid has cooked off. Turn off the heat; cover to keep warm.

Meanwhile, line a sheet pan with foil. Place the mushroom pieces and pepper pieces on the foil. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper; toss to coat. Arrange in an even layer. Roast 15 to 17 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork. Remove from the oven.

Pat the fish dry with paper towels; season on the skinless side with salt, pepper, and the spice blend. In a large pan (nonstick, if you have one), heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil on medium-high until hot. Add the seasoned fish, skin side down. Cook 5 to 7 minutes, or until the skin is browned and crispy. Flip and cook 1 to 2 minutes, or until lightly browned and cooked through.* Leaving any browned bits (or fond) in the pan, transfer to four serving dishes.

*The USDA recommends a minimum safe cooking temperature of 145°F for fish.

To the pan of reserved fond, add the sauce (carefully, as the liquid may splatter); season with salt and pepper. Cook on medium-high, stirring frequently, 2 to 3 minutes, or until slightly thickened. Turn off heat. 

To the pot of cooked farro, add the roasted vegetables, mascarpone, and half the parmesan. Season with salt and pepper; stir to combine. Taste, then season with salt and pepper if desired. Serve the cooked fish with the finished farro. Top the fish with the pan sauce. Garnish with the remaining parmesan. Enjoy!