Roasted Pork Chops with Serrano Ham Vinaigrette

• 6 bacon slices
• 1 2/3 cups low-salt chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 large shallot, finely chopped
• 1/3 cup chopped smoked ham
• 5 1/2 tablespoons (packed) golden brown sugar
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 6 3/4- to 1-inch-thick pork rib chops
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 4 large fresh thyme sprigs
• 1/4 cup finely chopped Serrano ham or prosciutto (about 2 ounces)
• 1 1/2 tablespoons butter, melted
• Fleur de sel (French sea salt; optional)
• Yukon Gold Potato and Fuji Apple Gratins

1. Cook bacon in large skillet over medium heat until fat is rendered, about 6 minutes.
2. Remove bacon and reserve for another use.
3. Transfer 1/3 cup bacon drippings to measuring cup (add vegetable oil to measure 1/3 cup if necessary).
4. Boil broth in heavy small saucepan until reduced to 1 cup, about 10 minutes.
5. Set aside.
6. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in medium nonstick skillet over medium-low heat.
7. Add shallot; saute until tender, about 3 minutes.
8. Add chopped ham, then brown sugar and vinegar.
9. Increase heat to medium; stir until mixture is syrupy, about 2 minutes.
10. Add reduced broth; boil until slightly reduced, about 3 minutes.
11. Pour through strainer into same small saucepan; discard solids in strainer.
12. Set vinaigrette aside.
13. Preheat oven to 375F.
14. Sprinkle pork chops with salt and pepper.
15. Heat oil in heavy large skillet over high heat.
16. Working in batches, add pork chops to skillet; cook until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side.
17. Transfer to roasting pan large enough to hold chops in single layer.
18. Add thyme sprigs to pan; place in oven and roast until instant-read thermometer inserted into chops registers 150F, about 8 minutes.
19. Remove from oven; let stand while finishing vinaigrette.
20. Rewarm vinaigrette over medium heat.
21. Whisk in bacon drippings and Serrano ham.
22. Season with salt and pepper.
23. Place 1 pork chop on each of 6 plates.
24. Drizzle with melted butter.
25. Sprinkle with fleur de sel, if desired.
26. Spoon vinaigrette over.
27. Serve with potato gratins.

bacon, lowsalt, vegetable oil, shallot, ham, golden brown sugar, red wine vinegar, pork, vegetable oil, thyme, serrano ham, butter, salt, apple gratins

Taken from www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/roasted-pork-chops-with-serrano-ham-vinaigrette-108574 (may not work)