-
1
Put the dried fruit in a small bowl.
-
2
Pour 1/4 cup boiling water over the fruit and set aside for 10 minutes to soften.
-
3
Drain, reserve the soaking water.
-
4
In a mini-processor process the fruit with the nuts, butter, fennel and half the shallot until finely chopped.
-
5
Season with salt and pepper.
-
6
Transfer to a small sealable plastic bag or pastry bag.
-
7
Snip about a 1/2-inch opening in the corner of the plastic bag.
-
8
With a small paring knife, make a pocket starting from rounded side of each chop.
-
9
Set the tip of the bag inside the pocket and press a quarter of the stuffing into the chop.
-
10
Repeat with the remaining chops and filling.
-
11
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Pat the chops dry and season with salt and pepper.
-
12
In a large saute pan, heat the oil over medium-high heat.
-
13
Brown one side of the chops, until well browned about 5 minutes.
-
14
Use tongs to hold the chops and sear the edges of the chops.
-
15
Turn and brown the other sides of the chops, about 2 minutes.
-
16
Transfer the chops to a baking sheet and bake until an instant read thermometer inserted into the center of the chops registers 135 degrees F, about 15 minutes.
-
17
While the chops are in the oven make the sauce.
-
18
Drain the oil from the saute pan.
-
19
Off the heat, add the Calvados and the remaining shallots.
-
20
Return the pan to the heat, taking care since the alcohol may flambe, and cook over high heat until the alcohol is reduced by half and is slightly syrupy.
-
21
Add the broth and the fruit soaking liquid and boil down until the liquid is reduce by about a third.
-
22
Add the cream and continue to simmer until it thickens slightly.
-
23
Whisk in the mustard.
-
24
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
-
25
Add any juices that have accumulated on the baking sheet to the sauce.
-
26
Divide the chops among 4 warm plates or a large platter.
-
27
Pour on the sauce and serve.