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1
Fry bacon in small saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned, 8 to 10 minutes.
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2
Using slotted spoon, transfer bacon to paper towel-lined plate, leaving fat in saucepan (you should have 2 tablespoons bacon fat; if not, supplement with vegetable oil).
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3
Reduce heat to medium-low and gradually whisk flour into fat until smooth.
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4
Cook, whisking frequently, until mixture is light brown, about the color of peanut butter, about 5 minutes.
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5
Whisk in chicken broth in slow, steady stream; increase heat to medium-high and bring to boil, stirring occasionally; cover and set aside off heat.
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6
Heat 1-tablespoon oil in 12-inch skillet over high heat until smoking, about 3 minutes.
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7
Meanwhile, dry pork chops with paper towels and sprinkle with 1/2-teaspoon pepper.
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8
Brown chops in single layer until deep golden on first side, about 3 minutes.
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9
Flip chops and cook until browned on second side, about 3 minutes longer.
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10
Transfer chops to large plate and set aside.
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11
Reduce heat to medium and add 1 tablespoon oil, onions, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and water to now-empty skillet.
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12
Using wooden spoon, scrape browned bits on pan bottom and cook, stirring frequently, until onions are softened and browned around the edges, about 5 minutes.
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13
Stir in garlic and thyme and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds longer.
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14
Return chops to skillet in single layer, covering chops with onions.
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15
Pour in warm sauce and any juices collected from pork; add bay leaves.
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16
Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer until pork is tender and paring knife inserted into chops meets very little resistance, about 30 minutes.
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17
Transfer chops to warmed serving platter and tent with foil.
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18
Increase heat to medium-high and simmer sauce rapidly, stirring frequently, until thickened to gravy-like consistency, about 5 minutes.
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19
Discard bay leaves, stir in parsley, and adjust seasonings with salt and pepper.
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20
Cover chops with sauce, and serve immediately.
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21
* MAKE AHEAD FREEZER DIRECTIONS- Instead of returning chops to the skillet as noted above, place chops in single layer into an oven- and freezer-proof baking dish, covering chops with onions and reserved bacon.
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22
Pour in warm sauce and any juices collected from pork; add bay leaves.
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23
Allow to cool completely before covering and freezing.
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24
When ready to prepare, defrost completely.
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25
Preheat oven to 350 degrees and place baking dish uncovered in preheated oven.
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26
Bake for 30 minutes until pork is tender and paring knife inserted into chops meets very little resistance, about 30 minutes.
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27
Continue by transferring the chops to a warmed serving platter and following the last step as noted above.
