Disclaimer: I have been compensated in the form of receiving the products mentioned  for free or at a discounted price to facilitate my review. Regardless I will always only share with my readers reviews or products that I myself or my family uses. Or products that I know will be beneficial or of interest to my readers.

Dept. Of Sweet Diversions Apple Butter:

Los Angeles based jam maker, Virginie Strub, is bringing a new level of culinary creativity and hip personality to the jam aisle that has been stagnant for years. Teaming with long-time friend and illustration artist Thomas Urech, the two have launched a boutique jam company called Department of Sweet Diversions. Made in small batches using traditional techniques, Strub’s cooking process is classic, while the flavors she creates are modern and delectably surprising. From fresh strawberries mixed with the smoldering orange-tinged notes of Grand Marnier to the smooth taste of Bartlett pears with luxurious acacia honey and fresh ginger, all of her jams feature seasonal ingredients.

Department of Sweet Diversions’ jam flavors include:

Operation Peppercorn: fresh strawberries with balsamic vinegar and black pepper

The Grand Scheme: fresh strawberries and Grand Marnier Liqueur

Rule of Plum: Black splendor plums combined cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, mace, ginger and cloves

Master of Disguise: tomato infused with fresh basil and combined with balsamic vinegar & red pepper flakes

The Suite Surprise: apple butter sweetened with agave, with a special blend of spices, and a dash of Brandy added for good measure

LIMITED EDITION: Grateful Grouse: sweet orange slices with fresh-squeezed pomegranate juice. This limited edition flavor (available just for the holiday season) combines sweet orange slices with fresh-squeezed pomegranate juice, this beautifully sweet and slightly tart preserve adds some zing to leftover Thanksgiving turkey sandwiches and is a great addition to holiday platters.

If you can’t choose just one, then tanke advantage of their gift sets. Each set contains four different 1.5oz Dept. of Sweet Diversions jams, along with some suggested pairings. Flavors change seasonally, so you’ll always get to taste something new!

I was given the chance to test out The Suite Surprise! I absolutely loved the righ apple taste with just a hint of spices. It tastes absolutely wonderful, I tried it by itself, on toast and then on a recipe that I am going to share with you today. These little jams are made in small batches which I imagine is what gives them this wonderful taste. I believe these products make wonderful holiday gifts, especially since you can get them wrapped in unique packaging. They offer gift sets, a holiday ornament and a mystery jam. Dept. of Sweet Diversions variety gift sets make the perfect last minute, unexpected, forgot to get a hostess gift! Everyone appreciates a bottle of wine, but why not give something new, something different, something sweet?

You can get Dept. Of Sweet Diversions Jamson their website, and don’t forget to connect with them on Facebook. 

Now for the recipe!

Ingredients:

Bacon and Veggies:
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 strips bacon, chopped
1/2 cup chopped Vidalia or other sweet onions
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
8 to 10 sprigs fresh thyme
1 green bell pepper, halved, seeded and thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, grated on a rasp
Chops:
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 thick-cut, bone-in pork chops
6 ounces apple butter
1 pint cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish

Directions:

For the bacon and veggies: In a large straight-sided pan with a lid, add the oil and bacon and cook on medium-high heat until the bacon is crisped. Remove with a slotted spoon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the fat in the pan. Add the onions, pepper flakes, thyme and bell peppers. Cook, stirring, until the onions and peppers are tender and the pan is fragrant, 5 to 8 minutes. Add the garlic and stir to combine. Pick out and discard the thyme stems. Remove the vegetables to a separate plate.

For the chops: To the same pan, add the butter and olive oil. Once the butter is melted and the pan is hot, add the pork chops and sear on one side until a peek beneath reveals a golden color, about 4 minutes. Remove the chops to the plate with the vegetables. In the same pan still on medium high, add the apple butter and 1 1/4 cups water. Use a wooden spoon to scrape any bits off the bottom of the pan. Add the chops back into the pan, then surround and cover them with the vegetable mixture. Pour the tomatoes over the top, lower the heat to a low simmer and cover halfway. Cook until the desired doneness, usually 5 to 10 minutes lends itself to a lovely pink center.

Allow to rest 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with the reserved bacon and chopped parsley or cilantro. I love serving these chops with mashed potatoes.

Enjoy!