Braised Pork Chops with Thyme & Mushroom Stuffing

Prep time : 45 minutes ---Cook time : 1 hour --- Makes 4 servings

4 -----------------pork chops , cut 1 -1/4 to 1 - 1/2 inches thick and trimmed of excess fat

2 -----------------tablespoons vegetable oil

1 -----------------clove garlic , minced

6 -----------------ounces medium-size mushrooms , finely chopped

1/3 -------------- cup soft bread crumbs

1 -1/2 -----------tablespoons chopped fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme , crumbled

1/2 --------------teaspoon salt

1/4 --------------teaspoon black pepper

1/4 --------------cup boiling Browned Beef Stock or canned reduced-sodium beef broth

1) Preheat oven to 350*F . Cut a pocket in each pork chop .

2) In a 12-inch skillet over moderate heat --- heat 1 tabvlespoon of the oil for 1 minute . Add garlic and saute , stirring constantly for 1 minute . Add mushrooms and saute , stirring occasionally , until liquid evaporates --- about 5 minutes . Mix in bread crumbs , thyme and 1/2 of the salt and pepper .Spoon about 1/3 cup stuffing into each chop .

3) In same skillet over moderately high heat , heat the remaining oil for 1 minute . Sprinkle chops with the remaining salt and pepper and saute , turning once at halftime , until lightly browned -- 5 to 6 minutes . Transfer to an ungreased shallow 12-by 7-inch baking dish . Pour over chops .

4) Cover chops with foil and bake until an instant-read thermometer inserted in center of stuffing registers 165*F - about 45 minutes .