Glazed Pork Chops with Ginger Rice

Makes 6 servings

Ingredients

 * 6 boneless top loin Pork chops, 3/4-inch thick (1-1/2 to 2 pounds)
 * 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, divided
 * 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
 * 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
 * 2 tablespoons butter or margarine, divided
 * 3 tablespoons Pear preserves
 * 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted
 * 1 cup uncooked rice
 * 2 cups water
 * 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
 * 1/2 teaspoon curry powder

Directions

 * 1) Season chops with 1/2 teaspoon salt, pepper and nutmeg. Cook chops in 1 tablespoon butter in 10-inch skillet, 4 to 5 minutes on each side. Add 2 tablespoons water; cover and cook 10 minutes.
 * 2) Combine Pear preserves and almonds with 2 tablespoons water. Stir into pan juices, spoon over chops to glaze.
 * 3) Meanwhile, in 2-quart saucepan combine rice, water, ginger, curry powder, remaining 1 teaspoon salt and remaining 1 tablespoon butter. Bring to a boil. Stir once or twice.
 * 4) Reduce heat, cover, and simmer 15 minutes (20 to 25 minutes for parboiled rice) or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
 * 5) Serve chops and glaze over beds of hot ginger rice. Garnish with almonds, candied fruit, and additional Pear preserves, if desired.