Farmhouse Pork and Apple Pie

I've been trying out many, many new recipes this month trying to find something worth sharing, but nothing has been very spectacular until last night.  It was the grand prize winner of a pork recipe contest, and I completely understand why.  Everyone loved it and had seconds (or thirds).  This dish takes some prep time, but it's worth it.  It's supposed to be made in a huge oven-proof skillet, but I didn't have one big enough so I transferred everything to a 9x13 - which it filled completely.  This recipe makes a lot of food.  I made more mashed potatoes than the recipe calls for (6 potatoes instead of 4), but it was such a thin layer of potatoes I would do a few more next time.  I think I will cut the recipe in half next time for my little family, too.

Farmhouse Pork and Apple Pie

1 lb sliced bacon, cut into 2-inch pieces

3 medium onions, chopped (seems like a lot, but they cook down)

3 lbs boneless pork, cubed

3/4 c flour

oil, optional

3 tart cooking apples, peeled and chopped

1 tsp rubbed sage

1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

1 tsp salt

1/4 tsp pepper

1 c apple cider

1/2 c water

4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed

1/2 c milk

5 Tb butter, divided

Additional salt and pepper

Snipped fresh parsley, optional

Cook bacon in an ovenproof 12-in. skillet until crisp.  Remove with a slottered spoon to paper towels to drain.  In drippings, saute onions until tender; remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.  Dust pork lightly with flour.  Brown a third at a time in drippings, adding oil if needed.  Remove from the heat and drain.  To pork, add bacon, onions, apples, sage, nutmeg, salt and pepper.  Stir in apple cider and water.  Cover and bake at 325 for 2 hours or until the pork is tender.  In a saucepan, cook potatoes in boiling water until tender.  Drain and mash with milk and 3 Tb butter.  Add salt and pepper to taste.  Remove skillet from the oven and spread potatoes over pork mixture.  Melt remaining butter; brush over potatoes.  Broil 6 inches from the heat for 5 minutes or until topping is browned.  Sprinkle with parsley if desired.  Serves 10.