In a large skillet heat the oil and butter on low until melted and bubbling while dredging the pork chops in flour mixed with garlic powder, salt and pepper. Bring the heat in the pan up to medium high and saute the chops for 3 minutes on both sides. Remove the pork chops to a pan and place in the oven to finish and stay warm for ten minutes.
Keep the oil and butter left in the skillet. If it is burned then wipe the pan and add one tablespoon of oil. Add onions to the same skillet and saute with oil from the chops until slightly caramelized; add the apples and saute until they are tender. Add the cream cheese to the apple-onion mixture along with the apple cider; stir until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Add the cranberries and stir for one minute.
Remove the pork chops from the oven and plate them with the sauce. Place a spoonful of sauce on a plate, top with a pork chop + more sauce. Add an additional sprinkle of dried cranberries and a sprig of parsley, if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
If you are preparing this recipe as gluten free, just be sure to substitute a gluten-free thickener for the all-purpose flour.
You can sub apple juice for the apple cider, but I like the extra spice that the cider imparts into the sauce.
Leftovers of this dish are great too. Just heat up in the microwave and serve.