Pork Chops with Pear Chutney

In medium microwave-safe bowl, stir together shallot, vinegar, brown sugar, butter, ginger, curry powder, cinnamon stick, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and red pepper. Cover and seal with plastic wrap and heat in microwave oven on HIGH for 1 minute. Carefully remove plastic wrap and stir in pears and cranberries. Re-cover and microwave for 10 minutes more. Carefully poke holes in plastic wrap to release steam and set aside.

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Pat pork chops dry and season with salt and pepper to taste. Add 1 tablespoon oil to pan and heat until shimmering. Lay 4 chops in pan and sear until golden on one side, about 3 minutes. Turn and cook 1 more minute. Remove from pan; set aside and keep warm. Repeat with remaining oil and chops. Add chutney to pan and, scrape up any brown bits from bottom using a wooden spoon. Simmer until slightly thickened. Stir in cilantro. Serve chops with chutney.