Melt the butter in a non-stick frying pan. Add the onion and fry until softened. Remove the onion from the pan with a slotted spoon and spread half over the bottom of a casserole.

Cover with half the apple slices and sprinkle with half the raisins, and salt and pepper to taste.

Put the chops in the frying pan and brown on both sides. Drain the chops and place in the casserole. Cover with the remaining onion and apples and sprinkle with the remaining raisins, salt and pepper. Pour in the cider.

Cover the casserole and cook in the oven for 1 1/2 hours, or until the chops are very tender.

Pork chops, trimmed of fat, can be cooked in exactly the same way. Serve with a crisp green side salad.