Cherry-Compote Pork Chops

For the Pork Chops:

• 4 pork chops (bone-in or boneless) 8 pork chops (bone-in or boneless)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh thyme or rosemary (optional) Fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)

For the Cherry Compote:

• 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted and halved
• 1 large shallot, finely chopped 2 large shallots, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar 1 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 cup dry red wine (such as Rombauer Merlot) 1/2 cup dry red wine (such as Rombauer Merlot)
• 1 tablespoon sugar (adjust to taste) 2 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• A sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary 2 sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary