Put the potatoes and garlic in a saucepan, cover with cold water and season with salt. Cover and bring to a boil, then uncover and continue cooking until tender, about 15 minutes. Cover and set aside.

Meanwhile, rub both sides of the port chops with the sage, and salt and pepper to taste. Heat a large cast-iron skillet over high heat, then add 1 teaspoon olive oil and sear the cops until golden on both sides, about 5 minutes total. Transfer to a plate. Wipe out the skillet and add the remaining 2 teaspoons olive oil. Add the onion and apples and ocok over medium-high heat until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and stir int he cider.

Return the chops to the skillet. Cover and cook, turning once, until just cooked through, 4 - 5 minutes. Drain the potatoes, reserving 1/4 cup liquid. Return the potatoes to teh pan; add teh buttermilk and mash, adding cooking liquid as needed. Season with salt and pepper. Serve with the port chops, onion and apples. Drizzle with the pan juices.