Fall is my favorite time of year and it is also the season when I reconnect with my inner foodie. I must admit, recently I’ve been a little obsessed with the Dunwoody Green Market. (I enjoy browsing much more when it isn’t sweltering hot.) My favorite finds are flavor-infused oils and vinegars by Alta Cucina Italia. I was inspired by my purchase of the cherry balsamic vinegar to find a good fall recipe to use it. If you don’t have cherry balsamic – no worries. Just use any good quality balsamic and the recipe will be delicious!
Roast Pork Tenderloin with Dried Cherries and Rosemary
Ingredients:
- Two 1-lb. pork tenderloins
- ½ cup dried cherries
- ½ cup dry red wine
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- ¾ cup all-natural cranberry juice or unfiltered apple juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 shallots, cut in half lengthwise
- 3 tbsp fresh rosemary or 3 tsp. dried rosemary
- 2 tbsp. olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
- Rinse the pork tenderloin and pat dry. Place in a plastic, zip-top bag.
- Whisk together the cherries, wine, vinegar, cranberry juice, garlic, shallots, and rosemary in a bowl. Pour over pork, cover, and refrigerate 2-3 hours or overnight, turning the pork several times.
- Heat the olive oil in a large, ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Remove the pork from the marinade (reserve marinade) and place the pork in the heated skillet. Cook the pork on all sides, 5-6 minutes total time, until light brown.
- Pour the reserved marinade over the pork and place the skillet in the oven. Roast, basting several times, 20-25 minutes or until a meat thermometer registers 150-155 degrees for medium (160 degrees – about 5 minutes longer – for medium-well).
- Remove the pork from the baking dish and place on a grooved carving board. Cover the pork and let it rest 5-10 minutes before carving. (It will continue to cook while it is resting.)
- Season with salt and pepper. Slice into 1/4–inch pieces and spoon the pan juices over the pork. Serve immediately.
Servings: 8-10
Nutrition Information per 4 oz serving:
252 calories; 15 g carbohydrate; 10 g fat; 23 g protein; 355 mg sodium; 10 g sugar
Nancy Anderson, MPH, RD, LD is a registered dietitian at Nutrifit, Sport, Therapy, Inc. She works with individuals and families to make healthy eating a way of life.