Sunday Dinner

I love the idea of the Sunday dinner.  A great family meal before the work week begins, definitely a great tradition that I hope to continue.  This week I tried a new recipe for pork loin.  My husband is always skeptical when I cook pork....I tend to overcook it, which is true, but I keep on trying new recipes!  Tonight's dinner was so tender and juicy, it really came out great!  I served it with a cherry brandy sauce that was well worth the pricey ingredients.  On the side, a butternut squash puree.   


Peppercorn Crusted Pork Loin

3 pound center cut pork loin

2 tablespoons coarse ground pepper

1 1/2 teaspoons coarse salt

3 tablespoons light brown sugar

Combine sugar, pepper and salt and rub all over pork. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours, but up to 24 hours.

Adjust oven rack to upper-middle position and heat oven to 450 degrees. Arrange pork on V-rack set in roasting pan. Roast for 15 minutes, then lower oven temperature to 375 degrees and cook until meat registers 140 degrees, about 50 minutes longer. Transfer pork to cutting board and tent with foil. Let rest 20 minutes. Slice pork and serve.


Cherry Brandy Sauce

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 onions, chopped
3 cups low sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup brandy
8 oz. frozen pitted sweet cherries, thawed
1 cup dried cherries
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
salt

Melt 2 tablespoons butter in large saucepan over medium heat. Cook onions until golden, about 8 minutes. Stir in broth, brandy, and cherries and simmer until thick and syrupy, about 15 minutes. Off heat, stir in vinegar and remaining butter. Season with salt. Spoon over pork and serve on the side as well.

Butternut Squash Puree

2 medium butternut squash, cut into 1 inch cubes

2 tablespoons butter, melted

2 tablespoons maple syrup

coarse salt

Heat oven to 350 degrees.  Place squash on baking sheet and drizzle with melted butter.  Cook for 30-35 minutes until tender.

Using an immersion blender or food processor puree squash until smooth.  Mix in maple syrup and salt to taste.  Serve.