Angie Monk

Pork is a delicious and nutritious source of protein. Pork also provides thiamin, niacin, riboflavin, zinc, potassium and phosphorus. Each of these nutrients play an important role in maintaining our health. Five to six ounces per day of lean protein is recommended.

One of the leanest cuts of pork is the tenderloin. There are many ways to prepare pork, including grilling, broiling, stir frying and roasting.

The next time you are at the grocery store and are looking for something new to cook, try pork.

This recipe is super easy to prepare and a delicious main dish for dinner.

Pork Tenderloin

with Cherry Sauce

Ingredients

▪  1 pound pork tenderloin 

▪  1/4 cup cherry preserves 

▪ 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar 

▪  1/2 teaspoon allspice

▪  1 tablespoon olive oil 

▪ 1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions 

▪  1 cup dark cherries, fresh or frozen pitted

▪ 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper;  optional

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Mix the preserves, balsamic vinegar and allspice in a small bowl. Reserve half of the mixture.

3.  Brush 1/2 of the mixture on the pork tenderloin, covering the entire tenderloin.

4.   Cover and cook the tenderloin for 45-50 minutes, or until a food thermometer reaches 145 degrees F.

5.  While the tenderloin is cooking, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the green onions and saute for 1-2 minutes or until tender. Add the cherries, cayenne and the reserved preserve mixture. 

6. Let simmer for 8-10 minutes or until sauce has thickened (whisking if needed).

7. NOTE: You may want to use a food processor or blender to blend the cherry sauce if you prefer a smoother, blended sauce

8.    Slice the tenderloin and spoon the cherry sauce over top of each slice to serve.