HERB CRUSTED PORK LOIN ROAST WITH FIGS AND PORT

Since it’s just a couple of days before Thanksgiving, it’s once again time to start thinking about Christmas. (Like the Christmas decorations that have been up in stores since before Halloween could let anyone forget that Christmas is just around the corner!) But until about this time of year, I try real hard not to get hooked into the whole Christmas “thing”.

Now don’t get me wrong. I love Christmas, but not until after Thanksgiving. And no, I am not one of those people who spend the Friday after Thanksgiving spending thousands of dollars at the local mall. There actually isn’t enough money to get me to even go to a mall on the day after Thanksgiving. I’m just too old and dislike people enough to want no part of that scene. And no, I don’t really dislike people, but you know what I mean!

Anyway, the whole point of this rant is to tell you that I am starting a series on Christmas recipes, many of which, like this recipe for pork roast, are perhaps not traditional Christmas dinner fare, but are never-the-less delicious and fairly inexpensive to serve to a crowd. And since I’m sure you too have noticed that Christmas is an expensive holiday, I hope one or more of these recipes can help you serve up a wonderful holiday meal without spending too much of your children’s college fund or inheritance.

So this year instead of ordering that fabulous spiral cut ham, serve this delicious and festive pork loin roast. Your guests will love how succulent the meat is, and the sauce and drizzle are simply amazing. Trust me, no one will miss the spiral cut ham or feel somehow cheated by its absence. And you – you may be able to eat the rest of the month!

  • 1 T. extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 T. chopped fresh rosemary leaves
  • 2 tsp. kosher salt, divided
  • freshly ground black pepper
  •  1 (2-3 lb.) boneless pork loin roast
  • 2 c. chicken broth, divided
  • 1 ¼ c. port
  • 4 dried mission figs or 2 dried Turkish figs
  • 1 sprig rosemary
  • ½ stick cinnamon
  • 1 ½ tsp. honey
  • 2 T. butter

Stir the oil, rosemary, 1 ½ teaspoons salt, and pepper in a small bowl to blend. Place the pork loin in a heavy roasting pan. Spread the oil mixture over the pork to coat completely. Roast in a pre-heated 425 degree oven until an instant-read meat thermometer inserted into the center of the pork registers 145 degrees, turning the pork every 15 minutes to ensure even browning, about 45 minutes total. Meanwhile, in a heavy medium saucepan, combine ¾ cup chicken broth, port, coarsely chopped figs, rosemary sprig, cinnamon stick, honey, remaining ½ teaspoon salt, and pepper. Boil over medium-high heat until reduced by half, about 30 minutes. Discard the herb sprig and cinnamon sticks (some of the rosemary leaves will remain in the port mixture). Transfer the mixture to a blender and puree until smooth. Blend in the butter. Season the sauce to taste with salt and pepper. (The sauce can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Re-warm over medium heat before using.) When the pork has reached the desired temperature, transfer to a cutting board and tent with foil to keep warm. Let the pork rest at least 15 minutes. Meanwhile, stir the remaining 1 ¼ cup chicken broth into the roasting pan. Place the pan over medium heat, and scrape the bottom of the pan to remove any browned bits. Bring the pan juices to a simmer. Adjust seasoning and reduce sauce by about a half. Cut the pork crosswise into 1/2-inch thick slices. Arrange the pork slices on plates. Spoon the jus over. Drizzle the warm fig sauce over and around the meat and serve immediately. Thanks Giada for another wonderful recipe. This roast is lovely served with Refrigerator Mashed Potatoes, Creamy Caramelized Pearl Onions and Petite Peas, and Waldorf Salad with Dried Cranberries and Orange Zest.