Pork is such a versatile meat and can be prepared in many delicious ways, and this Apple-Stuffed Pork Roast is one that is a little unusual but very tasty. For a tasty side dish this Zucchini-Parmesan Toss is a great choice.
Apple-Stuffed Pork Roast
1 small apple, chopped
1/2 cup soft bread crumbs
1/4 cup chopped celery
2 tablespoons raisins
2 tablespoons chopped walnuts
2 tablespoons sliced green onions
Dash of nutmeg (optional)
2 tablespoons apple juice or apple cider
3/4 to 1 pound pork tenderloin, trimmed of separable fat
1/2 cup apple juice or apple cider
1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For stuffing, stir together the chopped apple, bread crumbs, celery, raisins, walnuts, green onions and nutmeg (if used). Stir in 1 tablespoon of the apple juice or apple cider.
Butterfly the pork tenderloin. (Make a single lengthwise cut down the center of one narrow edge of the meat, cutting to within 1/2-inch of the other side. Spread the meat open. At the center of roast, make a perpendicular slit to the right of the V and one perpendicular slit to the left.)
Cover meat with clear plastic wrap. Pound with a meat mallet to 1/2 inch thickness. Spread stuffing over meat. Roll up from one of the short sides. Tie with string to secure. Brush with some of the remaining 1 tablespoon apple juice.
Place meat on a rack in a shallow roasting pan. Roast, uncovered, in a 350 degree oven for 1 to 1-1/4 hours or until meat is no longer pink, brushing with the remainder of the 1 tablespoon apple juice after 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a small saucepan stir together the 1/2 cup apple juice, or cider, cornstarch and cinnamon. Cook and stir until thickened and bubbly. Cook and stir for 2 minutes or more. Serve with roast. Makes 4 servings.
Zucchini-Parmesan Toss
1 pound fresh zucchini, cut into 1/4-inch slices
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 tablespoon freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon grated lemon rind
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
Saute zucchini in hot oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat for 5 minutes or until crisp-tender. Spoon into a serving dish.
Combine cheese and remaining 3 ingredients. Sprinkle over squash; toss gently. Serve immediately. Makes 2 servings.
