Pork Tenderloin with Apple Chutney

Last night, I came home to a nice surprise...Shaun had picked up a Giants Superbowl tee for me! I immediately put it on! He's a keeper, that one.

 

We proceeded to make dinner together, watch a few eps of Sons of Anarchy and then we flicked on the Puppy Bowl, which we had DVR'd from Sunday night. Have you guys ever seen it? It's a fake Superbowl for puppies on Animal Planet. It airs at the same time as the Superbowl and essentially it includes sweet little puppies running around, chasing each other. Yeah, it's pretty awesome.

 

For dinner last night, we decided to tackle our first cookbook challenge! The first book on the list: Williams-Sonoma Wine & Food.

 

This is such a beautiful book and was gifted to me by Lindsey a number of years ago. I'm ashamed to admit that I have really not given it the attention it deserves. It's one of those books that kind of intimidated me because it's so pretty and sophisticated. I'm so happy that we finally took the plunge.

 

I selected a pork tenderloin with apple and onion compote. I have actually never made a pork loin before since Shaun was of the non-pork eating variety, until very recently. It also had a fairly short cooking time. So when I saw this recipe, I knew it had to be on the list.

 

The verdict? It was SO delicious! And incredibly easy. Ok, Shaun actually did most of the cooking. But it looked incredibly easy.

The pork tenderloin was tender with a light crispness on the outside and the apple and onion compote added some sweetness and made the meal just a little special. This is one for the permanent collection! Though this book is very helpful in terms of wine pairings and the like, we actually went wine-free. However, the book recommends a Pinot Gris or a Pinot Noir as a pairing.

Pork Tenderloin with Apple Chutney

*Adapted from Williams Sonoma Wine + Food

**7 Weight Watchers Points+ per serving

for the pork:

1 pork tenderloin, about 1-1 1/2 lbs
kosher salt
black pepper
2 Tbsp apple jelly
2 Tbsp Dijon mustard

for the apple chutney:

2 Tbsp unsalted butter or margarine
1 yellow onion, thinly sliced or diced
1/4 tsp kosher salt
2 tart apples, such as Granny Smith, peeled, cored and diced
1/3 C golden raisins
2 Tbsp apple jelly
1 tsp grated fresh ginger
1/2 tsp dry mustard
1/2 C white wine or low sodium chicken broth (I used the latter)

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees. Use a roasting pan or line a baking sheet with foil and set an oven-safe wire rack over it. Place your pork loin on top and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Meanwhile, whisk together the apple jelly and mustard. Brush the pork all over with the mixture. Roast about 30-35 minutes, or until the inside is pale pink and a probe thermometer reads 145-150 degrees. Remove from oven, cover with foil for 10 minutes.

While the pork is roasting, make the chutney. In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter or margarine and saute the onions about 8 minutes. Add the apples, raisins, apple jelly, ginger, mustard and stir to combine. Pour in the wine or chicken stock, bring to a boil, and reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer. Stir occasionally until the apples are soft, about 10 minutes.

To serve, slice the tenderloins into thin slices and serve with the apple chutney.

 

The original recipe called for 2 tenderloins, but for just the two of us, we didn't need more than one. With one loin, we will get about 4 light servings out of it. Perfect for lunch today!

We enjoyed some couscous on the side. Probably should have gotten some greens in there. Oh well...next time!

So there you have it. My first cookbook challenge was a success!

Questions of the Day:

Did you watch the Puppy Bowl?

What seemingly common ingredients are out of your comfort zone?

Comments

[Alaina@mommysmenu]

Oh my God!! I LOVE this idea of a cookbook challenge! I can totally relate! You inspired me to open up my cookbooks yesterday! I don't know why I never did..probably has to do with exactly what you said..the overabundance of blogs I read, plus pinterest..(goodness its addicting!) but I finally made something out of a cookbook and it was SO GOOD! Thanks for the inspiration, and thanks for sharing! This pork dish sounds delish! :)

[emily (a nutritionist eats)]

So in an effort to use more of my cookbooks, I bought another one yesterday. Oops. But it is How to Cook Everything by Mark Bittman and I've NEEDED it for years now. :)

[Jayne]

What convinced Shaun to re-embrace pork??

[Kimberly]

I want that shirt!! Also, did you know that all the puppies on the Puppy Bowl are up for adoption?

[Joanna]

Great challenge for yourself! I definitely love using my cookbooks and sharing the recipes I use because not everyone has that particular recipe. I like to collect different ones when I travel so they are extra unique. Can't wait to see more recipes that you will try. This one looks so delicious!

[Rachel]

I can't wait to see what you guys make with your own cookbooks! Please keep me posted :)

@Jayne: I think that might be a good opportunity for Shaun to do a guest post...stay tuned!

@Kimberly: I did see that! Ah they are all too cute to pick just one!