Ingredients and Weight:
- Pork Loin: 1 whole (about 2-3 pounds)
- Apples: 3, peeled and chopped (about 1 cup)
- Fresh Cranberries: 1/2 cup
- Breadcrumbs: 1/2 cup
- Ground Sage: 1 teaspoon
- Salt and Pepper: to taste
- Chicken Stock or Apple Juice: 1 cup
Preparation Time:
- Preparation Time: 2 hours (includes marinating and cooking time)
- Cooking Time: 1 hour
Difficulty Level:
Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)
Preparation Method Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Prepare the pork loin by slicing lengthwise to create a pocket without cutting through. Remove any excess fat.
- In a bowl, mix the chopped apples, fresh cranberries, breadcrumbs, ground sage, and season with salt and pepper. Mix well and set aside.
- Fill the pork loin pocket with the apple-cranberry mixture. Secure the opening with skewers or toothpicks.
- Place the pork loin in a baking dish and pour chicken stock or apple juice around it.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for about 1 hour, or until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 160°F.
- Remove from the oven, let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutritional Information:
(Per serving, assuming 8 total servings)
Calories: Approximately 400-500 calories per serving (depending on additional seasonings and margin of error)
Fat: 20-30g
Carbohydrates: 25-35g
Protein: 30-40g
Dish Characteristics:
- A unique combination of flavors with sweet cranberries and apples paired with pork loin.
- The dish has a festive, yet elegant appearance and is perfect for special occasions or holiday dinners.
- The dish offers a balance of sweet and savory flavors that appeal to a wide range of palates.
User Comments:
- "This dish was amazing! The combination of flavors was spot on and the texture of the pork was perfect."
- "I loved the cranberry-apple stuffing; it added a unique and festive touch to the pork."
- "This dish was a hit at my Christmas dinner party! The preparation was straightforward and the outcome was impressive."
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Be sure to use fresh ingredients for best results. If using frozen pork loin, plan ahead to allow it to thaw completely before preparing the dish.
- Adjust seasoning according to personal preference. Start with smaller amounts of seasoning and add more if needed.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork reaches an internal temperature of 160°F before removing from the oven to ensure it is cooked through.
