Skillet Cherry Sauced Pork Loin

Cherry-Sauced Apple Pork Loins 

Cherry-Sauced Apple Pork Loins

A mouth-watering skillet dish with a perfect blend of flavors and textures. The cherry sauce can be made ahead and added to the pork loins following the cooking instructions below. The recipe is an Ever Ready special and serves 2. The sauce can be used over chicken, biscuits, pound cake, or shortcake.  The pork loin was served with smashed potatoes and a biscuit.

Ingredients:

• 2 pork loin pieces
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil 
• 4 thin slices from one Granny Smith apple 
• cherry sauce (recipe below) 
• pork rub seasoning (recipe below) 

 Cherry Sauce Ingredients

• 3/4 cup cherry preserves
• 1/2 package dried cherries
• 2 tablespoons chili sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 cup of onions sauteed in 1 tablespoon of butter
• Dash of cinnamon
• 1/3 cup low-sodium chicken broth mixed with 1 teaspoon of cornstarch 
• 2 tablespoons of brandy or dry red wine

Cherry Sauce Directions

• Heat all ingredients in a saucepan except brandy or wine on low until thickened. Add in wine or brandy, mix well, and set aside covered. 

Pork Rub Seasoning

Ingredients:
Base blend

• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons  smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

For a deeper, richer flavor add

• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

For a little more spice add

• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper or 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes or 1/2 teaspoon  chipotle powder

Directions:

• In a medium mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, paprika, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, stirring to combine completely.
• If you like a blend that is a little has a richer, deeper flavor, add the chili powder and cumin.
• For something with a little more kick, add cayenne, red pepper flakes, or chipotle powder.
• For a richer, deeper, spicier blend, add the chili powder, cumin, cayenne, red pepper flakes, or chipotle powder.
• Transfer to an air-tight container like a mason jar and store in a cool place.

Pork Loin Directions:

• Begin by patting the pork loin dry with paper towels. This step helps remove excess moisture, allowing for a better sear. Season the pork loin generously with salt and pepper, ensuring an even distribution of flavor. If desired, you can enhance the flavor further by adding a pork seasoning rub. 
• Select a heavy-bottomed skillet and heat the pan over medium-high heat with olive oil. Allow the oil to shimmer before adding the pork loin. Carefully place the seasoned pork loin into the hot pan. Sear the meat for 2-3 minutes per side, or until a golden-brown crust forms. This searing process not only adds flavor but also helps seal in the juices, resulting in a tender and moist pork loin.
• Once the pork loin is seared, reduce the heat to low. Top each loin with 2 apple slices and cover with the cherry sauce. Cook on low heat, covered, for 10 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees.   

ON THE HORIZON-Memorial Weekend  Baking

Fishing Pole Cupcakes

Ingredients:

Your favorite cupcake mix

White frosting tinted blue-reserve some white frosting to create the squiggle line

Pretzel rod

Goldfish cracker

Directions:

Use the photo as your guideline