Love Me Tender

I want to show you one of my favorite dishes to make.  It is easy, pretty quick, and would be a perfect pairing for Valentine’s Day.

We’re talkin’ tender here.  This pork dish is not only tender on the fork, but tender on the taste buds and tender on the stomach as well.  And if you make this delicious dish for your special love, you will have a very tender place in their heart.  Guaranteed.

Apricot Stuffed Pork Wrapped in Prosciutto

1/2 cup apricots

1 Tablespoon unsalted butter

2 large shallots, finely diced

1/2 cup plus 1 Tablespoon mascarpone cheese

1 pork tenderloin

8 slices prosciutto

3/4 cup dry white wine

Soak the apricots in warm water to cover for 30 minutes.  Drain and finely chop.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.  In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté the shallots for 4 minutes until softened.  Remove from heat and cool.  In a small mixing bowl, combine the shallots, sage, apricots and mascarpone cheese.  Mix well.

Made a deep slit down the side of the tenderloin from end to end, cutting nearly all the way through.  Open and flatten slightly.  Spoon the stuffing along the middle of the cut.  Lay the slices  of prosciutto on a work surface, slightly overlapping, and place the tenderloin on top.  Carefully wrap the tenderloin with the prosciutto.  Tie the roll at intervals with 4 pieces of string.

Put the meat in a small roasting pan and roast for 30 minutes, basting with some of the wine halfway through.  Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes.

With the juices left in the roasting pan, whisk in reserved tablespoon mascarpone cheese and wine.  Slice tenderloin and drizzle sauce over each piece.

The great thing about this dish, is that it can be assembled the day before and stored in the fridge.  Bring to room temperature, and cook for 30 minutes in a 400 degree oven.

I would recommend a Cotes Du Rhone to drink with this pork dish.