J – I could not resist just one more apple thing.
It also helps that it is one of my favorite, super-simple-but-elegant pork recipes. And, it’s really inexpensive. And, it’s served with our Chipotle Applesauce. Could I ask for more? Actually, I get more without even asking. A lesson in mindfulness; one of those I-can’t-believe-I’m-saying-this lessons in mindfulness.
For years, I have been buying these puppies pre-made from my friendly butcher and paying a $3 per pound premium. I was saving time, right? Not much. I never made the connection between how ridiculously simple they are to make and their pre-made cost. Lesson: Consider cost-effort benefits before jumping at that pre-made piece of protein. Paying $5 to save maybe five minutes amounts to almost $60/hour! Not sure I want to do that again.
Wrap them. Pin them. Cut them.
How easy is that?
Season them. Cook them.
| Pork Tender Loin Wrapped in Apple-Wood Smoked Bacon |
- 1 pound pork tender loin
- ½ pound apple-wood smoked bacon, about 6 strips
- Tooth picks
- 1 Tbsp. grapeseed oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lay bacon strips in parallel
- Place loin, crosswise, on top in the center of the bacon strips. Strips should cover the length of the loin.
- Wrap each bacon strip and pin with a tooth pick. Some will be too long. Trim excess. Reserve.
- Cut loin at each bacon strip
- Salt and pepper one side
- Heat flattop to high. When hot, add oil.
- Place loin units on grill and sear for about 2 minutes
- Flip units. After a minute, lower heat to medium-low
- Cover and cook until temperature is 130 degrees.
- Remove to cutting board and let rest.
- Serve with Chipotle Applesauce
- Enjoy!
Chipotle Applesauce recipe.
Serve them on top of wilted spinach, cooked with crimini mushrooms and red onions in a bacon and white balsamic sauce.
Be sure to add our Chipotle Applesauce as the finish. BTW: That’s Butternut Squash Soup in the top of the photo. Coming soon. Yum!
That looks so good! It’s funny how some things seem so convenient and then you realize how easy (and cheaper) they are to make at home. Often they taste much better from scratch too!